Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Iron Man
It’s “Batman” meets Robocop” meets “Lord of War” meets “R2D2” as another 60’s Marvel Comic Superhero blasts on to the big screen with spectacular 2008 upgrades. You don’t have to be an Iron Man fan to enjoy this movie, but after seeing it you just may become a fan and look forward to the sequel. It is a great script not only explaining the origins and development of Iron Man, but to the character growth the man behind the metal suit. Robert Downey Jr. is brilliant as the billionaire playboy industrialist weapons maker genius, Tony Stark, who likes his cars fast and his women loose. Gwyneth Paltrow, Stark’s girl Friday, has great chemistry with Downey Jr. A bearded, head shaved Jeff Bridges is almost unrecognizable as Obadiah Stane. Terence Howard’s role as Jim Rhodes is a minor one, but Alien anticipates he will be suited for something special in the future. Look for actor/director Jon Favreau doubling as the chauffeur and, of course, keep an eye out for Stan Lee in a cameo. The film has a great sense of humor and terrific action and special effects. You got to love the boy with his toys and Stark has the right gadgets. This making of a superhero story is tons of fun and an unforgettable thrill ride. This is Alien’s new favorite superhero movie.
Alien gives it 4 “Sector 16” stars out of 4.
ps Alien did take “best of show” in Iron Man Costume Contest.
It’s “Batman” meets Robocop” meets “Lord of War” meets “R2D2” as another 60’s Marvel Comic Superhero blasts on to the big screen with spectacular 2008 upgrades. You don’t have to be an Iron Man fan to enjoy this movie, but after seeing it you just may become a fan and look forward to the sequel. It is a great script not only explaining the origins and development of Iron Man, but to the character growth the man behind the metal suit. Robert Downey Jr. is brilliant as the billionaire playboy industrialist weapons maker genius, Tony Stark, who likes his cars fast and his women loose. Gwyneth Paltrow, Stark’s girl Friday, has great chemistry with Downey Jr. A bearded, head shaved Jeff Bridges is almost unrecognizable as Obadiah Stane. Terence Howard’s role as Jim Rhodes is a minor one, but Alien anticipates he will be suited for something special in the future. Look for actor/director Jon Favreau doubling as the chauffeur and, of course, keep an eye out for Stan Lee in a cameo. The film has a great sense of humor and terrific action and special effects. You got to love the boy with his toys and Stark has the right gadgets. This making of a superhero story is tons of fun and an unforgettable thrill ride. This is Alien’s new favorite superhero movie.
Alien gives it 4 “Sector 16” stars out of 4.
ps Alien did take “best of show” in Iron Man Costume Contest.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
Those pot loving boys, Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn), are back to take you on another outrageous road trip as they play “The Fugitive” trying to dodge the authorities as suspected terrorists. If you liked their White Castle adventure, you’ll love this crazy romp across the country and the ocean. They chase someting other than burgers in this one. But like the first film, expect a liberal dose of drug usage, nudity, and profanity. The lewd, crude, and rude formula works well here. Of course, Neil Patrick Harris makes another riotous appearance. It is a guilty pleasure film destined to become a cult classic. Be sure to stay through the credits for the final scene revealing what happens to one of the characters.
Alien gives it 3 “Madame Sadie’s Foxy Hole” stars out of 4.
Those pot loving boys, Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn), are back to take you on another outrageous road trip as they play “The Fugitive” trying to dodge the authorities as suspected terrorists. If you liked their White Castle adventure, you’ll love this crazy romp across the country and the ocean. They chase someting other than burgers in this one. But like the first film, expect a liberal dose of drug usage, nudity, and profanity. The lewd, crude, and rude formula works well here. Of course, Neil Patrick Harris makes another riotous appearance. It is a guilty pleasure film destined to become a cult classic. Be sure to stay through the credits for the final scene revealing what happens to one of the characters.
Alien gives it 3 “Madame Sadie’s Foxy Hole” stars out of 4.
