Thursday, September 27, 2007
Into the Wild
Director and screenplay writer Sean Penn takes us on a marvelous journey across America spanning 2 years seeing it through the eyes of Christopher McCandless (wonderfully played by Emile Hirsch). As an idealistic college graduate in 1990 disillusioned at the world and materialism, Chris heads west and finally north to Alaska seeking truth and happiness with only what he could carry on his back, hitchhiking, kayaking, train hopping, and living off the land. On the road, he becomes Alexander Supertramp and meets many interesting characters whose lives he deeply effects. Hirsch really carries the film as the naive youthful adventurer. The scenery is magnificent and breathtaking. At 2 ½ hours, it is a long film, but well worth the trip. It is a true story based a popular book (not read by Alien). This movie will touch your heart.
Alien gives it 3 “Slab City and Magic Bus” stars out of 4.
Director and screenplay writer Sean Penn takes us on a marvelous journey across America spanning 2 years seeing it through the eyes of Christopher McCandless (wonderfully played by Emile Hirsch). As an idealistic college graduate in 1990 disillusioned at the world and materialism, Chris heads west and finally north to Alaska seeking truth and happiness with only what he could carry on his back, hitchhiking, kayaking, train hopping, and living off the land. On the road, he becomes Alexander Supertramp and meets many interesting characters whose lives he deeply effects. Hirsch really carries the film as the naive youthful adventurer. The scenery is magnificent and breathtaking. At 2 ½ hours, it is a long film, but well worth the trip. It is a true story based a popular book (not read by Alien). This movie will touch your heart.
Alien gives it 3 “Slab City and Magic Bus” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Feast of Love
Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, and others are searching for love in Portland, Oregon. The joys and anguish of love are explored through a close circle of friends. It will make your smile and it will make you sad as it takes you on a roller coaster ride through emotional highs and lows. This film questions what is love and is it a blessing or a curse. It is not a big film, but it is a quiet little film that will make you feel the heartbreak of love. Sometimes you find love and sometimes you lose love, but there is always hope. This movie is rated “R” for language, sexual content, and nudity (in an attempt to show sex should not be confused with love). This is a chick flick for the more mature and less youthful hens.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “love is blind” stars out of 4.
Morgan Freeman, Greg Kinnear, and others are searching for love in Portland, Oregon. The joys and anguish of love are explored through a close circle of friends. It will make your smile and it will make you sad as it takes you on a roller coaster ride through emotional highs and lows. This film questions what is love and is it a blessing or a curse. It is not a big film, but it is a quiet little film that will make you feel the heartbreak of love. Sometimes you find love and sometimes you lose love, but there is always hope. This movie is rated “R” for language, sexual content, and nudity (in an attempt to show sex should not be confused with love). This is a chick flick for the more mature and less youthful hens.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “love is blind” stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Resident Evil: Extinction
It’s Mad Maxine, the “Road Warrior”, meets “Land of the Dead” meets “The Hills Have Eyes” meets “The Birds” meets Sue Storm meets “Slither” meets “Alien Resurrection” as Alice {Milla Jovovich) returns for a third time to save the world from the T-Virus and Umbrella Corp. It is a basic zombie picture where the characters get picked off one by one and zombies get mowed down and keep coming. However, if you like to be frightened, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat and every sudden loud sound will make you jump. Alien has never seen the video games or the first movie and can barely remember the forgettable second film, but thought this one was great fun and a scary bloody thrill ride. For you old fossils out there, things start to roll as the ragtag convoy heads out to the tune of “In A Gadda Da Vida”. Are you ready for a fourth installment?
Alien gives it 3 “locked and loaded” stars out of 4.
It’s Mad Maxine, the “Road Warrior”, meets “Land of the Dead” meets “The Hills Have Eyes” meets “The Birds” meets Sue Storm meets “Slither” meets “Alien Resurrection” as Alice {Milla Jovovich) returns for a third time to save the world from the T-Virus and Umbrella Corp. It is a basic zombie picture where the characters get picked off one by one and zombies get mowed down and keep coming. However, if you like to be frightened, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat and every sudden loud sound will make you jump. Alien has never seen the video games or the first movie and can barely remember the forgettable second film, but thought this one was great fun and a scary bloody thrill ride. For you old fossils out there, things start to roll as the ragtag convoy heads out to the tune of “In A Gadda Da Vida”. Are you ready for a fourth installment?
Alien gives it 3 “locked and loaded” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Eastern Promises
It’s “History of Violence” meets the “Godfather” in this dark tale about the Russian Mafia in London. Prostitution, a pregnant girl, a baby, a diary, a midwife, a chauffeur, a restaurateur, and his son are just some of the pieces to this mystery involving some brutal killings. The acting is excellent, in particular Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassels, and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The bad guys are quietly menacing. This is a dialogue driven script, but punctuated with a few unforgettable violent scenes. The tattoos from a Russian prison tell a story and Mortensen’s character, Nikolai, bares all of them all and more. It is a fascinating story, but slow moving. This film is rated “R” for violence, language, sexual content, and nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “professionally processed” stars out of 4.
