Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Zodiac
If you lived in the San Francisco bay area during the 1960-70s, you probably have vivid memories of the notorious Zodiac Killer. But if you are unfamiliar, here is an excellent recounting of every detail of the famed case covered in a mere 160 minutes. Based on Robert Graysmith’s books, the movie starts off with a bang, highlighting each murder, and following the clues, the reporters, and the police in the chase to reveal identity of the elusive killer. Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr all give great performances that will keep you in the hunt. However, if you are easily bored by details and have a short attention span, this may not be the movie for you. This film is fascinating and well crafted, but it is long and slow paced.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “box of animal crackers” stars out of 4.
If you lived in the San Francisco bay area during the 1960-70s, you probably have vivid memories of the notorious Zodiac Killer. But if you are unfamiliar, here is an excellent recounting of every detail of the famed case covered in a mere 160 minutes. Based on Robert Graysmith’s books, the movie starts off with a bang, highlighting each murder, and following the clues, the reporters, and the police in the chase to reveal identity of the elusive killer. Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr all give great performances that will keep you in the hunt. However, if you are easily bored by details and have a short attention span, this may not be the movie for you. This film is fascinating and well crafted, but it is long and slow paced.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “box of animal crackers” stars out of 4.
Black Snake Moan
No, this new movie starring Samuel L. Jackson is not a sequel to “Snakes on a Plane”.
An angry black man (Jackson) finds a young white girl (Christina Ricci) badly beaten and dumped on a Southern back road. It’s a moving story of troubled souls bearing physical as well as mental scars that need healing. Jackson and Ricci both give their best performances to date. Little Wednesday Addams has certainly grown up into this sensual and sexual Lolita character. An emotional role for Justin Timberlake rounds out the cast. The real treat here is the blues music which infuses the movie. This film is rated “R” for language, sexual content, and nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “cure for your wickedness” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW and SacTicket.
No, this new movie starring Samuel L. Jackson is not a sequel to “Snakes on a Plane”.
An angry black man (Jackson) finds a young white girl (Christina Ricci) badly beaten and dumped on a Southern back road. It’s a moving story of troubled souls bearing physical as well as mental scars that need healing. Jackson and Ricci both give their best performances to date. Little Wednesday Addams has certainly grown up into this sensual and sexual Lolita character. An emotional role for Justin Timberlake rounds out the cast. The real treat here is the blues music which infuses the movie. This film is rated “R” for language, sexual content, and nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “cure for your wickedness” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW and SacTicket.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Reno 911: Miami
Comedy Central’s tasteless, raunchy “COPS” parody collides with a “Scarface” spoof in its move to the big screen. Reno’s finest (“Dumb & Dumber” times four or the “Police Academy” graduates on patrol) becomes Miami’s law and order when a terrorist attack quarantines the entire National Law Enforcement Convention. Of course, these bumbling idiots manage to unknowingly save the day at the end. The humor here is unsophisticated, crude, lewd, and rude, but if that tickles your funny bone, you are in for a lot of mindless laughs. The film is rated “R” for language, sexual content, and nudity. Look for a few cameo appearances. Stay seated to the end of the credits for some final movie clips.
Alien gives it 2 “save the whale” stars out of 4.
Comedy Central’s tasteless, raunchy “COPS” parody collides with a “Scarface” spoof in its move to the big screen. Reno’s finest (“Dumb & Dumber” times four or the “Police Academy” graduates on patrol) becomes Miami’s law and order when a terrorist attack quarantines the entire National Law Enforcement Convention. Of course, these bumbling idiots manage to unknowingly save the day at the end. The humor here is unsophisticated, crude, lewd, and rude, but if that tickles your funny bone, you are in for a lot of mindless laughs. The film is rated “R” for language, sexual content, and nudity. Look for a few cameo appearances. Stay seated to the end of the credits for some final movie clips.
Alien gives it 2 “save the whale” stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Breach
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Based on a true story, the FBI uses a mole to flush out a mole who may be the most devasting traitor in U.S. history. It is an intriguing cat and mouse game as one spy (Ryan Phillippe) tries to collect enough evidence to trap a rat (Chris Cooper). Great acting and a good script will keep you on the edge of your seat. Alien enjoyed the inside look at the FBI, which we all want to believe happens, but the FBI would never admit to doing.
