Thursday, April 26, 2007
Dinosaur 3D: Giants of Patagonia
The IMAX Theater’s latest 3D venture follows a paleontologist studying dinosaurs in South America. It’s “Jurassic Park” with depth and dimension. The sweeping scenic shots of the Patagonian area are beautiful, but the film needs more dino animation and dino facts to entertain. Parents beware that the scary CG dinos and the loud noises may frighten small children.
Alien gives it 2 “Argentinosaur and Giganotosaur” stars out of 4.
The IMAX Theater’s latest 3D venture follows a paleontologist studying dinosaurs in South America. It’s “Jurassic Park” with depth and dimension. The sweeping scenic shots of the Patagonian area are beautiful, but the film needs more dino animation and dino facts to entertain. Parents beware that the scary CG dinos and the loud noises may frighten small children.
Alien gives it 2 “Argentinosaur and Giganotosaur” stars out of 4.
Year of the Dog
Alien's preview scout D has submitted the following review.
Thanks for the pass to “year of the dog.” I went without any idea what the movie was going to be about and I thought it was a pretty good film. It had a very independent film feel to it (not sure what sort of financial backing it had) though Brad Pitt was the executive producer. Without giving away the story it addressed in a broad sense the relationships Americans have with people and animals through an eventful window in one woman’s life. A path to alternative lifestyles and passion is proposed. I was intrigued by the different emotions, sometimes conflicting, the film was able to elicit. Dogs and their influence on our life is the continuous thread that leads one person to finding happiness but not without some serious bumps in the road. “No animals were harmed in the making of this film.”
D gives it 2.5 wags of the tail out of 4.
Alien's preview scout D has submitted the following review.
Thanks for the pass to “year of the dog.” I went without any idea what the movie was going to be about and I thought it was a pretty good film. It had a very independent film feel to it (not sure what sort of financial backing it had) though Brad Pitt was the executive producer. Without giving away the story it addressed in a broad sense the relationships Americans have with people and animals through an eventful window in one woman’s life. A path to alternative lifestyles and passion is proposed. I was intrigued by the different emotions, sometimes conflicting, the film was able to elicit. Dogs and their influence on our life is the continuous thread that leads one person to finding happiness but not without some serious bumps in the road. “No animals were harmed in the making of this film.”
D gives it 2.5 wags of the tail out of 4.
Next
It’s “Déjà Vu” meets “Groundhog Day” in this time and mind bending movie experience. Chris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) aka Frank Cadillac, a two-bit Las Vega magician, can see two minutes into his future and then he can alter it. He manages to stay under the radar until FBI agent Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore) forces him to use his talent to find the terrorists with a nuclear device. When Chris foresees his destiny meeting with Liz Cooper (Jessica Biel), the story escalates and shifts into a higher gear. Cage’s very cool performance under fire makes this action thriller funnier than expected. The film’s unconventional paths created by disruptions in the space/time continuum will keep the audience off balance. If you go with the flow, you’ll probably have a good time, but if you resist accepting the premise, you’ll only be disappointed.
Alien gives it 3 “destiny changing” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
It’s “Déjà Vu” meets “Groundhog Day” in this time and mind bending movie experience. Chris Johnson (Nicolas Cage) aka Frank Cadillac, a two-bit Las Vega magician, can see two minutes into his future and then he can alter it. He manages to stay under the radar until FBI agent Callie Ferris (Julianne Moore) forces him to use his talent to find the terrorists with a nuclear device. When Chris foresees his destiny meeting with Liz Cooper (Jessica Biel), the story escalates and shifts into a higher gear. Cage’s very cool performance under fire makes this action thriller funnier than expected. The film’s unconventional paths created by disruptions in the space/time continuum will keep the audience off balance. If you go with the flow, you’ll probably have a good time, but if you resist accepting the premise, you’ll only be disappointed.
