Friday, June 29, 2007
Ratatouille
While I was being mesmerized by battling bots, my scouts reported on that little French mouse chef.
V, age 9:
Story was missing something… Laughed at the part where Remy and Linguini learn to work together. 3 ¾ out of 4.
S:
Sometimes you have to follow that little voice in your head and go against others expectations and be what you dream to be. There are several laugh out load parts, but the dead rats scene upset several of the younger crowd, the 4 and unders around us. I expected better than a good from Pixar. The story is good and the slap stick was predictable. 3 out of 4.
While I was being mesmerized by battling bots, my scouts reported on that little French mouse chef.
V, age 9:
Story was missing something… Laughed at the part where Remy and Linguini learn to work together. 3 ¾ out of 4.
S:
Sometimes you have to follow that little voice in your head and go against others expectations and be what you dream to be. There are several laugh out load parts, but the dead rats scene upset several of the younger crowd, the 4 and unders around us. I expected better than a good from Pixar. The story is good and the slap stick was predictable. 3 out of 4.
Transformers
Wow! Starting the Fourth of July with a bang, it’s “War of the Worlds” meets “Terminator” meets “Blackhawk Down” when a boy buys his first car so he can impress the girls, but he gets more than he bargains for. It’s machines vs. machines when Autobots and Decepticons invade earth in search of the Allspark with humans caught in the middle. This is no cartoon about children’s toys. The amazing special effects bring these Transformers to life and make them seem real. Alien was surprised with the movie’s sense of humor. Shia Labeuf plays the awkward teenager who rises to the occasion. Meg Fox is the hot girl who is no damsel in distress. Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson are the brave special ops G.I. Joes. The battle scenes are loud and dizzying, but still spectacular with awesome action. Keep your eyes on alert for a future second wave of attacks to follow. Alien also expects Chevy to sell a lot of yellow camaros.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Sector 7” stars out of 4.
Wow! Starting the Fourth of July with a bang, it’s “War of the Worlds” meets “Terminator” meets “Blackhawk Down” when a boy buys his first car so he can impress the girls, but he gets more than he bargains for. It’s machines vs. machines when Autobots and Decepticons invade earth in search of the Allspark with humans caught in the middle. This is no cartoon about children’s toys. The amazing special effects bring these Transformers to life and make them seem real. Alien was surprised with the movie’s sense of humor. Shia Labeuf plays the awkward teenager who rises to the occasion. Meg Fox is the hot girl who is no damsel in distress. Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson are the brave special ops G.I. Joes. The battle scenes are loud and dizzying, but still spectacular with awesome action. Keep your eyes on alert for a future second wave of attacks to follow. Alien also expects Chevy to sell a lot of yellow camaros.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Sector 7” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Live Free or Die Hard
NYPD’s Lt. John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back in his 4th installment as the right man in the wrong place at the wrong time. This wise-cracking, fly-in-the-ointment hasn’t lost his sense of humor, just some of his hair. He keeps on taking a licking, but keeps on ticking. A computer hacker geek (Justine Long) teams up with McClane to foil the cyber techno thieves’ attempt to bring the USA to its knees. This one man wrecking crew gives us a huge adrenalin rush with lots of non-stop, shoot’em up, blow’em up, smash’em up action. The special effects scenes are at times preposterous, but it is still spectacular and incredibility fun to watch. The villains are terrific. You’ll enjoy watching each of them get their just desserts. Meet the mysterious Wizard of cyberspace. The film is thrilling, funny, and exhausting. The previous adventures in L.A.’s Nakatomi Tower, Dulles Airport, and New York City were rated “R”. Reducing this new film’s rating to “PG-13” did not hurt this amazing thrill ride. It just eliminated those unnecessary MFs.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “virtual terrorism” stars out of 4.
NYPD’s Lt. John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back in his 4th installment as the right man in the wrong place at the wrong time. This wise-cracking, fly-in-the-ointment hasn’t lost his sense of humor, just some of his hair. He keeps on taking a licking, but keeps on ticking. A computer hacker geek (Justine Long) teams up with McClane to foil the cyber techno thieves’ attempt to bring the USA to its knees. This one man wrecking crew gives us a huge adrenalin rush with lots of non-stop, shoot’em up, blow’em up, smash’em up action. The special effects scenes are at times preposterous, but it is still spectacular and incredibility fun to watch. The villains are terrific. You’ll enjoy watching each of them get their just desserts. Meet the mysterious Wizard of cyberspace. The film is thrilling, funny, and exhausting. The previous adventures in L.A.’s Nakatomi Tower, Dulles Airport, and New York City were rated “R”. Reducing this new film’s rating to “PG-13” did not hurt this amazing thrill ride. It just eliminated those unnecessary MFs.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “virtual terrorism” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
1408
This is not a sneak preview. This flim has already released.
