Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Alpha Dog
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
It’s bad boys gone astray when they run unleashed down the wrong path in life. Based on a true story, young druggies take a 15-year-old boy hostage in order to collect their drug money, but things get out of hand. These guys struggle to do the right thing as all goes wrong when your brain is on drugs. Great performances and tats add to the realism of this intense film. Rated “R” for drug use, language, violence, nudity, and sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 “stolen boy” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
It’s bad boys gone astray when they run unleashed down the wrong path in life. Based on a true story, young druggies take a 15-year-old boy hostage in order to collect their drug money, but things get out of hand. These guys struggle to do the right thing as all goes wrong when your brain is on drugs. Great performances and tats add to the realism of this intense film. Rated “R” for drug use, language, violence, nudity, and sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 “stolen boy” stars out of 4.
Because I Say So
Mother/daughter relationships are explored in this very funny romantic/comedy. It’s got all the components for a true chick flick: weddings, match making, dating two guys, girl talk, body massaging, shopping, and cooking. Diane Keaton plays the overbearing mother to daughers, Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham, and Piper Percabo. It is a sweet and silly date movie.
Alien gives it 3 “mother like daughter” stars out of 4.
Mother/daughter relationships are explored in this very funny romantic/comedy. It’s got all the components for a true chick flick: weddings, match making, dating two guys, girl talk, body massaging, shopping, and cooking. Diane Keaton plays the overbearing mother to daughers, Mandy Moore, Lauren Graham, and Piper Percabo. It is a sweet and silly date movie.
Alien gives it 3 “mother like daughter” stars out of 4.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Miss Potter
Almost everyone knows the tale of Peter Rabbit and his siblings (Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail). Now learn the story of the book’s author, Beatrix Potter. Miss Potter (Renée Zellweger) was not only a wonderful children’s book writer, but also an amazing illustrator and a modern woman before her time. Ewan McGregor plays Miss Potter’s publisher. Zellweger creates a strong independent character, who seems a bit eccentric when she talks to her drawings. Zellweger’s performance is remarkable. The beautiful English countryside is breathtaking and an inspiration to Miss Potter’s creativity. This film is as charming and whimsical as Miss Potter’s books. This delightful treat is sweet and sad.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “inspiring Lake District” stars out of 4.
Rt$20
Almost everyone knows the tale of Peter Rabbit and his siblings (Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail). Now learn the story of the book’s author, Beatrix Potter. Miss Potter (Renée Zellweger) was not only a wonderful children’s book writer, but also an amazing illustrator and a modern woman before her time. Ewan McGregor plays Miss Potter’s publisher. Zellweger creates a strong independent character, who seems a bit eccentric when she talks to her drawings. Zellweger’s performance is remarkable. The beautiful English countryside is breathtaking and an inspiration to Miss Potter’s creativity. This film is as charming and whimsical as Miss Potter’s books. This delightful treat is sweet and sad.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “inspiring Lake District” stars out of 4.
Rt$20
Friday, January 26, 2007
Blood and Chocolate
Get your silver bullets ready because here comes the American she wolf in Bucharest. Film makers went to modern day Romania to create a low budget werewolf movie that could be mistaken for being made in the 1960s. It's part "Underworld" meets the "Covenant" in this predictable film. Humans hunt down werewolves. The werewolf pack hunts down humans. A girl with a secret falls in love and must choose a side.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “loup-garou” stars out of 4.
Get your silver bullets ready because here comes the American she wolf in Bucharest. Film makers went to modern day Romania to create a low budget werewolf movie that could be mistaken for being made in the 1960s. It's part "Underworld" meets the "Covenant" in this predictable film. Humans hunt down werewolves. The werewolf pack hunts down humans. A girl with a secret falls in love and must choose a side.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “loup-garou” stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Hurricane on the Bayou
Save the wetlands, save the city.
This IMAX film shows us New Orleans before and after hurricane Katrina. Visit Louisiana with some musicians. Witness the birth of gators and a hurricane. Learn how wetlands can lessen the impact of a hurricane. See the destructive power of Katrina. Enjoy some Cajun music, jazz, and blues.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “speed bump” stars out of 4.
Save the wetlands, save the city.
This IMAX film shows us New Orleans before and after hurricane Katrina. Visit Louisiana with some musicians. Witness the birth of gators and a hurricane. Learn how wetlands can lessen the impact of a hurricane. See the destructive power of Katrina. Enjoy some Cajun music, jazz, and blues.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “speed bump” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Curse of the Golden Flower
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
From across the ocean, comes another crouching-hidden-fearless-hero-with-flying-daggers-type movie with English subtitles. It is the tragic story about the struggles behind the imperial palace walls. The movie is a visual treat for the eyes as it takes you back to the days of the Chinese emperor and his grand palace. The costumes and sets are magnificent. The battles scenes are spectacular.
