Thursday, August 28, 2008
Goal II: Living the Dream
Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker) returns for Part 2 of this soccer trilogy. Part 1 told the Rocky-esque rise of the talented, underprivileged young Latino from LA to stardom with the Newcastle United. Unfortunately, that story was not recapped for newcomers. Part 2 is very predictable. This new star gets a new bride-to-be and a new team, Realmadrid, as he gains fame and fortune. However, his soccer life and personal life take a dramatic turn when he takes his eyes off the ball and starts making bad decisions. This film is too glitzy and over-produced, losing the charm and warm fuzzy feeling of the original. Too many cliché story lines are conveniently packaged together here. However, if you like good soccer action, check out the footages featuring David Beckham and company. Hopefully, this disappointing episode won’t squash the possibility of redemption in Part 3. The referee holds up a yellow card for this unsatisfying film that should have played better.
Alien gives it 2 "slide tackle" stars out of 4.
Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker) returns for Part 2 of this soccer trilogy. Part 1 told the Rocky-esque rise of the talented, underprivileged young Latino from LA to stardom with the Newcastle United. Unfortunately, that story was not recapped for newcomers. Part 2 is very predictable. This new star gets a new bride-to-be and a new team, Realmadrid, as he gains fame and fortune. However, his soccer life and personal life take a dramatic turn when he takes his eyes off the ball and starts making bad decisions. This film is too glitzy and over-produced, losing the charm and warm fuzzy feeling of the original. Too many cliché story lines are conveniently packaged together here. However, if you like good soccer action, check out the footages featuring David Beckham and company. Hopefully, this disappointing episode won’t squash the possibility of redemption in Part 3. The referee holds up a yellow card for this unsatisfying film that should have played better.
Alien gives it 2 "slide tackle" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sex Drive
The plot sounds like a moronic teen comedy where 18-year-old Ian takes his two best friends, Lance and Felicia, on a cross country trip so he can lose his virginity to a hot chick he met on the internet. However, it is surprisingly funny. Ian takes us on a hilarious and raunchy misadventure that involves a 69 GTO, a corn field, a sarcastic Amish, Ms. Tasty, and Senor Donut. Ian’s journey ends in wild night at a Bob’s Big Boy’s parking lot. The film has a great cast of crazy characters. Seth Green and James Marsden have minor roles, but they steal their scenes. This one is rated "R" for crude sexual content, nudity, language, drug and alcohol use. This one is for all of those awkward adolescent boys looking for sex and love.
Alien gives it 3 "rumschpringe" stars out of 4.
The plot sounds like a moronic teen comedy where 18-year-old Ian takes his two best friends, Lance and Felicia, on a cross country trip so he can lose his virginity to a hot chick he met on the internet. However, it is surprisingly funny. Ian takes us on a hilarious and raunchy misadventure that involves a 69 GTO, a corn field, a sarcastic Amish, Ms. Tasty, and Senor Donut. Ian’s journey ends in wild night at a Bob’s Big Boy’s parking lot. The film has a great cast of crazy characters. Seth Green and James Marsden have minor roles, but they steal their scenes. This one is rated "R" for crude sexual content, nudity, language, drug and alcohol use. This one is for all of those awkward adolescent boys looking for sex and love.
Alien gives it 3 "rumschpringe" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Traitor
Don Cheadle plays the traitor, Samir Horn who is a man of faith and mystery. His connections to known terrorists put two Special Forces FBI agents (Guy Pearce and Neal McDonough) hot on his trail. You’ll get to see the perspective from the terrorists’ eyes. See how they live and think. Is Samir a terrorist or a patriot? See how the FBI tries to fight the war on terror. This is international intrigue as the film takes you from the Sudan to Yemen to Spain to France to England to Canada to Chicago. Who is the mole and who are the sleepers, as bombs go off around the world? Cheadle gives another excellent performance. This great story was the inspiration of Steve Martin.
Alien gives it 3 "Jihad" stars out of 4.