Alien gives it 3 “spy vs. spy” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Based on a true story, the FBI uses a mole to flush out a mole who may be the most devasting traitor in U.S. history. It is an intriguing cat and mouse game as one spy (Ryan Phillippe) tries to collect enough evidence to trap a rat (Chris Cooper). Great acting and a good script will keep you on the edge of your seat. Alien enjoyed the inside look at the FBI, which we all want to believe happens, but the FBI would never admit to doing.
Alien gives it 3 “spy vs. spy” stars out of 4.
Daddy’s Little Girls
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Aren’t you tired of movies that always stereotypically cast certain ethnic groups unfairly in unflattering roles? Director/writer Tyler Perry paints a positive picture of African Americans in this predictable, but entertaining romantic comedy. It is a touching story of an ex-con/mechanic/father (Idris Elba) trying to win custody and protect his three daughters. Gabrielle Union is watchable as the vulnerable woman, but is not really believable as the tough lawyer. Alien enjoyed the positive message of following your heart and doing the right thing.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “it takes a village” stars out of 4.
Thank you, BW and SacTicket.
roeP - NatMimax
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Aren’t you tired of movies that always stereotypically cast certain ethnic groups unfairly in unflattering roles? Director/writer Tyler Perry paints a positive picture of African Americans in this predictable, but entertaining romantic comedy. It is a touching story of an ex-con/mechanic/father (Idris Elba) trying to win custody and protect his three daughters. Gabrielle Union is watchable as the vulnerable woman, but is not really believable as the tough lawyer. Alien enjoyed the positive message of following your heart and doing the right thing.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “it takes a village” stars out of 4.
Thank you, BW and SacTicket.
roeP - NatMimax
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Number 23
It’s a cheap detective novel meets numerology meets obsession and paranoia in this noir mystery/thriller about murder and madness. Life for dog catcher Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) changes when his wife Agatha (Virginia Madsen) buys him a book for his birthday. He becomes insanely obsessed with the number 23 occurring in his life and identifies with one of the characters in the novel. Carrey is the perfect madman. Alien liked the story within the story more than the story itself.
Alien gives it 2 “Topsey Krett” stars out of 4.
It’s a cheap detective novel meets numerology meets obsession and paranoia in this noir mystery/thriller about murder and madness. Life for dog catcher Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) changes when his wife Agatha (Virginia Madsen) buys him a book for his birthday. He becomes insanely obsessed with the number 23 occurring in his life and identifies with one of the characters in the novel. Carrey is the perfect madman. Alien liked the story within the story more than the story itself.
Alien gives it 2 “Topsey Krett” stars out of 4.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Ghost Rider
Another Marvel Comics superhero crawls out from the shadows. This is a horror/modern day western where Evel Knievel meets the Human Torch meets Blade meets Indiana Jones & the Lost Ark meets Beauty & the Beast. Stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) is tricked into becoming the Devil’s bounty hunter, Ghost Rider. As the spirit of vengeance, Johnny struggles with his new found powers and fights against the evil demons. Eva Mendes, the girlfriend/news reporter Roxanne Simpson, adds very little except looking pretty. The special effects are spectacular, but this good vs. evil movie lacks a soul. Perhaps Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) or Blackheart has already snatched it. This film is short on plot and long on CGI.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “J&R Forever” stars out of 4.
spP-BSM
Another Marvel Comics superhero crawls out from the shadows. This is a horror/modern day western where Evel Knievel meets the Human Torch meets Blade meets Indiana Jones & the Lost Ark meets Beauty & the Beast. Stunt motorcyclist Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage) is tricked into becoming the Devil’s bounty hunter, Ghost Rider. As the spirit of vengeance, Johnny struggles with his new found powers and fights against the evil demons. Eva Mendes, the girlfriend/news reporter Roxanne Simpson, adds very little except looking pretty. The special effects are spectacular, but this good vs. evil movie lacks a soul. Perhaps Mephistopheles (Peter Fonda) or Blackheart has already snatched it. This film is short on plot and long on CGI.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “J&R Forever” stars out of 4.
spP-BSM
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Bridge to Terabithia
It’s “Chronicles of Narnia” meets “Lord of the Rings” meets “Pan’s Labyrinth” in this bitter sweet story of two fifth grade social outcasts who band together to create their own private fantasy kingdom, Terabithia. Artist Jesse and story teller Leslie use their imagination to escape the pressures at home and school. The story deals the common anxieties of preteens: being different, bullies, abuse, making friends, crushes, loss, and grieving. Like “Pan’s Labyrinth”, this film deals more in the real world than the imaginary one filled with trolls, squogres, tiny winged warriors, and the Dark Master. This movie is more suitable for older children and adults because it doesn’t pull any punches while telling this emotional story with real and touching characters.