Alien gives it 3 “destiny changing” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The Condemned
If you are a fan of wrestling, reality TV, and the internet, Alien has a movie for you. It’s the WWE meets WWW on “Survivor: Convict Island” starring Stone Cold Steve Austin and a bunch of unknowns. Ten condemned convicts from around the world are illegally bought and dropped onto this deserted island for a battle royale where the lone survivor is promised his freedom and a pardon. As these killers form alliances, reap rewards, and eliminate their competitors, the billionaire ratings-hungry producer broadcasts the live streaming videos to 40 million viewers from 400 cameras. Prepare yourself for lots of wrestling and senseless violence.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “wrestle mania” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
If you are a fan of wrestling, reality TV, and the internet, Alien has a movie for you. It’s the WWE meets WWW on “Survivor: Convict Island” starring Stone Cold Steve Austin and a bunch of unknowns. Ten condemned convicts from around the world are illegally bought and dropped onto this deserted island for a battle royale where the lone survivor is promised his freedom and a pardon. As these killers form alliances, reap rewards, and eliminate their competitors, the billionaire ratings-hungry producer broadcasts the live streaming videos to 40 million viewers from 400 cameras. Prepare yourself for lots of wrestling and senseless violence.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “wrestle mania” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
In the Land of Women
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Devastated after being dumped by his famous actress girlfriend, Carter Webb (Adam Brody) tries to hide from life by running away to Michigan to care for his sickly grandmother. Carter forms a special bond with each of the neighboring Hardwicke women, the struggling mom (Meg Ryan), the rebellious teenager (Kristen Stewart), and the precocious younger daughter (Makenzie Vega). These lovable characters will make you laugh and cry in this bittersweet touching story. Brody is the common thread that stitches this fragile family together during their crisis. Sudden bursts of overly loud background music annoyingly overwhelm some this movie’s tender moments.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “searching for love” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Devastated after being dumped by his famous actress girlfriend, Carter Webb (Adam Brody) tries to hide from life by running away to Michigan to care for his sickly grandmother. Carter forms a special bond with each of the neighboring Hardwicke women, the struggling mom (Meg Ryan), the rebellious teenager (Kristen Stewart), and the precocious younger daughter (Makenzie Vega). These lovable characters will make you laugh and cry in this bittersweet touching story. Brody is the common thread that stitches this fragile family together during their crisis. Sudden bursts of overly loud background music annoyingly overwhelm some this movie’s tender moments.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “searching for love” stars out of 4.
Vacancy
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
David (Luke Wilson) and Amy (Kate Beckinsale) Fox are on the road to divorce when a wrong choice and car trouble take them to the Bates Motel (actually, the Pinewood Motel). It is a sleazy place with a creepy manager and a stack of snuff films. By the time any danger is realized, it is too late. The plot is a simple game of chase, run and hide, kill or be killed. The movie builds pretty good tension with a minimalist’s set and small group of characters. There isn't anything new here, but if you like to be scared, you might enjoy this one.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “stay on the interstate” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
David (Luke Wilson) and Amy (Kate Beckinsale) Fox are on the road to divorce when a wrong choice and car trouble take them to the Bates Motel (actually, the Pinewood Motel). It is a sleazy place with a creepy manager and a stack of snuff films. By the time any danger is realized, it is too late. The plot is a simple game of chase, run and hide, kill or be killed. The movie builds pretty good tension with a minimalist’s set and small group of characters. There isn't anything new here, but if you like to be scared, you might enjoy this one.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “stay on the interstate” stars out of 4.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Hot Fuzz
Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright (all from "Shaun of the Dead") return to the big screen in this terrific send up of Bruckheimer and buddy/cop films. The movie pays tribute to “Point Break”, “Bad Boys II”, and Agatha Christie. Overachieving supercop Nicholas Angel is sent to the quiet suburbs because he is just making his fellow officers look bad. But all is not right to be in the seemingly crime-free village of Sandford, for its town folks appear to have a lot of "accidents". It is a marvelous comedic team with Pegg playing the straight man and Frost playing the buffoon. Not only is it very funny, but there are some good action sequences too.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “lock and loaded for fun” stars out of 4.
Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar Wright (all from "Shaun of the Dead") return to the big screen in this terrific send up of Bruckheimer and buddy/cop films. The movie pays tribute to “Point Break”, “Bad Boys II”, and Agatha Christie. Overachieving supercop Nicholas Angel is sent to the quiet suburbs because he is just making his fellow officers look bad. But all is not right to be in the seemingly crime-free village of Sandford, for its town folks appear to have a lot of "accidents". It is a marvelous comedic team with Pegg playing the straight man and Frost playing the buffoon. Not only is it very funny, but there are some good action sequences too.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “lock and loaded for fun” stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Pathfinder
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It is “New World” meets “Apocalypto” meets “300” when an abandoned Viking boy grows up among Native Americans and must defend them against returning Norsemen. A “Conan” type hero fights against “Klingon” type invaders in a predictable story line that steals many memorable movie moments from other films. The violence is brutal and savagely bloody. It is based on a graphic novel. You may enjoy it if you need to satisfy your blood thirst.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “Dragon Men” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It is “New World” meets “Apocalypto” meets “300” when an abandoned Viking boy grows up among Native Americans and must defend them against returning Norsemen. A “Conan” type hero fights against “Klingon” type invaders in a predictable story line that steals many memorable movie moments from other films. The violence is brutal and savagely bloody. It is based on a graphic novel. You may enjoy it if you need to satisfy your blood thirst.
Alien gives it 1 ½ “Dragon Men” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Fracture
Anthony Hopkins is Hanibalicious in this latest cat-and-mouse psychological thriller where “Silence of the Lambs” meets “Law and Order”. Hopkins is Ted Crawford, a structural engineer who enjoys detecting flaws in things and people. He is also an evil genius who plots to get away with killing his cheating wife. Ryan Gosling is Willy Beachum, a young rising prosecutor who accepts the Crawford case thinking it will be a slam dunk. Be prepared for some twists and turns as Beachum tries to figure a way to convict Crawford. Hopkins is so good at this familiar kind of role that it almost seems dialed in, but Alien still wishes the movie had more scenes involving Hopkins. This isn’t a who-done-it mystery because we know who did it from the beginning. It is about how to outsmart a brilliant man who seems to have outwitted everyone.
Alien gives it 3 “cracked egg” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
Anthony Hopkins is Hanibalicious in this latest cat-and-mouse psychological thriller where “Silence of the Lambs” meets “Law and Order”. Hopkins is Ted Crawford, a structural engineer who enjoys detecting flaws in things and people. He is also an evil genius who plots to get away with killing his cheating wife. Ryan Gosling is Willy Beachum, a young rising prosecutor who accepts the Crawford case thinking it will be a slam dunk. Be prepared for some twists and turns as Beachum tries to figure a way to convict Crawford. Hopkins is so good at this familiar kind of role that it almost seems dialed in, but Alien still wishes the movie had more scenes involving Hopkins. This isn’t a who-done-it mystery because we know who did it from the beginning. It is about how to outsmart a brilliant man who seems to have outwitted everyone.
Alien gives it 3 “cracked egg” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The Namesake
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Cultural shock and the generation gap collide in this fabulous family film about immigrants from India seeking new opportunities in America. Director Mira Nair has crafted a marvelous movie exploring the many aspects of Indian culture. Although the film is about one specific race, any ethnic group will recognize commonalities and will be able to relate to this family. Terrific acting by Irfan Khan, Tabu, and Kal Penn makes this family seem so real. This movie is like flipping through a family album viewing the weddings, child birth, growing up, raising kids, and the funerals. See Calcutta, the Ganges, and the magnificent Taj Mahal. This film may be a little slow on action, but it is rich in the emotional experience. This touching movie is about love, relationships, regrets, and moving forward.
Alien gives it 3 “follow your bliss” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Cultural shock and the generation gap collide in this fabulous family film about immigrants from India seeking new opportunities in America. Director Mira Nair has crafted a marvelous movie exploring the many aspects of Indian culture. Although the film is about one specific race, any ethnic group will recognize commonalities and will be able to relate to this family. Terrific acting by Irfan Khan, Tabu, and Kal Penn makes this family seem so real. This movie is like flipping through a family album viewing the weddings, child birth, growing up, raising kids, and the funerals. See Calcutta, the Ganges, and the magnificent Taj Mahal. This film may be a little slow on action, but it is rich in the emotional experience. This touching movie is about love, relationships, regrets, and moving forward.
Alien gives it 3 “follow your bliss” stars out of 4.