It’s “History of Violence” meets the “Godfather” in this dark tale about the Russian Mafia in London. Prostitution, a pregnant girl, a baby, a diary, a midwife, a chauffeur, a restaurateur, and his son are just some of the pieces to this mystery involving some brutal killings. The acting is excellent, in particular Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassels, and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The bad guys are quietly menacing. This is a dialogue driven script, but punctuated with a few unforgettable violent scenes. The tattoos from a Russian prison tell a story and Mortensen’s character, Nikolai, bares all of them all and more. It is a fascinating story, but slow moving. This film is rated “R” for violence, language, sexual content, and nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “professionally processed” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Good Luck Chuck
It’s “Employee of the Month” meets “Just My Luck” meets “March of the Penguins” meets “Nip and Tuck” meets “Total Recall” in this latest sex comedy. Dane Cook is the likable good guy, Charlie, searching for real love. He becomes an urban legend and is used by women looking for their perfect mate. He finally thinks he finds his true love in the goofy & awkward, but beautiful, Cam (Jessica Alba). Cook and Alba are very appealing to watch in this very physical comedy. Parts of this movie are really funny, but parts are also not that funny and are kind of gross. It wants to be a “40-Year-Old Virgin” or a “Knocked Up” or a “Superbad”, but it isn’t. This film is rated “R” so expect raunchy jokes, lots of unbelievable sex, and a good boob show. If you are into this type of humor, you’ll probably enjoy this film more than me.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “curse or charm” stars out of 4.
It’s “Employee of the Month” meets “Just My Luck” meets “March of the Penguins” meets “Nip and Tuck” meets “Total Recall” in this latest sex comedy. Dane Cook is the likable good guy, Charlie, searching for real love. He becomes an urban legend and is used by women looking for their perfect mate. He finally thinks he finds his true love in the goofy & awkward, but beautiful, Cam (Jessica Alba). Cook and Alba are very appealing to watch in this very physical comedy. Parts of this movie are really funny, but parts are also not that funny and are kind of gross. It wants to be a “40-Year-Old Virgin” or a “Knocked Up” or a “Superbad”, but it isn’t. This film is rated “R” so expect raunchy jokes, lots of unbelievable sex, and a good boob show. If you are into this type of humor, you’ll probably enjoy this film more than me.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “curse or charm” stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The Game Plan
Disney has drawn up a winner from its old game book. Although the premise is predictable (a single, self-centered football superstar suddenly discovers he’s the father of a precious little 8-year old daughter), silly, and corny, the cast and script elevate it to a higher playing field. The always charismatic Duane “The Rock” Johnson is very charming with his big smile and isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself. Madison Pettis, who plays the cute and precocious daughter, is even more charming. Kyra Sedgwick is casted as the over-the-top sports agent. Mix in some football, a little ballet, a high tech home, a bit of Elvis, a few crazy side characters, and a lovable dog. Then you get a wholesome family movie that is irresistible and entertaining. It is a good father/daughter bonding film. It is a guilty pleasure good time.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “father power” stars out of 4.
Disney has drawn up a winner from its old game book. Although the premise is predictable (a single, self-centered football superstar suddenly discovers he’s the father of a precious little 8-year old daughter), silly, and corny, the cast and script elevate it to a higher playing field. The always charismatic Duane “The Rock” Johnson is very charming with his big smile and isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself. Madison Pettis, who plays the cute and precocious daughter, is even more charming. Kyra Sedgwick is casted as the over-the-top sports agent. Mix in some football, a little ballet, a high tech home, a bit of Elvis, a few crazy side characters, and a lovable dog. Then you get a wholesome family movie that is irresistible and entertaining. It is a good father/daughter bonding film. It is a guilty pleasure good time.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “father power” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Brave One
First, Alien smelled Bacon burning (Death Sentence) and now it’s Foster fuming (The Brave One) as vigilante justice returns to the big screen. Undoubtedly, comparisons will be drawn between these 2 similar themed movies. Both involve victims of violent crimes seeking justice under their own terms. However, this film is more of a psychological thriller where you feel the victim’s fear, pain, and mental torture as she tries to deal with her loss. Jodie Foster gives an outstanding performance taking the audience on an emotional ride. It soon becomes a cat and mouse game as the police detective (Terrence Howard) begins to close in on the mysterious vigilante killer. Alien loved the engaging dialogues between Foster and Howard. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you witness the final moments to see if your version of justice will be served.
Alien gives it 3 “Son of Sam” stars out of 4.
First, Alien smelled Bacon burning (Death Sentence) and now it’s Foster fuming (The Brave One) as vigilante justice returns to the big screen. Undoubtedly, comparisons will be drawn between these 2 similar themed movies. Both involve victims of violent crimes seeking justice under their own terms. However, this film is more of a psychological thriller where you feel the victim’s fear, pain, and mental torture as she tries to deal with her loss. Jodie Foster gives an outstanding performance taking the audience on an emotional ride. It soon becomes a cat and mouse game as the police detective (Terrence Howard) begins to close in on the mysterious vigilante killer. Alien loved the engaging dialogues between Foster and Howard. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you witness the final moments to see if your version of justice will be served.