Alien gives it 3 “family power struggle” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
From across the ocean, comes another crouching-hidden-fearless-hero-with-flying-daggers-type movie with English subtitles. It is the tragic story about the struggles behind the imperial palace walls. The movie is a visual treat for the eyes as it takes you back to the days of the Chinese emperor and his grand palace. The costumes and sets are magnificent. The battles scenes are spectacular.
Alien gives it 3 “family power struggle” stars out of 4.
Smokin’ Aces
It’s “Get Shorty” meets “Ocean’s 11” meets “Departed” in this Quentin Tarintino-esque film involving mobsters, the FBI, hookers, and hit men. When a million dollar contract is put out on a Las Vegas magician/hoodlum, a huge cast of familiar faces pop up and get into the action. This wild and crazy bunch of odd characters is on a collision course to a big blood bath battle. The “R” rated film contains some nudity, profane language, and extreme violence.
Alien gives it 3 “killers galore” stars out of 4.
It’s “Get Shorty” meets “Ocean’s 11” meets “Departed” in this Quentin Tarintino-esque film involving mobsters, the FBI, hookers, and hit men. When a million dollar contract is put out on a Las Vegas magician/hoodlum, a huge cast of familiar faces pop up and get into the action. This wild and crazy bunch of odd characters is on a collision course to a big blood bath battle. The “R” rated film contains some nudity, profane language, and extreme violence.
Alien gives it 3 “killers galore” stars out of 4.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Letters From Iwo Jima
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Clint Eastwood has produced a companion piece to his “Flags of Our Fathers”, but from the Japanese perspective. This is not a story about the enemy. It is a story about men in war and how they deal with their situation. Ken Watanabe plays the general who must strategize the best defense for this key island location. Among the other soldiers is a simple baker just trying to do his duty and to survive. Through this subtitled film, we see the human side of these Japanese soldiers. Eastwood has created another masterpiece with this gripping and emotional story.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “do the right thing” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Clint Eastwood has produced a companion piece to his “Flags of Our Fathers”, but from the Japanese perspective. This is not a story about the enemy. It is a story about men in war and how they deal with their situation. Ken Watanabe plays the general who must strategize the best defense for this key island location. Among the other soldiers is a simple baker just trying to do his duty and to survive. Through this subtitled film, we see the human side of these Japanese soldiers. Eastwood has created another masterpiece with this gripping and emotional story.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “do the right thing” stars out of 4.
Cinderella 3: A Twist in Time
What if your favorite fairy tale didn’t have it’s happily ever after ending? Cinderella’s wicked stepmother and ugly stepsisters manage to turn back the hands of time and arrange a different marriage for the prince. Familiar characters and touches from the Disney original highlight this charming update. Be sure to stay through the credits for some funny artwork and a final scene.
Alien’s preschool junior critic said it was a great movie.
Alien gives it 3 “true love” stars out of 4.
What if your favorite fairy tale didn’t have it’s happily ever after ending? Cinderella’s wicked stepmother and ugly stepsisters manage to turn back the hands of time and arrange a different marriage for the prince. Familiar characters and touches from the Disney original highlight this charming update. Be sure to stay through the credits for some funny artwork and a final scene.
Alien’s preschool junior critic said it was a great movie.
Alien gives it 3 “true love” stars out of 4.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Dreamgirls
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Dreamgirls is an entertaining high energy musical which captures the look, the sounds, the fashions, the hairdos, and the spirit of the Detroit music industry when pop tunes were played on 45s. It is the fictional story of a 1960s girl group, which is loosely based on Barry Gordy, Diana Ross, and the Supremes. Jennifer Hudson and Eddy Murphy give award winning performances. It is a nostalgic look at a magical musical era as egos clash and ruin relationships.
Alien gives it 3 “Deena, Lorrell, and Effie” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Dreamgirls is an entertaining high energy musical which captures the look, the sounds, the fashions, the hairdos, and the spirit of the Detroit music industry when pop tunes were played on 45s. It is the fictional story of a 1960s girl group, which is loosely based on Barry Gordy, Diana Ross, and the Supremes. Jennifer Hudson and Eddy Murphy give award winning performances. It is a nostalgic look at a magical musical era as egos clash and ruin relationships.
Alien gives it 3 “Deena, Lorrell, and Effie” stars out of 4.
