Thursday, December 27, 2007
El Orfanato (The Orphanage)
Fans of mysteries and the paranormal may enjoy in this Spanish (with English subtitles) film about a lady, her family, and a possibly haunted orphanage. When her son begins to play with invisible friends, the film starts getting creepy. Do you believe in ghosts? Or are there logical explanations for when your mind runs wild? Can you unravel the mystery? It may seem like mere child’s play. This story will keep you are edge and guessing. Alien enjoyed this simple, but haunting tale.
Alien gives it 3 “Wendy and the lost children in Neverland” stars out of 4.
Fans of mysteries and the paranormal may enjoy in this Spanish (with English subtitles) film about a lady, her family, and a possibly haunted orphanage. When her son begins to play with invisible friends, the film starts getting creepy. Do you believe in ghosts? Or are there logical explanations for when your mind runs wild? Can you unravel the mystery? It may seem like mere child’s play. This story will keep you are edge and guessing. Alien enjoyed this simple, but haunting tale.
Alien gives it 3 “Wendy and the lost children in Neverland” stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Watch out Broadway musical fans. This odd subject for a play has been electrified, intensified, and Tim Burton-sized. It’s “Phantom of the Opera” meets “The Count of Monte Cristo” meets Jeffrey Dahmer as Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) seeks revenge in the seedy side of Victorian London. Tim’s wife, Helena Bonham Carter plays the sinister Mrs. Lovett with relish. Depp is deliciously dark and deadly. Helena is hellishly evil. Burton is at his bloody best. It is visually and audibly simulating. But this musical movie marvel is not for the faint hearted. The many close shaves will cause blood to be gushing freely. Some scenes will leave a long lasting impact on the skull. If you have a strange predilection for gore and disgusting things, you may be shocked, but you’ll probably enjoy this very dark piece of black comedy set to music. The talents of Johnny, Helena, and Tim really make this musical adaptation to film work to perfection. Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, and Sacha Baron Cohen play colorful side characters who are predictably expendable. It is a love story with tragedy, vengeance, quirky humor and a beat. What more could you ask for.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Depp deep in blood” stars out of 4.
Watch out Broadway musical fans. This odd subject for a play has been electrified, intensified, and Tim Burton-sized. It’s “Phantom of the Opera” meets “The Count of Monte Cristo” meets Jeffrey Dahmer as Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) seeks revenge in the seedy side of Victorian London. Tim’s wife, Helena Bonham Carter plays the sinister Mrs. Lovett with relish. Depp is deliciously dark and deadly. Helena is hellishly evil. Burton is at his bloody best. It is visually and audibly simulating. But this musical movie marvel is not for the faint hearted. The many close shaves will cause blood to be gushing freely. Some scenes will leave a long lasting impact on the skull. If you have a strange predilection for gore and disgusting things, you may be shocked, but you’ll probably enjoy this very dark piece of black comedy set to music. The talents of Johnny, Helena, and Tim really make this musical adaptation to film work to perfection. Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, and Sacha Baron Cohen play colorful side characters who are predictably expendable. It is a love story with tragedy, vengeance, quirky humor and a beat. What more could you ask for.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Depp deep in blood” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
The whole Gates gang is back for more codes, ciphers, puzzles, and lost treasure. Ben’s mom (Helen Mirren) has been added to the cast. It begins with the assassination of Abe Lincoln and the clues take us to Paris, London, Washington D.C., and Mount Rushmore. It is another high adventure thrill ride/history lesson, but it is a lot funnier than the first film. Ed Harris plays Ben’s rival racing for the gold treasure. It is pure escapism with James Bond/Mission Impossible/Indiana Jones type energy. It is not necessary to see the original first, but if you have, you’ll feel real comfortable with the characters and probably have more fun.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Cibola city” stars out of 4.
The whole Gates gang is back for more codes, ciphers, puzzles, and lost treasure. Ben’s mom (Helen Mirren) has been added to the cast. It begins with the assassination of Abe Lincoln and the clues take us to Paris, London, Washington D.C., and Mount Rushmore. It is another high adventure thrill ride/history lesson, but it is a lot funnier than the first film. Ed Harris plays Ben’s rival racing for the gold treasure. It is pure escapism with James Bond/Mission Impossible/Indiana Jones type energy. It is not necessary to see the original first, but if you have, you’ll feel real comfortable with the characters and probably have more fun.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Cibola city” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Great Debaters
Denzel Washington directs and stars in this terrific film about a black debate team from rural Texas who challenges the national champions, Harvard University, in 1935. Although it is based on a true story, it probably is virtually unknown until now. Denzel and Forrest Whitaker give strong performances, but the young debate team actors carry the movie. The characters and the conditions of the times will grab your heart. Like the featured debate team, this film is smart, eloquent, convincing, and effective. This inspirational film captures an important piece of history that needs to be shared. You’ll find yourself cheering at a couple of the powerful scenes. The film is a bit contrived as it tells this uplifting story, but it is still an entertaining movie treat for all people.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “persuasion” stars out of 4.
