Thursday, January 31, 2008
Spiderwick Chronicles
Fairies, hobgoblins, and sprites… oh my. In the spirit of Narnia and Harry Potter, comes another popular children’s book recreating the magical world of Arthur Spiderwick and his book of secrets. It is a wild adventure for brave kids who love mystery and daring thrills. It has great kid appeal if you don’t scare too easily. Any kid with imagination will be attracted to the strange invisible creatures, hidden rooms and tunnels, sword fighting, magic, and saving the world. Freddie Highmore is convincing as the very different twins, Jared and Simon. This movie with some spectacular special effects is great fun for kids and adults who want to be kids again. By the end, you’ll want to know more about these creatures and the secrets in the field guide. Stock up on your honey, salt, and tomato sauce.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “fantasmical realm” stars out of 4.
Fairies, hobgoblins, and sprites… oh my. In the spirit of Narnia and Harry Potter, comes another popular children’s book recreating the magical world of Arthur Spiderwick and his book of secrets. It is a wild adventure for brave kids who love mystery and daring thrills. It has great kid appeal if you don’t scare too easily. Any kid with imagination will be attracted to the strange invisible creatures, hidden rooms and tunnels, sword fighting, magic, and saving the world. Freddie Highmore is convincing as the very different twins, Jared and Simon. This movie with some spectacular special effects is great fun for kids and adults who want to be kids again. By the end, you’ll want to know more about these creatures and the secrets in the field guide. Stock up on your honey, salt, and tomato sauce.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “fantasmical realm” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Over Her Dead Body
Do you believe in ghosts and psychics? It’s “Just Like Heaven” meets the “Ghost Whisperer” as the veterinarian groom-to-be (Paul Rudd), the psychic/caterer new love interest (Lake Bell), and the dead bride-to-be (Eva Longoria Parker) tangle in an odd three way love triangle. Also that “American Pie” guy (Jason Biggs) adds another twist to the mix as the caterer’s assistant. Longoria Parker plays the ghost bitch from hell trying to sabotage her ex’s new romantic relationship (think desperate housewife Gabby from the grave). The film is fairly predictable, but it has some snappy repartee and a few cute surprises. It is basically sitcom material and a chick flick, but it is watchable and entertaining enough.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “moving on” stars out of 4.
Do you believe in ghosts and psychics? It’s “Just Like Heaven” meets the “Ghost Whisperer” as the veterinarian groom-to-be (Paul Rudd), the psychic/caterer new love interest (Lake Bell), and the dead bride-to-be (Eva Longoria Parker) tangle in an odd three way love triangle. Also that “American Pie” guy (Jason Biggs) adds another twist to the mix as the caterer’s assistant. Longoria Parker plays the ghost bitch from hell trying to sabotage her ex’s new romantic relationship (think desperate housewife Gabby from the grave). The film is fairly predictable, but it has some snappy repartee and a few cute surprises. It is basically sitcom material and a chick flick, but it is watchable and entertaining enough.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “moving on” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Untraceable
It’s “Criminal Minds” meets “Silence of the Lambs” meets “Saw” as two Portland, Oregon, FBI cyber cops (Diane Lane and Colin Hanks) play cat and mouse with a serial killer streaming live videos of his victims’ executions. This film exploits the public’s attraction to cyberspace and voyeurism. It is intense and disturbing; not for the squeamish because it will have you squirming in your seat. However, if you like this kind of thrill, you’re in for quite an exciting ride; so hang on tight.
Alien gives it 3 “curiosity killed the cat” stars out of 4.
It’s “Criminal Minds” meets “Silence of the Lambs” meets “Saw” as two Portland, Oregon, FBI cyber cops (Diane Lane and Colin Hanks) play cat and mouse with a serial killer streaming live videos of his victims’ executions. This film exploits the public’s attraction to cyberspace and voyeurism. It is intense and disturbing; not for the squeamish because it will have you squirming in your seat. However, if you like this kind of thrill, you’re in for quite an exciting ride; so hang on tight.
Alien gives it 3 “curiosity killed the cat” stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
U2 3D at the IMAX
Go on the Vertigo Tour with U2 and experience a concert like you have never seen or heard before. It is definitely worth the price of a movie ticket. You will be treated to the best picture and sound quality at the IMAX Theater. It is like you are there, but it is even better than being there. See Bono and company up close and personal from all angles. Feel the contagious energy of the concert crowd. The 3D effect makes the performance go beyond real. If you are a U2 fan, you’ll be singing along. Alien had a tremendous time even though I didn’t know any U2 songs. Here is their set list: "Vertigo", "Beautiful Day", "New Year's Day", "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own", "Love and Peace or Else", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "Bullet the Blue Sky", "Miss Sarajevo", "Pride (In the Name of Love)", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "One", "The Fly", "With or Without You", and "Yahweh". Go and enjoy. It is a real trip.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Rock On” stars out of 4.