Alien gives it 3 “open your mind” stars out of 4.
It’s “Chronicles of Narnia” meets “Lord of the Rings” meets “Pan’s Labyrinth” in this bitter sweet story of two fifth grade social outcasts who band together to create their own private fantasy kingdom, Terabithia. Artist Jesse and story teller Leslie use their imagination to escape the pressures at home and school. The story deals the common anxieties of preteens: being different, bullies, abuse, making friends, crushes, loss, and grieving. Like “Pan’s Labyrinth”, this film deals more in the real world than the imaginary one filled with trolls, squogres, tiny winged warriors, and the Dark Master. This movie is more suitable for older children and adults because it doesn’t pull any punches while telling this emotional story with real and touching characters.
Alien gives it 3 “open your mind” stars out of 4.
Friday, February 09, 2007
The Astronaut Farmer
They do things big in Texas. They even dream big. Charlie Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) is determined to travel into space even if he has to build his own rocket to do it. As he pursues his dream, the government tries to stop him and most people do not take him seriously, but his family loves and supports him. This family feels so real. The story is terrific and the cast is great. The film is inspirational with lots of charm. It is good clean family fun in small town USA. Alien loved this eccentric dreamer, his two adorable daughters, and the two amusing FBI agents. The movie captures that same excitement as when Alan Shepard took his first flight into space. It is a blast.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “out-of-this-world dream” stars out of 4.
roeP-TP'sDLG
They do things big in Texas. They even dream big. Charlie Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) is determined to travel into space even if he has to build his own rocket to do it. As he pursues his dream, the government tries to stop him and most people do not take him seriously, but his family loves and supports him. This family feels so real. The story is terrific and the cast is great. The film is inspirational with lots of charm. It is good clean family fun in small town USA. Alien loved this eccentric dreamer, his two adorable daughters, and the two amusing FBI agents. The movie captures that same excitement as when Alan Shepard took his first flight into space. It is a blast.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “out-of-this-world dream” stars out of 4.
roeP-TP'sDLG
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Catch and Release
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Is it a bad sign when a romantic comedy opens with a funeral for a fiancé on the scheduled wedding day? The grieving bride-to-be (Jennifer Garner) hangs around her fiancé’s three best friends. Apparently, she has no gal pals. Of course, we believe it when two of these characters begin to fall in love during this tragic period. This fishy tale was just too hard for Alien to swallow. But if you can get by these things, you might like this chick flick trying to be a guys' buddy film.
Alien gives it 2 “untold secrets” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Is it a bad sign when a romantic comedy opens with a funeral for a fiancé on the scheduled wedding day? The grieving bride-to-be (Jennifer Garner) hangs around her fiancé’s three best friends. Apparently, she has no gal pals. Of course, we believe it when two of these characters begin to fall in love during this tragic period. This fishy tale was just too hard for Alien to swallow. But if you can get by these things, you might like this chick flick trying to be a guys' buddy film.
Alien gives it 2 “untold secrets” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Norbit
Eddie Murphy, you’ve just won a Golden Globe, what are you going to do now? But why waste your talents on this rude, crude trash. In a triple role, Murphy plays Norbit, Rasputia, and Mr. Wong. And shame on you, Thandie Newton and Cuba Gooding Jr. What were you thinking? You are better than this. It’s “The Jerk” meets “The Klumps” meets “Fighting Temptations” meets “Kung Fu Hustle” meets “Captain Ahab” meets “Flashdance”. This cruel film manages to insult overweight people, Blacks, Asians, abused spouses, nerds, and animal lovers. However, if you like this kind of low brow humor, you may get a few laughs.
Alien gives it 1 “raging waters” star out of 4.