The Lookout
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Chris Pratt (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) makes a stupid mistake that will haunt him for the rest of his life. This is a wonderful story about a bank heist and a young man’s struggle with his handicap. Chris only has short term memory and writes reminders to himself for even simple day-to-day activities. Gordon-Levitt gives an outstanding performance and you will really sympathize with his character. Jeff Daniels is terrific as Lewis, the blind roommate, with big dreams. Things take a turn for the worst when a bunch of unsavory guys dupe Chris and involve him into a bank robbery. Good characters and a great script make this a surprise don’t miss film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “mating fireflies” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Chris Pratt (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) makes a stupid mistake that will haunt him for the rest of his life. This is a wonderful story about a bank heist and a young man’s struggle with his handicap. Chris only has short term memory and writes reminders to himself for even simple day-to-day activities. Gordon-Levitt gives an outstanding performance and you will really sympathize with his character. Jeff Daniels is terrific as Lewis, the blind roommate, with big dreams. Things take a turn for the worst when a bunch of unsavory guys dupe Chris and involve him into a bank robbery. Good characters and a great script make this a surprise don’t miss film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “mating fireflies” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Perfect Stranger
Halle Berry is an investigative reporter whose childhood girlfriend is murdered. Bruce Willis is an advertising executive and the prime suspect. Giovanni Ribisi is the alcoholic sidekick computer geek in this deception game using an online chat room. These fine actors are wasted in this murder mystery that unfairly cheats the audience. Instead of playing a fun game of Clue, this movie is more like losing at Three Card Monte. The deck is stacked against the audience from the beginning. Two alternate endings were filmed for this project; maybe the DVD will have something better to look forward to.
Alien gives it 2 “Belladonna” stars out of 4.
Halle Berry is an investigative reporter whose childhood girlfriend is murdered. Bruce Willis is an advertising executive and the prime suspect. Giovanni Ribisi is the alcoholic sidekick computer geek in this deception game using an online chat room. These fine actors are wasted in this murder mystery that unfairly cheats the audience. Instead of playing a fun game of Clue, this movie is more like losing at Three Card Monte. The deck is stacked against the audience from the beginning. Two alternate endings were filmed for this project; maybe the DVD will have something better to look forward to.
Alien gives it 2 “Belladonna” stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
The Alps
Take the Glacier Express to the most breathtaking views in the Swiss Alps. It will be some of the best 40 minutes you'll ever spend. See the little villages and the farmlands tucked away in the valleys between these giant mountains. Follow the story of John Harlan III and his amazing climb up the Eiger North Face. The memorable images are spectacular and heart stopping. Go to the top of the Eiger peak and look around. Make the climb without the cold, the wind, the pain, and the agony. Learn about the most dangerous part of the climb. Will everyone make the climb up and back down the Eiger? Only the IMAX screen can portray the proper scale between man and these majestic mountains.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “strength, performance, and passion” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW.
Take the Glacier Express to the most breathtaking views in the Swiss Alps. It will be some of the best 40 minutes you'll ever spend. See the little villages and the farmlands tucked away in the valleys between these giant mountains. Follow the story of John Harlan III and his amazing climb up the Eiger North Face. The memorable images are spectacular and heart stopping. Go to the top of the Eiger peak and look around. Make the climb without the cold, the wind, the pain, and the agony. Learn about the most dangerous part of the climb. Will everyone make the climb up and back down the Eiger? Only the IMAX screen can portray the proper scale between man and these majestic mountains.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “strength, performance, and passion” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW.
Firehouse Dog
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The only apparent smart thing in this movie is the dog, but then again there are really four look alike dogs trained to do different special tricks so they can look cute. This is a very by-the-formula family film. A famous Hollywood dog star gets lost and is found by a troubled kid from a single parent family. His busy dad is a fireman so you know an arsonist will be setting fires and the dog will save the day. Also, at some point the real owner of the missing dog will so up to reclaim him and you know what is going to happen. If you are 5 to 8 years old, you may like this movie.
Alien gives it 2 “Rexxx, the Wonder Dog” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The only apparent smart thing in this movie is the dog, but then again there are really four look alike dogs trained to do different special tricks so they can look cute. This is a very by-the-formula family film. A famous Hollywood dog star gets lost and is found by a troubled kid from a single parent family. His busy dad is a fireman so you know an arsonist will be setting fires and the dog will save the day. Also, at some point the real owner of the missing dog will so up to reclaim him and you know what is going to happen. If you are 5 to 8 years old, you may like this movie.