Go on the Vertigo Tour with U2 and experience a concert like you have never seen or heard before. It is definitely worth the price of a movie ticket. You will be treated to the best picture and sound quality at the IMAX Theater. It is like you are there, but it is even better than being there. See Bono and company up close and personal from all angles. Feel the contagious energy of the concert crowd. The 3D effect makes the performance go beyond real. If you are a U2 fan, you’ll be singing along. Alien had a tremendous time even though I didn’t know any U2 songs. Here is their set list: "Vertigo", "Beautiful Day", "New Year's Day", "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own", "Love and Peace or Else", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "Bullet the Blue Sky", "Miss Sarajevo", "Pride (In the Name of Love)", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "One", "The Fly", "With or Without You", and "Yahweh". Go and enjoy. It is a real trip.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Rock On” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Cloverfield
It’s “Friends” meets “Godzilla” meets “The Blair Witch Project” meets “X Files” meets “Lost” in J.J. Abrams’ version of “How I Spent My Summer Vacation in NYC” or “Escape from Manhattan”. Cloverfield is the government code word the events recorded on a camcorder tape filmed by a group of friends starting at a farewell party. This much hyped film has a lot of tension and mystery running though it. While the film’s home movie feel is novel at first, it soon becomes nauseating; like watching 90 minutes of your good friends’ horribly jerky home movies. The film is more about the people rather than the mystery monster. Some will really love this film, but most will be disappointed.
Alien gives it 2 “what the hell was that” stars out of 4.
It’s “Friends” meets “Godzilla” meets “The Blair Witch Project” meets “X Files” meets “Lost” in J.J. Abrams’ version of “How I Spent My Summer Vacation in NYC” or “Escape from Manhattan”. Cloverfield is the government code word the events recorded on a camcorder tape filmed by a group of friends starting at a farewell party. This much hyped film has a lot of tension and mystery running though it. While the film’s home movie feel is novel at first, it soon becomes nauseating; like watching 90 minutes of your good friends’ horribly jerky home movies. The film is more about the people rather than the mystery monster. Some will really love this film, but most will be disappointed.
Alien gives it 2 “what the hell was that” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Mad Money
The temptation becomes too great for Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, and Katie Holmes who team up for a light-weight heist comedy about stealing from the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. This girl-power Oceans 3 team manages to use low tech methods to beat government high security until the authorities catch on to their game. It is cute and funny mindless entertainment. If you like these ladies, then you’ll probably like this film.
Alien gives it 2 “crime is contagious” stars out of 4.
The temptation becomes too great for Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, and Katie Holmes who team up for a light-weight heist comedy about stealing from the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. This girl-power Oceans 3 team manages to use low tech methods to beat government high security until the authorities catch on to their game. It is cute and funny mindless entertainment. If you like these ladies, then you’ll probably like this film.
Alien gives it 2 “crime is contagious” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
There Will Be Blood
Come and listen to a story about a man named Plainview
A poor silver miner, pretending to have a family,
Then one day he was shootin at some quail,
And up through the ground came a bubblin crude.
Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.
Well the first thing you know ol Dan's a millionaire,
Paul said "Dan move away from there"
Said "Californy is the place you ought to be"
So he loaded up the Model T and moved to goat country.
Set in California in the early 1900s, a slick oil baron (Daniel Day-Lewis) driven by greed convinces religious goat ranchers to sell their land for promises of a better life. An evangelical preacher (Paul Dano) becomes his nemesis. These 2 actors give powerful and charismatic performances. See what the early days of oil drilling were like. The film is visually rich and well-made, but Alien is sure what to make of the ending (film’s fatal flaw for Alien). If you see it, you may agree with many other film critics and love it. This movie is inspired by Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil!” and the film “Treasure of Sierra Madre”. Rated "R" for violence.
Alien gives it 2 “Church of the Third Revelation” stars out of 4.
Come and listen to a story about a man named Plainview
A poor silver miner, pretending to have a family,
Then one day he was shootin at some quail,
And up through the ground came a bubblin crude.
Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.
Well the first thing you know ol Dan's a millionaire,
Paul said "Dan move away from there"
Said "Californy is the place you ought to be"
So he loaded up the Model T and moved to goat country.
Set in California in the early 1900s, a slick oil baron (Daniel Day-Lewis) driven by greed convinces religious goat ranchers to sell their land for promises of a better life. An evangelical preacher (Paul Dano) becomes his nemesis. These 2 actors give powerful and charismatic performances. See what the early days of oil drilling were like. The film is visually rich and well-made, but Alien is sure what to make of the ending (film’s fatal flaw for Alien). If you see it, you may agree with many other film critics and love it. This movie is inspired by Upton Sinclair’s novel “Oil!” and the film “Treasure of Sierra Madre”. Rated "R" for violence.
Alien gives it 2 “Church of the Third Revelation” stars out of 4.
Monday, January 07, 2008
The Bucket List
It’s “The Odd Couple” meets “Grumpy Old Men” meets “Terms of Endearment” meets “Road Trip” as two terminal cancer patients with nothing in common put together a list of things to do before kicking the bucket. The list takes them on a journey that transforms both of them more than they will realize. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are great actors who play well off of each other. They are just fun to watch. Sean Hayes is perfect as the faithful assistant. It is hilarious and bittersweet as their friendship develops and they find courage to face their mortality. It will make you laugh and bring a tear to your eye. Everyone should see this positive film before their time comes.
Alien gives it 3 “What is Jeopardy?” stars out of 4.
It’s “The Odd Couple” meets “Grumpy Old Men” meets “Terms of Endearment” meets “Road Trip” as two terminal cancer patients with nothing in common put together a list of things to do before kicking the bucket. The list takes them on a journey that transforms both of them more than they will realize. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are great actors who play well off of each other. They are just fun to watch. Sean Hayes is perfect as the faithful assistant. It is hilarious and bittersweet as their friendship develops and they find courage to face their mortality. It will make you laugh and bring a tear to your eye. Everyone should see this positive film before their time comes.
Alien gives it 3 “What is Jeopardy?” stars out of 4.