Don Cheadle plays the traitor, Samir Horn who is a man of faith and mystery. His connections to known terrorists put two Special Forces FBI agents (Guy Pearce and Neal McDonough) hot on his trail. You’ll get to see the perspective from the terrorists’ eyes. See how they live and think. Is Samir a terrorist or a patriot? See how the FBI tries to fight the war on terror. This is international intrigue as the film takes you from the Sudan to Yemen to Spain to France to England to Canada to Chicago. Who is the mole and who are the sleepers, as bombs go off around the world? Cheadle gives another excellent performance. This great story was the inspiration of Steve Martin.
Alien gives it 3 "Jihad" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Hamlet 2
The co-writer of South Park and Team America World Police has created a musical comedy designed to either offend your sense of decency or tickle your sense of humor. Just like one of those old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland films, the high school kids must put on a show to save the drama department, except their play is a cross between Hamlet, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Grease. The movie ridicules and spoofs just about everything it can; drama class, gays, Latinos, religion, and more. It is 4 letter word funny. It is silly humor. It is offensive humor. Steve Coogan is the starring idiot along Catherine Keener, David Arquette, and Amy Poehler. Elisabeth Shue plays herself and she has great fun poking fun at herself. This one is rated “R” for sexual references, drug content, and brief nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "strangely horrified and fascinated at the same time" stars out of 4.
The co-writer of South Park and Team America World Police has created a musical comedy designed to either offend your sense of decency or tickle your sense of humor. Just like one of those old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland films, the high school kids must put on a show to save the drama department, except their play is a cross between Hamlet, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Grease. The movie ridicules and spoofs just about everything it can; drama class, gays, Latinos, religion, and more. It is 4 letter word funny. It is silly humor. It is offensive humor. Steve Coogan is the starring idiot along Catherine Keener, David Arquette, and Amy Poehler. Elisabeth Shue plays herself and she has great fun poking fun at herself. This one is rated “R” for sexual references, drug content, and brief nudity.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "strangely horrified and fascinated at the same time" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
House Bunny
It’s "The Girls Next Door" meets "The Revenge of the Nerds" meets “Sydney White” in this latest comedy from Happy Madison. Anna Faris stars a Shelly, a Playboy bunny who becomes a sorority house mom after she gets kicked out of Hef’s mansion. The Zeta House’s socially inept girls need help to become more popular and Shelly goes to work to transform these awkward girls. Faris expertly plays the part of the dumb blonde with dignity. The plot of this chick flick is quite predictable. In the end, Shelley and the Zetas will each grow as they learn their lesson about inner and outer beauty.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sorority Aztec Party" stars out of 4.
It’s "The Girls Next Door" meets "The Revenge of the Nerds" meets “Sydney White” in this latest comedy from Happy Madison. Anna Faris stars a Shelly, a Playboy bunny who becomes a sorority house mom after she gets kicked out of Hef’s mansion. The Zeta House’s socially inept girls need help to become more popular and Shelly goes to work to transform these awkward girls. Faris expertly plays the part of the dumb blonde with dignity. The plot of this chick flick is quite predictable. In the end, Shelley and the Zetas will each grow as they learn their lesson about inner and outer beauty.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sorority Aztec Party" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Joan, Rory, Betty, and Serena of TV land reprise their big screen sisterhood roles for another sizzling summer adventure supercharged with estrogen. Fans of the book and the first film will probably adore this update to see where those magical pants will take the girls. Since it is targeted for the young ladies, it is full of drama and emotions as the four friends face love, heartbreak, pregnancy, loss, jealousy, and disappointment. These four talented actresses are a delight to watch, but this sequel feels too contrived and forced. Alien was pleasantly surprised by the original movie and was a bit disappointed with this one. This isn’t a bad film, but like that comfy pair of old Levis, it is a bit faded, and getting too tight and worn out to be proudly parading around in.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "lost in pantslation" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Joan, Rory, Betty, and Serena of TV land reprise their big screen sisterhood roles for another sizzling summer adventure supercharged with estrogen. Fans of the book and the first film will probably adore this update to see where those magical pants will take the girls. Since it is targeted for the young ladies, it is full of drama and emotions as the four friends face love, heartbreak, pregnancy, loss, jealousy, and disappointment. These four talented actresses are a delight to watch, but this sequel feels too contrived and forced. Alien was pleasantly surprised by the original movie and was a bit disappointed with this one. This isn’t a bad film, but like that comfy pair of old Levis, it is a bit faded, and getting too tight and worn out to be proudly parading around in.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "lost in pantslation" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Henry Poole is Here
Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) is a depressed, sad, and angry man who has lost hope and is seeking happiness. He just wants to be left alone when he moves into a newly bought home, but a nosy neighbor, a little girl with a tape recorder, and a myopic grocery clerk just won’t leave him alone. This quiet, slow-moving dramedy questions miracles, hope, and faith. Is a stain just a stain or can it be a miracle? Can you create a miracle if you believe in the stain? This is an inspiring film that will make you think. Are you a believer or a skeptic?