Author Mike Enslin (John Cusack) grieves for a love one, drinks too much, doesn’t believe in ghosts, and writes about haunted places. When he checks into room 1408 at New York’s posh Dolphin Hotel, he may never check out. Is it a very evil room at hell’s horror hotel? If you like to be scared, you’ll love this creepy psychological thriller with tension and twists that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Cusack is terrific in a practically one man show. Alien feels this film will work for most humans even though it didn’t really work for me.
Alien gives it 3 “paranormal or paranoia” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Evan Almighty
It’s “The Santa Clause” meets “Genesis 6:14” when Morgan Freeman returns as God and Steve Carell reprises his role as Evan Baxter in this funny sequel to “Bruce Almighty”. Anchorman Baxter is now a congressman with Wanda Sykes on his support staff. It’s Ark Building 101 with Carell craziness, Sykes sassiness, and animal antics. Although it is kind of a one joke movie, it still is a fun family film retelling a modern version of Noah and the Great Flood.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Acts of Random Kindness to change the world” stars out of 4.
It’s “The Santa Clause” meets “Genesis 6:14” when Morgan Freeman returns as God and Steve Carell reprises his role as Evan Baxter in this funny sequel to “Bruce Almighty”. Anchorman Baxter is now a congressman with Wanda Sykes on his support staff. It’s Ark Building 101 with Carell craziness, Sykes sassiness, and animal antics. Although it is kind of a one joke movie, it still is a fun family film retelling a modern version of Noah and the Great Flood.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Acts of Random Kindness to change the world” stars out of 4.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
…and Alien thought surfing penguins were cool. The arrival of a powerful being from outer space disrupts Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s wedding and signals the end of the world. This is the film the first one should have been. From beginning to the end, it captures that comic book spirit with its special effects, humor, storyline, and action. The evil Dr. Doom returns. See Mr. Fantastic’s new toy. Witness the death of a main character. Just remember it is only a comic book story and still targets that young audience (rated “PG”). Look for a final scene after the start of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “clever teamwork” stars out of 4.
…and Alien thought surfing penguins were cool. The arrival of a powerful being from outer space disrupts Reed Richards and Sue Storm’s wedding and signals the end of the world. This is the film the first one should have been. From beginning to the end, it captures that comic book spirit with its special effects, humor, storyline, and action. The evil Dr. Doom returns. See Mr. Fantastic’s new toy. Witness the death of a main character. Just remember it is only a comic book story and still targets that young audience (rated “PG”). Look for a final scene after the start of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “clever teamwork” stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A Mighty Heart
This is the story behind the headlines about the Daniel Pearl event in 2002 that shocked the world. In case you didn’t know, Pearl was a Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped in Karachi. Angelina Jolie is marvelous as Mariane, the pregnant and courageous wife seeking his safe return. The movie gets tense as the police investigate and follow the clues leading them to possible suspects. The film makers create great realism in their glimpses of third world life in Pakistan and India.
Alien gives it 3 “foreign correspondent” stars out of 4.
This is the story behind the headlines about the Daniel Pearl event in 2002 that shocked the world. In case you didn’t know, Pearl was a Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped in Karachi. Angelina Jolie is marvelous as Mariane, the pregnant and courageous wife seeking his safe return. The movie gets tense as the police investigate and follow the clues leading them to possible suspects. The film makers create great realism in their glimpses of third world life in Pakistan and India.
Alien gives it 3 “foreign correspondent” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Day Watch
The Russians have returned with a sequel to “Night Watch”, an English subtitled vampire movie about the tenuous truce between good and evil, light and dark. The vampires and shape shifters are on the brink of war. The special effects are dazzling. Alien enjoyed the film’s sense of humor, but had trouble fully understanding the story. Because I didn’t see the first film? Because I don’t understand Russian and couldn’t read fast enough? However, this amazing looking fantasy film feels like it is going to be a cult classic trilogy.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Chalk of Fate” stars out of 4.