Eddie Murphy, you’ve just won a Golden Globe, what are you going to do now? But why waste your talents on this rude, crude trash. In a triple role, Murphy plays Norbit, Rasputia, and Mr. Wong. And shame on you, Thandie Newton and Cuba Gooding Jr. What were you thinking? You are better than this. It’s “The Jerk” meets “The Klumps” meets “Fighting Temptations” meets “Kung Fu Hustle” meets “Captain Ahab” meets “Flashdance”. This cruel film manages to insult overweight people, Blacks, Asians, abused spouses, nerds, and animal lovers. However, if you like this kind of low brow humor, you may get a few laughs.
Alien gives it 1 “raging waters” star out of 4.
Music and Lyrics
This is your typical romantic comedy where boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and boy gets girl back. It is predictable, but if you love Drew Barrymore, Hugh Grant, and 80’s pop music, you’ll love this tale of a has-been pop star on the nostalgia circuit needing a talented lyricist for his comeback move. It’s a cute little film for those soccer moms who still yearn to crowd the stage for their teen idol.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Pop! Goes My Heart” stars out of 4.
This is your typical romantic comedy where boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and boy gets girl back. It is predictable, but if you love Drew Barrymore, Hugh Grant, and 80’s pop music, you’ll love this tale of a has-been pop star on the nostalgia circuit needing a talented lyricist for his comeback move. It’s a cute little film for those soccer moms who still yearn to crowd the stage for their teen idol.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Pop! Goes My Heart” stars out of 4.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Babel
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Do you speak English, Spanish, Japanese, Moroccan, and sign language? If so, you are all set for an international and cultural adventure involving American tourists, a Mexican wedding, a deaf mute Japanese volleyball player, a pair of goat herding boys, a border crossing, and stupid mistakes. A rifle connects three stories set in Morocco, Mexico, and Japan. This film is artistic and well made with many strong performances, but is just too long, sad, and tragic to be thoroughly enjoyed. Rated “R” for violence, language, and nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “misunderstood” stars out of 4.
iT$15
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Do you speak English, Spanish, Japanese, Moroccan, and sign language? If so, you are all set for an international and cultural adventure involving American tourists, a Mexican wedding, a deaf mute Japanese volleyball player, a pair of goat herding boys, a border crossing, and stupid mistakes. A rifle connects three stories set in Morocco, Mexico, and Japan. This film is artistic and well made with many strong performances, but is just too long, sad, and tragic to be thoroughly enjoyed. Rated “R” for violence, language, and nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “misunderstood” stars out of 4.
iT$15
Stomp the Yard
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
It’s “Bring It On” meets “Step Up” in this high energy, slick dance exhibition. The step routines are fun to watch. It’s like cheerleading competition, but with less gymnastics and lots of clapping, stomping, and, apparently, tongue action. The head to head dance offs involve much posturing aimed at the opponents. Between the dramatic dance scenes runs a thin plot thread about a fish out of water type trying to get an education and win the girl that others think he shouldn’t have.
Alien gives it 2 “Theta Nu Theta” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
It’s “Bring It On” meets “Step Up” in this high energy, slick dance exhibition. The step routines are fun to watch. It’s like cheerleading competition, but with less gymnastics and lots of clapping, stomping, and, apparently, tongue action. The head to head dance offs involve much posturing aimed at the opponents. Between the dramatic dance scenes runs a thin plot thread about a fish out of water type trying to get an education and win the girl that others think he shouldn’t have.
Alien gives it 2 “Theta Nu Theta” stars out of 4.
The Messengers
It’s “Amityville” meets “The Birds” meets “The Grudge” in this haunted house horror show. Why do nice families always buy spooky houses in the middle of nowhere? Expect the usual; things that go bump in the night; dark cellars; doors that get stuck or close all by themselves; things that grab you in the dark; no one believing you; the mysterious disappearance of the previous owners; odd characters that just show up. The audience was laughing more than screaming.
Alien gives it 1 “pitchfork” stars out of 4.
It’s “Amityville” meets “The Birds” meets “The Grudge” in this haunted house horror show. Why do nice families always buy spooky houses in the middle of nowhere? Expect the usual; things that go bump in the night; dark cellars; doors that get stuck or close all by themselves; things that grab you in the dark; no one believing you; the mysterious disappearance of the previous owners; odd characters that just show up. The audience was laughing more than screaming.
Alien gives it 1 “pitchfork” stars out of 4.