Baby Mama
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler get together to hatch a baby in this funny comedy about motherhood, surrogacy, and personality clashes. The biological clock of a successful, single business woman (Fey) is ticking when she finds a surrogate mother (Poehler). Smart dialogue and Poehler’s usual zany performance are keys to this film’s laughs and silliness. Fey and Poehler dominate the movie with Sigourney Weaver, Maura Tierney, Greg Kinnear, and Steve Martin appearing in only minor roles. Expect to see many familiar SNL faces with names you can’t remember in cameo shots.
Alien gives it 3 “squirrelly sonogram” stars out of 4.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler get together to hatch a baby in this funny comedy about motherhood, surrogacy, and personality clashes. The biological clock of a successful, single business woman (Fey) is ticking when she finds a surrogate mother (Poehler). Smart dialogue and Poehler’s usual zany performance are keys to this film’s laughs and silliness. Fey and Poehler dominate the movie with Sigourney Weaver, Maura Tierney, Greg Kinnear, and Steve Martin appearing in only minor roles. Expect to see many familiar SNL faces with names you can’t remember in cameo shots.
Alien gives it 3 “squirrelly sonogram” stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Young at Heart
This documentary about the Young at Heart Chorus will surprise you. It is highly entertaining and inspirational. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. The average age of this singing group from Northampton, Massachusetts is 80 years old. These non-actors are hilarious. You couldn’t write a funnier script. Senior citizens say the darndest things. You’ll hope that you can be as lively and happy as these octogenarians if you reach their age. If you see this film, you may hear some of your favorite songs sung like you never heard them before. This charming and poignant film will give Scorsese’s Stones film, “Shine a Light”, a run for the money. In about 15 years, Mick and the boys will be just the right age to join this chorus.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “I feel good” stars out of 4.
This documentary about the Young at Heart Chorus will surprise you. It is highly entertaining and inspirational. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. The average age of this singing group from Northampton, Massachusetts is 80 years old. These non-actors are hilarious. You couldn’t write a funnier script. Senior citizens say the darndest things. You’ll hope that you can be as lively and happy as these octogenarians if you reach their age. If you see this film, you may hear some of your favorite songs sung like you never heard them before. This charming and poignant film will give Scorsese’s Stones film, “Shine a Light”, a run for the money. In about 15 years, Mick and the boys will be just the right age to join this chorus.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “I feel good” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Forbidden Kingdom
If Jackie Chan fought Jet Li, who would win? Come see “The Forbidden Kingdom" to find out.
It’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” meets "Chronicles of Narnia” meets “The Karate Kid” in this homage to the old Chinese kung fu movies. A kung fu crazy boy from South Boston finds a legendary staff weapon that takes him on a magical journey to ancient China and a quest to return it to its rightful owner. This stranger in a strange land is joined by a drunk, a monk, and an orphan who must do battle with a witch and an evil warlord. Martial arts fans won’t be disappointed. Neither will the fans of Chinese myths and legends as the film features the famous Monkey King. The Chinese scenery is absolutely spectacular and breathtaking. It is a classic Chinese story of revenge and destiny.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “nostalgic memories of Confucius Church Saturday afternoon picture shows” stars out of 4.
If Jackie Chan fought Jet Li, who would win? Come see “The Forbidden Kingdom" to find out.
It’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” meets "Chronicles of Narnia” meets “The Karate Kid” in this homage to the old Chinese kung fu movies. A kung fu crazy boy from South Boston finds a legendary staff weapon that takes him on a magical journey to ancient China and a quest to return it to its rightful owner. This stranger in a strange land is joined by a drunk, a monk, and an orphan who must do battle with a witch and an evil warlord. Martial arts fans won’t be disappointed. Neither will the fans of Chinese myths and legends as the film features the famous Monkey King. The Chinese scenery is absolutely spectacular and breathtaking. It is a classic Chinese story of revenge and destiny.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “nostalgic memories of Confucius Church Saturday afternoon picture shows” stars out of 4.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
All this film needs is a mister to spray the audience to complete the realistic experience of splashing down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The immense IMAX screen and the 3D effects will give you those dizzying sensations of standing at the edge of those painted cliffs. Experience the thrill ride of paddling through some dangerous rapids. See how man has affected this canyon and its river over the years. Behold the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Alien gives it 3 “save the river” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
All this film needs is a mister to spray the audience to complete the realistic experience of splashing down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The immense IMAX screen and the 3D effects will give you those dizzying sensations of standing at the edge of those painted cliffs. Experience the thrill ride of paddling through some dangerous rapids. See how man has affected this canyon and its river over the years. Behold the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Alien gives it 3 “save the river” stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Smart People
If you are tired of the run-of-the-mill stereotypical romantic comedies, you might want to check out “Smart People”, a funny and charming story about a dysfunctional family that draws its laughs from a more sophisticated and intellectual sense of humor. See the funny side of human nature as a pompous professor (Dennis Quaid) who has lost his passion for teaching, a doctor (Sarah Jessica Parker) who had a crush on her former teacher, a sarcastic, overachieving daughter (Ellen Page), and an adopted, free-loading brother (Thomas Haden Church) struggle in their relationships to each other.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “crossword puzzles and scramble” stars out of 4.