The Russians have returned with a sequel to “Night Watch”, an English subtitled vampire movie about the tenuous truce between good and evil, light and dark. The vampires and shape shifters are on the brink of war. The special effects are dazzling. Alien enjoyed the film’s sense of humor, but had trouble fully understanding the story. Because I didn’t see the first film? Because I don’t understand Russian and couldn’t read fast enough? However, this amazing looking fantasy film feels like it is going to be a cult classic trilogy.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Chalk of Fate” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Nancy Drew
Super sleuth Nancy Drew (Emma Roberts) must have discovered a time machine to teleport herself from her 1930-50s world to today’s Hollywood. Yesteryear’s prim and proper teen detective clashes with today’s hip youths when she leaves River Heights and tries to fit into the L.A. scene. It is an old fashion crime solving mystery involving a dead actress, a possibly haunted mansion, a creepy caretaker, Chinatown, a blue roadster, a baby, and a missing will. But never fear, Nancy Drew with her detective kit (think Batman utility belt) will figure out the clues and solve the mystery. She is kind of a Veronica Mars with Martha Stewart tendencies for the younger set (8-12 year olds). It has good clean humor for the kids. By the applause at the end, this movie seemed to be great fun for the kids, but the plot was a bit too obvious for the adults. Look for a surprise cameo in the middle.
Alien gives it 2 “amateur detective sleuthing” stars out of 4.
Alien’s 9-year-old guest critic said the movie was good and exciting (she is usually quite talkative, but she became suddenly shy). She liked the movie, but doesn’t think she will read the books. She gave it 4 ¾ stars out of 4.
Super sleuth Nancy Drew (Emma Roberts) must have discovered a time machine to teleport herself from her 1930-50s world to today’s Hollywood. Yesteryear’s prim and proper teen detective clashes with today’s hip youths when she leaves River Heights and tries to fit into the L.A. scene. It is an old fashion crime solving mystery involving a dead actress, a possibly haunted mansion, a creepy caretaker, Chinatown, a blue roadster, a baby, and a missing will. But never fear, Nancy Drew with her detective kit (think Batman utility belt) will figure out the clues and solve the mystery. She is kind of a Veronica Mars with Martha Stewart tendencies for the younger set (8-12 year olds). It has good clean humor for the kids. By the applause at the end, this movie seemed to be great fun for the kids, but the plot was a bit too obvious for the adults. Look for a surprise cameo in the middle.
Alien gives it 2 “amateur detective sleuthing” stars out of 4.
Alien’s 9-year-old guest critic said the movie was good and exciting (she is usually quite talkative, but she became suddenly shy). She liked the movie, but doesn’t think she will read the books. She gave it 4 ¾ stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Surf’s Up
You’ve seen them escaping, marching, singing and dancing. Now, those penguins are back and surfing. It’s “Happy Feet” meets “The Endless Summer” in this very funny mockumentary that takes you from Antarctica to Pen Gu Bay for the 10th Annual Z Memorial Surfing Competition. This wonderful family film is filled with lots of fun for the young and the old. The animation, the characters, and the story make this movie a real winner. Alien thought the voice selections for these charming and colorful characters were right on. The film makers go to great detail to humanize these tuxedoed creatures and their friends. The surfing scenes are spectacular and will make you want to grab a board, catch a wave, and shoot the pipeline. What can be cooler than penguins combined with surfing.
Alien gives it 3 “cute as Chilly Willy” stars out of 4.
Thank you TT & SacTicket.
You’ve seen them escaping, marching, singing and dancing. Now, those penguins are back and surfing. It’s “Happy Feet” meets “The Endless Summer” in this very funny mockumentary that takes you from Antarctica to Pen Gu Bay for the 10th Annual Z Memorial Surfing Competition. This wonderful family film is filled with lots of fun for the young and the old. The animation, the characters, and the story make this movie a real winner. Alien thought the voice selections for these charming and colorful characters were right on. The film makers go to great detail to humanize these tuxedoed creatures and their friends. The surfing scenes are spectacular and will make you want to grab a board, catch a wave, and shoot the pipeline. What can be cooler than penguins combined with surfing.
Alien gives it 3 “cute as Chilly Willy” stars out of 4.