Alien gives it 3 “Son of Sam” stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
The Brothers Solomon
While Alien was busy dodging bullets, he sent his brave scout to check out a comedy about a pair of well-meaning, but socially inept brothers try to find their perfect mates in order to provide their dying father with a grandchild. Here is the report:
Well, how do I sum this one up? For starters I can’t remember the name of the movie the next day to save my life. The beginning credits were fun… For those of you who liked “Dumb and Dumber”, you’ll think this deserves an Oscar nomination. For the rest of us, save your dime and the two hours and use it to wash your car or clean your kitchen. I think I can sum up the whole movie in one word, uncomfortable. I found myself saying “what!” in disbelief about once every other line. The two lead characters are social and intellectual misfits to an extreme. Several people got up and walked out half way through. There may have been more but I was sitting rather close to the front so I only saw the people in my peripheral view that left. My viewing companion and I almost left as well and would have if the outside air hadn’t been chalked full of ash and smoke from wildfires. I’m still not sure if it was intentional, but toward the end of the film the picture went out and, for a portion of the film, we were just looking at a black screen and some garbled sound. There were some entertaining moments, but aside from that I’d say this one is not worth renting.
While Alien was busy dodging bullets, he sent his brave scout to check out a comedy about a pair of well-meaning, but socially inept brothers try to find their perfect mates in order to provide their dying father with a grandchild. Here is the report:
Well, how do I sum this one up? For starters I can’t remember the name of the movie the next day to save my life. The beginning credits were fun… For those of you who liked “Dumb and Dumber”, you’ll think this deserves an Oscar nomination. For the rest of us, save your dime and the two hours and use it to wash your car or clean your kitchen. I think I can sum up the whole movie in one word, uncomfortable. I found myself saying “what!” in disbelief about once every other line. The two lead characters are social and intellectual misfits to an extreme. Several people got up and walked out half way through. There may have been more but I was sitting rather close to the front so I only saw the people in my peripheral view that left. My viewing companion and I almost left as well and would have if the outside air hadn’t been chalked full of ash and smoke from wildfires. I’m still not sure if it was intentional, but toward the end of the film the picture went out and, for a portion of the film, we were just looking at a black screen and some garbled sound. There were some entertaining moments, but aside from that I’d say this one is not worth renting.
Shoot ’Em Up
It’s “Sin City” meets “Looney Tunes” meets “Kill Bill” on steroids in this unique over-the-top action/comedy. A good samaritan stranger (Clive Owen), a lactating whore (Monica Bellucci), an evil crime boss (Paul Giamatti), and an innocent baby cross paths and bullets fly. It’s an action movie spoof with a peculiar sense of humor. The clever shootouts are unbelievable and great fun. If you like to laugh while getting your fill of violence, this may be your guilty pleasure. This series of raging gun battles is rated “R” for violence, language, and some nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “what’s up doc” stars out of 4.
It’s “Sin City” meets “Looney Tunes” meets “Kill Bill” on steroids in this unique over-the-top action/comedy. A good samaritan stranger (Clive Owen), a lactating whore (Monica Bellucci), an evil crime boss (Paul Giamatti), and an innocent baby cross paths and bullets fly. It’s an action movie spoof with a peculiar sense of humor. The clever shootouts are unbelievable and great fun. If you like to laugh while getting your fill of violence, this may be your guilty pleasure. This series of raging gun battles is rated “R” for violence, language, and some nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “what’s up doc” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
3:10 to Yuma
Time is ticking down in the old Arizona Wild West for a one-legged desperate rancher (Christian Bale) and a charming but notorious killer (Russell Crowe) as they try to catch the next train to Yuma. You’ll get to know these very different men as they spend time together on the trail eluding a gang of desperadoes. This remake of the 1957 original is a great western with ruthless villains and many of your favorite classic features. However, it is also a tremendous psychological thriller that will test its characters’ values. If you love westerns, saddle up and go see this nail biter which also features Peter Fonda, Ben Foster, and Logan Lerman. This is not your glamorous cowboy picture. It is dangerous, dirty, and gritty with an outstanding cast, storyline, and action. Some may not like the ending, but Alien was satisfied and thought it was fitting.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “God’s vengeance” stars out of 4.
Time is ticking down in the old Arizona Wild West for a one-legged desperate rancher (Christian Bale) and a charming but notorious killer (Russell Crowe) as they try to catch the next train to Yuma. You’ll get to know these very different men as they spend time together on the trail eluding a gang of desperadoes. This remake of the 1957 original is a great western with ruthless villains and many of your favorite classic features. However, it is also a tremendous psychological thriller that will test its characters’ values. If you love westerns, saddle up and go see this nail biter which also features Peter Fonda, Ben Foster, and Logan Lerman. This is not your glamorous cowboy picture. It is dangerous, dirty, and gritty with an outstanding cast, storyline, and action. Some may not like the ending, but Alien was satisfied and thought it was fitting.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “God’s vengeance” stars out of 4.