Alien gives it 2 “Rexxx, the Wonder Dog” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Grindhouse
Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino team up to exploit the exploitation film genre in their double feature collaboration featuring “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof”, complete with coming attraction trailers. This film is named after the 70’s ghetto theaters which would grind out these low budget B movies. It is a real treat, outrageously funny, and a great homage to a past movie style. Of course, it is rated “R” for senseless violence, gratuitous nudity and sexuality, drug use, and strong adult language. You will be dazed after this 3 hour plus film. Go with the flow and have a good time.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “retro combo” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
Planet Terror
A one-legged stripper with a machine gun leg mows down zombies in a small Texas town. Director Robert Rodriguez skillfully recreates a lost genre and demonstrates how to make a movie so bad that it is so good. With all of its bloody violence, preposterous situations, and cheesy dialogue, it is hysterically hilarious. It is action packed. Alien has never seen anything like it. You got to see it to believe it. It is so much fun and worth seeing again. Gather up your buddies to enjoy it together. You will be rolling in the aisles.
Alien gives it 4 “blast from the past” stars out of 4.
Death Proof
Hot women and hot cars accent Quentin Tarantino’s film about a serial killer stalking unsuspecting women. The slower parts of this movie features lots of girl talk (Tarantino ranting dialogue time), but hang in there for the exciting muscle car sequences. It will be well worth it. There is no CGI here on the Texas backroads. It is all real action. The car stunts are incredible. It is very violent and very funny too. It is a tremendous thrill ride with a psycho killer and girls gone wild, so buckle up. They don't make action films like this anymore.
Alien gives it 3 “hood ornament” stars out of 4.
Faux Trailers
The fake coming attraction movie trailers are a crack up and a ton of fun. You just have to see them to believe them. They are very creative and just too funny. With titles like “Machete”, “Thanksgiving”, “Don’t”, and “Werewolf Women of the SS”, Alien would love to see someone actually make one of these into a real movie.
Alien gives them 4 “fabulous fakes” stars out of 4.
Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino team up to exploit the exploitation film genre in their double feature collaboration featuring “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof”, complete with coming attraction trailers. This film is named after the 70’s ghetto theaters which would grind out these low budget B movies. It is a real treat, outrageously funny, and a great homage to a past movie style. Of course, it is rated “R” for senseless violence, gratuitous nudity and sexuality, drug use, and strong adult language. You will be dazed after this 3 hour plus film. Go with the flow and have a good time.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “retro combo” stars out of 4.
Thank you BW & SacTicket.
Planet Terror
A one-legged stripper with a machine gun leg mows down zombies in a small Texas town. Director Robert Rodriguez skillfully recreates a lost genre and demonstrates how to make a movie so bad that it is so good. With all of its bloody violence, preposterous situations, and cheesy dialogue, it is hysterically hilarious. It is action packed. Alien has never seen anything like it. You got to see it to believe it. It is so much fun and worth seeing again. Gather up your buddies to enjoy it together. You will be rolling in the aisles.
Alien gives it 4 “blast from the past” stars out of 4.
Death Proof
Hot women and hot cars accent Quentin Tarantino’s film about a serial killer stalking unsuspecting women. The slower parts of this movie features lots of girl talk (Tarantino ranting dialogue time), but hang in there for the exciting muscle car sequences. It will be well worth it. There is no CGI here on the Texas backroads. It is all real action. The car stunts are incredible. It is very violent and very funny too. It is a tremendous thrill ride with a psycho killer and girls gone wild, so buckle up. They don't make action films like this anymore.
Alien gives it 3 “hood ornament” stars out of 4.
Faux Trailers
The fake coming attraction movie trailers are a crack up and a ton of fun. You just have to see them to believe them. They are very creative and just too funny. With titles like “Machete”, “Thanksgiving”, “Don’t”, and “Werewolf Women of the SS”, Alien would love to see someone actually make one of these into a real movie.
Alien gives them 4 “fabulous fakes” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
The Reaping
It’s “The Ten Commandments” meets “The Omen” meets “Rosemary’s Baby”. Hilary Swank plays a former Christian missionary and now a LSU professor who specializes in debunking so-called miracles. When she is invited to a small backwoods community called Haven, the 10 biblical plagues begin to appear and she can’t explain them. Are they the work of Satan? Can she figure out what is real and what is not? Although the film uses the classic horror gimmicks, it does have a good script and a good ending. The spectacular special effects make each new plague more frightening and creepier than the last. If you believe in prophecies, you may buy into this struggle between good and evil.