Alien gives it 2 ½ "hope, patience, and dawn" stars out of 4.
Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) is a depressed, sad, and angry man who has lost hope and is seeking happiness. He just wants to be left alone when he moves into a newly bought home, but a nosy neighbor, a little girl with a tape recorder, and a myopic grocery clerk just won’t leave him alone. This quiet, slow-moving dramedy questions miracles, hope, and faith. Is a stain just a stain or can it be a miracle? Can you create a miracle if you believe in the stain? This is an inspiring film that will make you think. Are you a believer or a skeptic?
Alien gives it 2 ½ "hope, patience, and dawn" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tropic Thunder
Is it a super satire or a bungle in the jungle? Ben Stiller directs and stars in his latest comedy adventure which spoofs Hollywood, action movies and prima donna actors. Five actors think they are still making a movie when they get entangled with a Southeast Asian drug operation and laughs break out all over. There was quite a roar of laughter from the audience throughout this picture. Stiller and Jack Black are pretty much one trick ponies so you know what to expect from their over-the-top performances. Robert Downey Jr. takes on the riskier part of an Australian playing a black man. Alien is still impressed with RDJ’s acting talents. There are lots of cameos in this movie, but can you spot Tom Cruise without any assistance? While many seemed to be having a screaming time, Alien felt it was only a lukewarm rumble than any tropic thunder. Too much of the humor in this “R” rated film borderlines on being tasteless and vulgar. However, if you like that, go see it and enjoy.
Alien gives it 2 "Booty Sweet" stars out of 4.
Is it a super satire or a bungle in the jungle? Ben Stiller directs and stars in his latest comedy adventure which spoofs Hollywood, action movies and prima donna actors. Five actors think they are still making a movie when they get entangled with a Southeast Asian drug operation and laughs break out all over. There was quite a roar of laughter from the audience throughout this picture. Stiller and Jack Black are pretty much one trick ponies so you know what to expect from their over-the-top performances. Robert Downey Jr. takes on the riskier part of an Australian playing a black man. Alien is still impressed with RDJ’s acting talents. There are lots of cameos in this movie, but can you spot Tom Cruise without any assistance? While many seemed to be having a screaming time, Alien felt it was only a lukewarm rumble than any tropic thunder. Too much of the humor in this “R” rated film borderlines on being tasteless and vulgar. However, if you like that, go see it and enjoy.
Alien gives it 2 "Booty Sweet" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Episode 2.5, The Clone Wars, brings back many familiar faces and introduces a couple of new ones, Asaji Ventress and Ahsoka Tano. It’s a story of deceit and betrayal as the Separatist and their droid army battle the Galactic Republic and their clone army for safe passage through territory controlled by Jabba the Hutt. It has a great story involving a Padawan learner, a son of a slug, and a kidnapping. Star War fans will get what they want; a lot of blaster fire, light saber action, electro staff shocks, and starfighter dogfights. Many iconic images are refreshed here. The animation is more liken to the marionettes of yesteryear’s "Supercar" than anything from Pixar or DreamWorks, but it still works for Alien. Even so, Anakin here seems less wooden than Hayden Christensen’s performance. Fans can only hope that the Lucas machine will send his Jedis out on another thrilling mission to save the Republic.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Protect the Peace, Serve the Republic" stars out of 4.