The Hitcher
Once again, a good looking young couple act stupid and make all the wrong choices on the highway to hell. This is why your mom always told you not to pick up strangers. If you like pointless car crashes, senseless murder, meaningless mayhem, this may be the film for you.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “buckle up for a bloody awful road trip” stars out of 4.
iT$15
Once again, a good looking young couple act stupid and make all the wrong choices on the highway to hell. This is why your mom always told you not to pick up strangers. If you like pointless car crashes, senseless murder, meaningless mayhem, this may be the film for you.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “buckle up for a bloody awful road trip” stars out of 4.
iT$15
Friday, January 12, 2007
Primeval
Trash TV journalists are sent to Burundi, Central Africa, to cover a story about a legendary killer, which the locals call Gustave. Along the way, they get caught up in a civil war and get threatened by another equally dangerous killer named Little Gustave. This action adventure film is your typical B movie. Nothing is really new here. There is a rugged hero, a pretty girl, a funny sidekick, a lovable native, and a couple of deadly villlains. Most of the big scenes are recycled from your favorite movies. Does this film live up to the trailer preview hype or is it a big croc…
Alien gives it 1 ½ “bait and switch” stars out of 4.
Trash TV journalists are sent to Burundi, Central Africa, to cover a story about a legendary killer, which the locals call Gustave. Along the way, they get caught up in a civil war and get threatened by another equally dangerous killer named Little Gustave. This action adventure film is your typical B movie. Nothing is really new here. There is a rugged hero, a pretty girl, a funny sidekick, a lovable native, and a couple of deadly villlains. Most of the big scenes are recycled from your favorite movies. Does this film live up to the trailer preview hype or is it a big croc…
Alien gives it 1 ½ “bait and switch” stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Notes on a Scandal
A novice teacher gives special lessons in education… no, that’s “Freedom Writers”. A single British lady fills her journal with secrets… no, that’s “Bridget Jones’ Diary”. Obsession drives a person beyond reason… no, that’s “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”. It’s shades of Mary Kay Letourneau in this story of attraction, friendship, secrets, deception, and revenge. “Notes of a Scandal” hits on many chords as Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett harmonize in their duet roles of the tormentor and the tormented. Dench is Barbara, the judgmental, manipulative, and controlling older teacher. Blanchett is Sheba, the younger teacher who makes a critical mistake. These talented actresses give two terrific performances in this psychological thriller.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “secrets can be seductive” stars out of 4.
A novice teacher gives special lessons in education… no, that’s “Freedom Writers”. A single British lady fills her journal with secrets… no, that’s “Bridget Jones’ Diary”. Obsession drives a person beyond reason… no, that’s “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”. It’s shades of Mary Kay Letourneau in this story of attraction, friendship, secrets, deception, and revenge. “Notes of a Scandal” hits on many chords as Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett harmonize in their duet roles of the tormentor and the tormented. Dench is Barbara, the judgmental, manipulative, and controlling older teacher. Blanchett is Sheba, the younger teacher who makes a critical mistake. These talented actresses give two terrific performances in this psychological thriller.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “secrets can be seductive” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Pan’s Labyrinth
A pregnant woman is caught between the crossfire of military soldiers and resistance fighters… hey, that sounds like “Children of Men”, except it's 1944 Spain, not 2027 England. Does a young girl’s imagination get out of hand as she tries to escape her cruel stepfather’s war-driven world? It is the Spanish Civil War meets Alice in Wonderland in this gloomy, gruesome, grotesque fairy tale/war story about good and evil, bravery and sacrifice, love and loss. The girl, Ofelia, must choose wisely as she navigates through the dangerous real world and the equal deadly fantasy realm which leads her to the labyrinth’s portal and her Neverland. This "R" rated dark tale by Guillermo Del Toro may not be for you if you are squeamish about crawly bugs, creepy creatures, and brutal violence.
Alien gives it 3 “tasks and a second chance” stars out of 4.
A pregnant woman is caught between the crossfire of military soldiers and resistance fighters… hey, that sounds like “Children of Men”, except it's 1944 Spain, not 2027 England. Does a young girl’s imagination get out of hand as she tries to escape her cruel stepfather’s war-driven world? It is the Spanish Civil War meets Alice in Wonderland in this gloomy, gruesome, grotesque fairy tale/war story about good and evil, bravery and sacrifice, love and loss. The girl, Ofelia, must choose wisely as she navigates through the dangerous real world and the equal deadly fantasy realm which leads her to the labyrinth’s portal and her Neverland. This "R" rated dark tale by Guillermo Del Toro may not be for you if you are squeamish about crawly bugs, creepy creatures, and brutal violence.
Alien gives it 3 “tasks and a second chance” stars out of 4.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Arthur and the Invisibles
It’s “Ant Bully” meets “Eragon” meets “Flushed Away” with a little touch of “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars” in this latest action adventure tale for the kids. The hero is a young creative boy named Arthur (Freddie Highmore) who must find the hidden treasure so his grandma (Mia Farrow) won’t lose her home. This live action film changes to animation when we enter the land of the Minimoys, tiny underground creatures. It is filled with famous voices that you probably won’t realize until the credits run. It is a kids movie and doesn’t try to be anything more.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “body, spirit, and soul” stars out of 4.