Denzel Washington directs and stars in this terrific film about a black debate team from rural Texas who challenges the national champions, Harvard University, in 1935. Although it is based on a true story, it probably is virtually unknown until now. Denzel and Forrest Whitaker give strong performances, but the young debate team actors carry the movie. The characters and the conditions of the times will grab your heart. Like the featured debate team, this film is smart, eloquent, convincing, and effective. This inspirational film captures an important piece of history that needs to be shared. You’ll find yourself cheering at a couple of the powerful scenes. The film is a bit contrived as it tells this uplifting story, but it is still an entertaining movie treat for all people.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “persuasion” stars out of 4.
Monday, December 17, 2007
P. S. I Love You
This is the chick flick that women want to see. It is a love story where the sweetest husband (Gerard Butler) reaches out from beyond the grave to help his widowed wife (Hilary Swank) move on with her life through his surprise letters of encouragement. The movie is hilarious at one moment; then sad and tender in the next. It has got girlfriends, gorgeous guys, karaoke, a wedding, and shoes. What else could a girl want in a film? Swank’s performance is right on as the unsure, fragile, and vulnerable woman who has lost the love of her life. Butler exudes great charm and passion for his wife. A good cast of supporting characters (Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, Kathy Bates, and Harry Connick Jr.) adds a lot of hilarity and heart to the film. This feel good movie is a weepy tear jerker, but it is also a lot of fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 “better to have loved and lost” stars out of 4.
This is the chick flick that women want to see. It is a love story where the sweetest husband (Gerard Butler) reaches out from beyond the grave to help his widowed wife (Hilary Swank) move on with her life through his surprise letters of encouragement. The movie is hilarious at one moment; then sad and tender in the next. It has got girlfriends, gorgeous guys, karaoke, a wedding, and shoes. What else could a girl want in a film? Swank’s performance is right on as the unsure, fragile, and vulnerable woman who has lost the love of her life. Butler exudes great charm and passion for his wife. A good cast of supporting characters (Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, Kathy Bates, and Harry Connick Jr.) adds a lot of hilarity and heart to the film. This feel good movie is a weepy tear jerker, but it is also a lot of fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 “better to have loved and lost” stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Atonement
The lives of two passionate lovers (Keira Knightley and James McAvoy) are disrupted by a foolish child’s (Briony Tallis convincingly played by Saoire Ronan) misinterpretation of events and false accusation. The acting is superb. The cinematography is outstanding. It is a fabulous looking movie. Alien can see why critics are raving about this film. However, it is also very sad, grim, and depressing. It captures all too well the ugliness of war. The evacuation at Dunkirk will leave you with a lasting impression. Vanessa Redgrave’s surprise appearance added jut the right touch to the film. The moral here is to beware of the stories told by Briony. They may deceive and hurt you. In the end, Alien just didn’t like this story.
Alien gives it 2 “sides of a story” stars out of 4.
The lives of two passionate lovers (Keira Knightley and James McAvoy) are disrupted by a foolish child’s (Briony Tallis convincingly played by Saoire Ronan) misinterpretation of events and false accusation. The acting is superb. The cinematography is outstanding. It is a fabulous looking movie. Alien can see why critics are raving about this film. However, it is also very sad, grim, and depressing. It captures all too well the ugliness of war. The evacuation at Dunkirk will leave you with a lasting impression. Vanessa Redgrave’s surprise appearance added jut the right touch to the film. The moral here is to beware of the stories told by Briony. They may deceive and hurt you. In the end, Alien just didn’t like this story.
Alien gives it 2 “sides of a story” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I Am Legend
It’s “War of the Worlds” meets “Land of the Dead” meets “Outbreak” meets “30 Days of Night” as Will Smith plays “Survivor: New York City 2012”. Welcome to Will’s apocalyptic world where a man-made virus has infected the population and Robert Neville (Will Smith) hasn’t seen another human in 3 years. Time and loneliness has taken their toll on our hero. By day, he and his loyal dog search for food, supplies, and other possible survivors. By night, they hide from the infected creatures. Will Smith gives an outstanding performance as the desperate and lonely man fighting for his life as well as the lives of all mankind. The transformation of NYC to its desolate state is absolutely amazing. Everything looks so real and convincing. The silence is deafening. The infected creatures that lurk in the darkness are very, very scary. They are smart so our hero must be smarter. The tension builds and builds as the infected get closer and closer. Can an antidote be discovered in time? For this intense thriller, you’ll either be on the edge of your seat or cowering under it.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “miracle cancer cure or deadly KV virus” stars out of 4.