If you are tired of the run-of-the-mill stereotypical romantic comedies, you might want to check out “Smart People”, a funny and charming story about a dysfunctional family that draws its laughs from a more sophisticated and intellectual sense of humor. See the funny side of human nature as a pompous professor (Dennis Quaid) who has lost his passion for teaching, a doctor (Sarah Jessica Parker) who had a crush on her former teacher, a sarcastic, overachieving daughter (Ellen Page), and an adopted, free-loading brother (Thomas Haden Church) struggle in their relationships to each other.
Alien gives it 2 ½ “crossword puzzles and scramble” stars out of 4.
Friday, April 04, 2008
The Ruins
It’s “Touristas” meets “Anacondas” meets “Apocalyto” when American vacationers get a special invitation to explore an ancient Mayan archeological site. Of course, things start to go wrong when they have trouble communicating with the natives and things go really wrong when they release the dangers of the jungle. This creature feature is more about the human reactions than big time scares from an unconventional threat. This film probably won’t be quite what you horror fans might have expected.
Alien gives it 2 “quarantined” stars out of 4.
It’s “Touristas” meets “Anacondas” meets “Apocalyto” when American vacationers get a special invitation to explore an ancient Mayan archeological site. Of course, things start to go wrong when they have trouble communicating with the natives and things go really wrong when they release the dangers of the jungle. This creature feature is more about the human reactions than big time scares from an unconventional threat. This film probably won’t be quite what you horror fans might have expected.
Alien gives it 2 “quarantined” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Shine a Light
Director Martin Scorsese puts his remarkable film making talents to work as he captures the Rolling Stones’ 2006 A Bigger Bang Tour at NYC’s Beacon Theater. This IMAX film takes you so up close and personal that you’ll feel every wrinkle on those geriatric faces. See the Stones from every possible angle. Marty, how many cameras did you use? This documentary captures many magical moments of Mick and the boys just having fun. Old news and interview footage are spliced in to contrast the Stones now and then. See Keith Richards give his Captain Jack Sparrow inspiring performance. He feels the music flowing through him. See Mick Jagger prance and strut his stuff all over the stage. He is truly amazing. He is a rock and roll energizer bunny on steroids. He hasn’t lost a step. The Stones are timeless and they just keep rolling along. The film is high energy and exhausting to watch as you feed off of Mick’s adrenaline.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Geritol rock and roll idols” stars out of 4.
Director Martin Scorsese puts his remarkable film making talents to work as he captures the Rolling Stones’ 2006 A Bigger Bang Tour at NYC’s Beacon Theater. This IMAX film takes you so up close and personal that you’ll feel every wrinkle on those geriatric faces. See the Stones from every possible angle. Marty, how many cameras did you use? This documentary captures many magical moments of Mick and the boys just having fun. Old news and interview footage are spliced in to contrast the Stones now and then. See Keith Richards give his Captain Jack Sparrow inspiring performance. He feels the music flowing through him. See Mick Jagger prance and strut his stuff all over the stage. He is truly amazing. He is a rock and roll energizer bunny on steroids. He hasn’t lost a step. The Stones are timeless and they just keep rolling along. The film is high energy and exhausting to watch as you feed off of Mick’s adrenaline.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “Geritol rock and roll idols” stars out of 4.