Thank you TT & SacTicket.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Ocean’s Thirteen
Clooney, Brad, and the boys (minus Tess & Isabel) are back from their 2004 Italian vacation. The fun continues in Vegas as the crew bands together for another heist and con, this time, against double-crossing casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino). Prior knowledge of the two previous films isn’t necessary to enjoy this outrageous caper, but it is more fun watching your familiar film friends continue their antics. Pacino and Ellen Barkin added their special spark to this somewhat predictable plot. With such a large cast, it is hard to give everyone equal time, but they try. A fitting tribute is paid to Frank Sinatra and old Las Vegas. 13 is better than 12, but not as good as 11.
Alien gives it 3 “Nuff Said” stars out of 4.
Clooney, Brad, and the boys (minus Tess & Isabel) are back from their 2004 Italian vacation. The fun continues in Vegas as the crew bands together for another heist and con, this time, against double-crossing casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino). Prior knowledge of the two previous films isn’t necessary to enjoy this outrageous caper, but it is more fun watching your familiar film friends continue their antics. Pacino and Ellen Barkin added their special spark to this somewhat predictable plot. With such a large cast, it is hard to give everyone equal time, but they try. A fitting tribute is paid to Frank Sinatra and old Las Vegas. 13 is better than 12, but not as good as 11.
Alien gives it 3 “Nuff Said” stars out of 4.
Bug
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Something will get under your skin at the Rustic Motel where none of the characters are likeable. Ashley Judd plays a lonely alcoholic/druggie/lesbo with an abusive ex. She meets a contagious paranoid schizophrenic with delusional tendencies. Despite two convincing performances as creepy crazies, this film is just too unpleasant and uncomfortable to watch without squirming in your seat. It starts up slow and plods along to the hot and naked end. If you believe in government conspiracy theories, you may enjoy some of this babble or you may be delusional too, but most of the audiences will just want their money back. It is rated “R” for drug use, violence, and nudity. The film’s best features are: set design using bug zappers, fly strips, plastic, and aluminum foil; and nude man moving all over the screen without exposing his privates.
Alien gives it ½ “what were you thinking, Ashley” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Something will get under your skin at the Rustic Motel where none of the characters are likeable. Ashley Judd plays a lonely alcoholic/druggie/lesbo with an abusive ex. She meets a contagious paranoid schizophrenic with delusional tendencies. Despite two convincing performances as creepy crazies, this film is just too unpleasant and uncomfortable to watch without squirming in your seat. It starts up slow and plods along to the hot and naked end. If you believe in government conspiracy theories, you may enjoy some of this babble or you may be delusional too, but most of the audiences will just want their money back. It is rated “R” for drug use, violence, and nudity. The film’s best features are: set design using bug zappers, fly strips, plastic, and aluminum foil; and nude man moving all over the screen without exposing his privates.
Alien gives it ½ “what were you thinking, Ashley” stars out of 4.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Knocked Up
It’s grownup “Freaks & Geeks” meets “40 Year-Old Virgin” humor in this hilarious comedy that takes shots at motherhood, fatherhood, parenthood, childbirth, and marriage. After a one night stand, two strangers must get to know each other before the birth of their child. The movie centers around Alison (Katherine Heigl), Ben (Seth Rogen), Debbie (Leslie Mann) and Pete (Paul Rudd), but the entire cast shines under each of their comedic spotlights. There is plenty of girl talk, guy talk, and sex talk. It is a laugh a minute in this outrageous comedy because sometimes you hear and see things that are so wrong that it is funny. Look for lots of famous faces popping up. Writer/director Judd Apatow has created another winner and his two daughters, Iris & Maude, are very cute and funny in the picture. Real family photos run with the ending credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Beauty & the Beast” stars out of 4.
It’s grownup “Freaks & Geeks” meets “40 Year-Old Virgin” humor in this hilarious comedy that takes shots at motherhood, fatherhood, parenthood, childbirth, and marriage. After a one night stand, two strangers must get to know each other before the birth of their child. The movie centers around Alison (Katherine Heigl), Ben (Seth Rogen), Debbie (Leslie Mann) and Pete (Paul Rudd), but the entire cast shines under each of their comedic spotlights. There is plenty of girl talk, guy talk, and sex talk. It is a laugh a minute in this outrageous comedy because sometimes you hear and see things that are so wrong that it is funny. Look for lots of famous faces popping up. Writer/director Judd Apatow has created another winner and his two daughters, Iris & Maude, are very cute and funny in the picture. Real family photos run with the ending credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Beauty & the Beast” stars out of 4.