It’s “War of the Worlds” meets “Land of the Dead” meets “Outbreak” meets “30 Days of Night” as Will Smith plays “Survivor: New York City 2012”. Welcome to Will’s apocalyptic world where a man-made virus has infected the population and Robert Neville (Will Smith) hasn’t seen another human in 3 years. Time and loneliness has taken their toll on our hero. By day, he and his loyal dog search for food, supplies, and other possible survivors. By night, they hide from the infected creatures. Will Smith gives an outstanding performance as the desperate and lonely man fighting for his life as well as the lives of all mankind. The transformation of NYC to its desolate state is absolutely amazing. Everything looks so real and convincing. The silence is deafening. The infected creatures that lurk in the darkness are very, very scary. They are smart so our hero must be smarter. The tension builds and builds as the infected get closer and closer. Can an antidote be discovered in time? For this intense thriller, you’ll either be on the edge of your seat or cowering under it.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “miracle cancer cure or deadly KV virus” stars out of 4.
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Perfect Holiday
If you take an aspiring songwriter/part-time Santa (Morris Chestnut), a divorced mom (Gabrielle Union) with 3 adorable kids, an ego-centric rap star (Charlie Murphy) and a Christmas theme, you get a delightful romantic comedy and family film just in time for the holidays. Children’s Christmas wishes spark and interfere with a budding romance, but who can’t guess there will be a happy ending. Don’t be a Scrooge or a Grinch. Just relax, be jolly, and enjoy this sappy story full of Christmas cheer. But don’t get you hopes up for performances by Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard, for they are mere comic relief cameos as Mrs. Christmas and Bah Humbug characters battling to steer the story in their opposite directions. This movie has hope for love the second time around, good family values, and bumper cars; what more could you wish for at Christmas. Happy Holidays!
Alien gives it 3 “Christmas wishes” stars out of 4.
If you take an aspiring songwriter/part-time Santa (Morris Chestnut), a divorced mom (Gabrielle Union) with 3 adorable kids, an ego-centric rap star (Charlie Murphy) and a Christmas theme, you get a delightful romantic comedy and family film just in time for the holidays. Children’s Christmas wishes spark and interfere with a budding romance, but who can’t guess there will be a happy ending. Don’t be a Scrooge or a Grinch. Just relax, be jolly, and enjoy this sappy story full of Christmas cheer. But don’t get you hopes up for performances by Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard, for they are mere comic relief cameos as Mrs. Christmas and Bah Humbug characters battling to steer the story in their opposite directions. This movie has hope for love the second time around, good family values, and bumper cars; what more could you wish for at Christmas. Happy Holidays!
Alien gives it 3 “Christmas wishes” stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Alvin and the Chipmunks
That 50’s singing sensation trio is back and is guaranteed to wow the little ones on the big screen. Those cute, but mischievous, chipmunks, Simon, Theodore, and Alvin once again create havoc for Dave Seville (Jason Lee) in a story about family and celebrity stardom. The little kids in the audience were laughing their heads off and the adults were having a good time too. Of course, two of creator Ross Bagdasarian’s big hits are featured, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)” and "The Witch Doctor". It is a nice update, a holiday treat for the kids, and good wholesome family fun.
Alien gives it 3 “Alvin, Alvin, ALVIN!” stars out of 4.
That 50’s singing sensation trio is back and is guaranteed to wow the little ones on the big screen. Those cute, but mischievous, chipmunks, Simon, Theodore, and Alvin once again create havoc for Dave Seville (Jason Lee) in a story about family and celebrity stardom. The little kids in the audience were laughing their heads off and the adults were having a good time too. Of course, two of creator Ross Bagdasarian’s big hits are featured, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)” and "The Witch Doctor". It is a nice update, a holiday treat for the kids, and good wholesome family fun.