It’s “Ant Bully” meets “Eragon” meets “Flushed Away” with a little touch of “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars” in this latest action adventure tale for the kids. The hero is a young creative boy named Arthur (Freddie Highmore) who must find the hidden treasure so his grandma (Mia Farrow) won’t lose her home. This live action film changes to animation when we enter the land of the Minimoys, tiny underground creatures. It is filled with famous voices that you probably won’t realize until the credits run. It is a kids movie and doesn’t try to be anything more.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “body, spirit, and soul” stars out of 4.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Children of Men
It’s “Blade Runner” meets “V for Vendetta” meets “Casa Blanca” meets “Blood Diamond” meets “Nativity Story” in director Alfonso Cuarón’s grim and bleak look into the near future. It’s 2027 England, the world has gone to hell, and mankind is on the brink of extinction because no babies have been born for 18 years. Theo (Clive Owen), Julian (Julianne Moore), and Jasper (Michael Caine) are caught in a war between government soldiers and freedom fighters. Theo seeks transit papers and safe passage for a miraculously pregnant woman. Their journey is gripping and will keep you spellbound.
Alien gives it 3 “Froley Bazooka Dylan” stars out of 4.
It’s “Blade Runner” meets “V for Vendetta” meets “Casa Blanca” meets “Blood Diamond” meets “Nativity Story” in director Alfonso Cuarón’s grim and bleak look into the near future. It’s 2027 England, the world has gone to hell, and mankind is on the brink of extinction because no babies have been born for 18 years. Theo (Clive Owen), Julian (Julianne Moore), and Jasper (Michael Caine) are caught in a war between government soldiers and freedom fighters. Theo seeks transit papers and safe passage for a miraculously pregnant woman. Their journey is gripping and will keep you spellbound.
Alien gives it 3 “Froley Bazooka Dylan” stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
code name: The Cleaner
A King of Comedy meets a Desperate Housewife and a Charlie’s Angel in this little espionage mystery/comedy which features very little mystery or comedy. There is really nothing new here. Amnesia, a big black man, a blond bombshell, a feisty Asian, the FBI, and a missing microchip… that’s about all you need to know to figure out this obvious plot. If you identify with or are a fan of Cedric the Entertainer, you just might enjoy this film, but for Alien, the film's funniest moment is buried in the outtakes played at the end.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “little Dutch Boy/Boca Raton” stars out of 4.
A King of Comedy meets a Desperate Housewife and a Charlie’s Angel in this little espionage mystery/comedy which features very little mystery or comedy. There is really nothing new here. Amnesia, a big black man, a blond bombshell, a feisty Asian, the FBI, and a missing microchip… that’s about all you need to know to figure out this obvious plot. If you identify with or are a fan of Cedric the Entertainer, you just might enjoy this film, but for Alien, the film's funniest moment is buried in the outtakes played at the end.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “little Dutch Boy/Boca Raton” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Here is the secret formula for a fascinating film about a murdering perfumer: combine equal parts of obsession, 18th century France, Chanel, bloodhound, Norman Bates, irony, stalker, naked bodies, serial killer, Jonestown, fantasy, beauty, and ugliness. The stench of death follows Jean-Baptiste Genouille (Ben Whisman) as he searches for the ultimate perfume. Dustin Hoffman has just the nose for the master perfumer mentor. It is a unique, disturbing, intoxicating, and dark movie with stunning visuals. It plays like a 2 ½ hour perfume commercial, a lesson on perfumery, and a Grimm’s fairy tale for adults, all rolled into one. This artsy, stylish film is rated “R” for violence, sexuality, and extreme nudity.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “top, heart, and base” stars out of 4.
Here is the secret formula for a fascinating film about a murdering perfumer: combine equal parts of obsession, 18th century France, Chanel, bloodhound, Norman Bates, irony, stalker, naked bodies, serial killer, Jonestown, fantasy, beauty, and ugliness. The stench of death follows Jean-Baptiste Genouille (Ben Whisman) as he searches for the ultimate perfume. Dustin Hoffman has just the nose for the master perfumer mentor. It is a unique, disturbing, intoxicating, and dark movie with stunning visuals. It plays like a 2 ½ hour perfume commercial, a lesson on perfumery, and a Grimm’s fairy tale for adults, all rolled into one. This artsy, stylish film is rated “R” for violence, sexuality, and extreme nudity.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “top, heart, and base” stars out of 4.