Alien gives it 3 “you got to have faith” stars out of 4.
It’s “The Ten Commandments” meets “The Omen” meets “Rosemary’s Baby”. Hilary Swank plays a former Christian missionary and now a LSU professor who specializes in debunking so-called miracles. When she is invited to a small backwoods community called Haven, the 10 biblical plagues begin to appear and she can’t explain them. Are they the work of Satan? Can she figure out what is real and what is not? Although the film uses the classic horror gimmicks, it does have a good script and a good ending. The spectacular special effects make each new plague more frightening and creepier than the last. If you believe in prophecies, you may buy into this struggle between good and evil.
Alien gives it 3 “you got to have faith” stars out of 4.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Hoax
It’s the “Aviator” meets “Catch Me If You Can”, but without Leonardo DiCaprio. Richard Gere as author Clifford Irving proves that the bigger the lie is, the more believable it is. Irving convinces his publisher that he is working with billionaire Howard Hughes on an autobiography. Photos, film clips, and 70’s music takes us back to that time and place. Gere is convincing as the outrageous liar and schemer. Alfred Molino is very funny as the loyal sidekick and partner in crime. It is hard to believe this is a true story.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “con man of the year” stars out of 4.
It’s the “Aviator” meets “Catch Me If You Can”, but without Leonardo DiCaprio. Richard Gere as author Clifford Irving proves that the bigger the lie is, the more believable it is. Irving convinces his publisher that he is working with billionaire Howard Hughes on an autobiography. Photos, film clips, and 70’s music takes us back to that time and place. Gere is convincing as the outrageous liar and schemer. Alfred Molino is very funny as the loyal sidekick and partner in crime. It is hard to believe this is a true story.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “con man of the year” stars out of 4.
The Hills Have Eyes 2
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two years ago, misdirected tourists mysteriously disappear in the New Mexican desert known as Sector 16 by the military. Now it is a bunch of National Guard trainees who unsuspectingly stumble into this former atomic blast testing grounds. It is the classic ten little Indians story as the incompetent troop gets picked off one at a time by disgusting mutants. Expect lots of blood and gore, horrifying deaths, and creeping things lurking about in dark caves within the hills. It is kind of scary and not awful, but it is kind of stupid at the same time. The only question is who is going to survive here and who is going to fall into the mutants’ trap in the next sequel.
Alien gives it 2 “mutant mayhem” stars of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two years ago, misdirected tourists mysteriously disappear in the New Mexican desert known as Sector 16 by the military. Now it is a bunch of National Guard trainees who unsuspectingly stumble into this former atomic blast testing grounds. It is the classic ten little Indians story as the incompetent troop gets picked off one at a time by disgusting mutants. Expect lots of blood and gore, horrifying deaths, and creeping things lurking about in dark caves within the hills. It is kind of scary and not awful, but it is kind of stupid at the same time. The only question is who is going to survive here and who is going to fall into the mutants’ trap in the next sequel.
Alien gives it 2 “mutant mayhem” stars of 4.
Peaceful Warrior
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the “Karate Kid” meets "The Other Side of the Mountain” in this inspirational gymnast story. Set at Cal Berkeley, Yoda-like Zen training from a quickie mart/service station philosopher (Nick Nolte), dubbed Socrates, helps an aspiring Olympian, Dan Millman, recoup after a life shattering incident. Alien could almost hear “wax on, wax off” and “do or do not, there is no try” being whispered in his ear during the movie. This real life story does take you on a couple of magical, mystical, mystery detours.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “take out the trash” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the “Karate Kid” meets "The Other Side of the Mountain” in this inspirational gymnast story. Set at Cal Berkeley, Yoda-like Zen training from a quickie mart/service station philosopher (Nick Nolte), dubbed Socrates, helps an aspiring Olympian, Dan Millman, recoup after a life shattering incident. Alien could almost hear “wax on, wax off” and “do or do not, there is no try” being whispered in his ear during the movie. This real life story does take you on a couple of magical, mystical, mystery detours.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “take out the trash” stars out of 4.