Alien gives it 3 “Alvin, Alvin, ALVIN!” stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
It’s “Walk the Line” meets “Ray” meets “SuperBad” in Judd Apatow’s parody of musical biopics. Fictitious legendary musician, Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) takes us on a magical musical history ride through the highs and lows of his lengthy singing career. Be there when Dewey meets the Beatles, Elvis, and Buddy Holly. Listen to the lyrics as Dewey captures the sounds of the times. Poor Dewey gets hooked on just about every drug on earth. Keep your eyes peeled for cameos galore. Expect the unexpected. Apatow is very clever at times. This film is funny, but not his best work. This one is rated “R” for language, drugs, sexual content, and nudity (full frontal, male and female, ew). If you stay through the end of the credits, you’ll get a glimpse of the “real” Dewey Cox.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Let’s Duet” stars out of 4.
It’s “Walk the Line” meets “Ray” meets “SuperBad” in Judd Apatow’s parody of musical biopics. Fictitious legendary musician, Dewey Cox (John C. Reilly) takes us on a magical musical history ride through the highs and lows of his lengthy singing career. Be there when Dewey meets the Beatles, Elvis, and Buddy Holly. Listen to the lyrics as Dewey captures the sounds of the times. Poor Dewey gets hooked on just about every drug on earth. Keep your eyes peeled for cameos galore. Expect the unexpected. Apatow is very clever at times. This film is funny, but not his best work. This one is rated “R” for language, drugs, sexual content, and nudity (full frontal, male and female, ew). If you stay through the end of the credits, you’ll get a glimpse of the “real” Dewey Cox.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “Let’s Duet” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Margot at the Wedding
A movie about a dysfunctional family featuring Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Jack Black may sound like a good idea for an entertaining comedy, but this non-funny film is more like being trapped in a wedding reception room with boring guests that you can't stand. The beautiful and likable Kidman portrays her character as an ugly unsympathetic person. The movie as well as its characters can only be described as erratic. It is a string of odd unrelated events that lead to nowhere. By the end of the movie, you will be asking yourself what happened here. Rated “R” for language and some nudity (primarily, Jack Black’s back side).
Alien gives it 1 “climb a tree” star out of 4.
* Alien time/space warped 130 miles to the southwest for this screening.
A movie about a dysfunctional family featuring Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Jack Black may sound like a good idea for an entertaining comedy, but this non-funny film is more like being trapped in a wedding reception room with boring guests that you can't stand. The beautiful and likable Kidman portrays her character as an ugly unsympathetic person. The movie as well as its characters can only be described as erratic. It is a string of odd unrelated events that lead to nowhere. By the end of the movie, you will be asking yourself what happened here. Rated “R” for language and some nudity (primarily, Jack Black’s back side).
Alien gives it 1 “climb a tree” star out of 4.
* Alien time/space warped 130 miles to the southwest for this screening.
Monday, December 03, 2007
The Golden Compass
It’s “Star Wars” meets “Lord of the Rings” meets “Chronicles of Narnia” in this very dark tale of a parallel universe where everything seems familiar, but with a new strange twist. This fantasy film revolves around a young girl’s quest to find lost children with the help of her animal spirit guide, a magic compass (called an Alethiometer), and some unusual friends. Dakota Blue Richards is excellent as Lyra Belacqua, the intelligent heroine who finds courage from within. The film creates a fascinating world of the Magisterium, Gobblers, Gyptions, Witches, armored Ice Bears, and a Texan Aeronaut. Alien liked the sets, the costumes, and the special effects used to create this fantastical new world. The film looks fabulous, but it lacks a soul because not enough foundation was use to build their interesting characters. The details of the characters' backgrounds seemed to be sacrificed to move the story along and leaves the audience unclear about who is who and why are things the way they are. Parents, leave your little ones home because this PG-13 movie is not a children’s story and may give them nightmares. Alien found it a little too dark and too obvious in setting up a sequel.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “more style than depth” stars out of 4.
It’s “Star Wars” meets “Lord of the Rings” meets “Chronicles of Narnia” in this very dark tale of a parallel universe where everything seems familiar, but with a new strange twist. This fantasy film revolves around a young girl’s quest to find lost children with the help of her animal spirit guide, a magic compass (called an Alethiometer), and some unusual friends. Dakota Blue Richards is excellent as Lyra Belacqua, the intelligent heroine who finds courage from within. The film creates a fascinating world of the Magisterium, Gobblers, Gyptions, Witches, armored Ice Bears, and a Texan Aeronaut. Alien liked the sets, the costumes, and the special effects used to create this fantastical new world. The film looks fabulous, but it lacks a soul because not enough foundation was use to build their interesting characters. The details of the characters' backgrounds seemed to be sacrificed to move the story along and leaves the audience unclear about who is who and why are things the way they are. Parents, leave your little ones home because this PG-13 movie is not a children’s story and may give them nightmares. Alien found it a little too dark and too obvious in setting up a sequel.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “more style than depth” stars out of 4.