Episode 2.5, The Clone Wars, brings back many familiar faces and introduces a couple of new ones, Asaji Ventress and Ahsoka Tano. It’s a story of deceit and betrayal as the Separatist and their droid army battle the Galactic Republic and their clone army for safe passage through territory controlled by Jabba the Hutt. It has a great story involving a Padawan learner, a son of a slug, and a kidnapping. Star War fans will get what they want; a lot of blaster fire, light saber action, electro staff shocks, and starfighter dogfights. Many iconic images are refreshed here. The animation is more liken to the marionettes of yesteryear’s "Supercar" than anything from Pixar or DreamWorks, but it still works for Alien. Even so, Anakin here seems less wooden than Hayden Christensen’s performance. Fans can only hope that the Lucas machine will send his Jedis out on another thrilling mission to save the Republic.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Protect the Peace, Serve the Republic" stars out of 4.
Crazy
The Hank Garland story is told in this biopic about an unsung guitar slinger. This 1950-60s period piece take you behind the scenes of Nashville music. Country music fans will enjoy the familiar tunes and famous characters which highlight the movie. This is a loving look at a talented musician’s tragic struggle for fame.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sugar Foot" stars out of 4.
The Hank Garland story is told in this biopic about an unsung guitar slinger. This 1950-60s period piece take you behind the scenes of Nashville music. Country music fans will enjoy the familiar tunes and famous characters which highlight the movie. This is a loving look at a talented musician’s tragic struggle for fame.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sugar Foot" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Ghost Town
What would you get if the kid from the "Sixth Sense" grew up to become an unsociable dentist with poor people skills who turns into a “Ghost Whisperer” after a biochemical anomaly? You would get this delightful comedy and heart-warming love story. It is about people, relationships, change, and finding a purpose in life. This charming film stars Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Téa Leoni. If you are tired of the lewd and crude jokes in those popular juvenile comedies of late, you may appreciate this smart little gem that may touch your heart. It has a colonoscopy, a mummy, and a lot of ghosts. What more could you ask for.
Alien gives it 3 "I see dead people" stars out of 4.
What would you get if the kid from the "Sixth Sense" grew up to become an unsociable dentist with poor people skills who turns into a “Ghost Whisperer” after a biochemical anomaly? You would get this delightful comedy and heart-warming love story. It is about people, relationships, change, and finding a purpose in life. This charming film stars Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Téa Leoni. If you are tired of the lewd and crude jokes in those popular juvenile comedies of late, you may appreciate this smart little gem that may touch your heart. It has a colonoscopy, a mummy, and a lot of ghosts. What more could you ask for.
Alien gives it 3 "I see dead people" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
American Teen
It’s "Breakfast Club" meets "Mean Girls" on "Reality TV" in this entertaining documentary about high school seniors from small town middle America. The cameras take you into the lives of a jock, a popular girl, an artistic rebel, a band geek, and their friends and family. Each tells their story in their own words expressing their hopes, dreams, and emotions. These are typical teenagers searching to find themselves and set a course for their future. This wonderfully crafted movie captures the sense of teenage angst in the middle of dating, choosing a college, and going to prom. The filmmakers do such a great job of recording so many choice situations that the characters almost feel manipulated or that the movie was scripted. Never the less, these teenagers still come off as real and genuine; sometimes silly, sometimes jealous, sometimes clueless, sometimes mean, and sometimes heartbroken. It reveals the highs and lows of being a teenager. During the credits, a recap of what has happened to these students two years later is revealed.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "close up and personal" stars out of 4.
It’s "Breakfast Club" meets "Mean Girls" on "Reality TV" in this entertaining documentary about high school seniors from small town middle America. The cameras take you into the lives of a jock, a popular girl, an artistic rebel, a band geek, and their friends and family. Each tells their story in their own words expressing their hopes, dreams, and emotions. These are typical teenagers searching to find themselves and set a course for their future. This wonderfully crafted movie captures the sense of teenage angst in the middle of dating, choosing a college, and going to prom. The filmmakers do such a great job of recording so many choice situations that the characters almost feel manipulated or that the movie was scripted. Never the less, these teenagers still come off as real and genuine; sometimes silly, sometimes jealous, sometimes clueless, sometimes mean, and sometimes heartbroken. It reveals the highs and lows of being a teenager. During the credits, a recap of what has happened to these students two years later is revealed.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "close up and personal" stars out of 4.
