Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Aye, Chihuahua! The Disney money-making machine has created another silly, but oh so cute and adorable film for the kids and the kids at heart. A rich, spoiled lap dog from Beverly Hills gets lost in Mexico and must find her way home with the help of many little critters before her owner gets back from Europe. It’s Rin Tin Tin meets Lassie meets one of those Disney adventures where the animals get lost and must find their way home. Those were some of Alien’s favorite shows while growing up so how could I resist. Only Disney can make dopey darling. Only Disney can impart such personalities into these innocent creatures thus making them seem so human. Of all the many famous star voices casted for this charming film, George Lopez seems to get the best and funniest lines. So be a kid and take some kids out for some laughs and a fun time.
Alien gives it 3 "mighty midget that roared" stars out of 4.
Aye, Chihuahua! The Disney money-making machine has created another silly, but oh so cute and adorable film for the kids and the kids at heart. A rich, spoiled lap dog from Beverly Hills gets lost in Mexico and must find her way home with the help of many little critters before her owner gets back from Europe. It’s Rin Tin Tin meets Lassie meets one of those Disney adventures where the animals get lost and must find their way home. Those were some of Alien’s favorite shows while growing up so how could I resist. Only Disney can make dopey darling. Only Disney can impart such personalities into these innocent creatures thus making them seem so human. Of all the many famous star voices casted for this charming film, George Lopez seems to get the best and funniest lines. So be a kid and take some kids out for some laughs and a fun time.
Alien gives it 3 "mighty midget that roared" stars out of 4.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Flash of Genius
Based on a true story, this inspirational film tells the struggles of Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear), a college professor, engineer and inventor, who fought the US auto industry. Kinnear does a wonderful job portraying a man who becomes so obsessed trying to get recognition for his work that he sacrifices things that are dear to his heart. It’s a heartwarming underdog story that will have the audience rooting for the little guy all the way.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "blinking eye" stars out of 4.
Based on a true story, this inspirational film tells the struggles of Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear), a college professor, engineer and inventor, who fought the US auto industry. Kinnear does a wonderful job portraying a man who becomes so obsessed trying to get recognition for his work that he sacrifices things that are dear to his heart. It’s a heartwarming underdog story that will have the audience rooting for the little guy all the way.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "blinking eye" stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Lucky Ones
When a blackout causes flights to be cancelled out of New York, three injured solders returning from Iraq end up sharing a rental car to reach their destinations. These strangers (Tim Robbins, Michael Pena, and Rachel McAdams) begin to form a bond as they travel across country on longer and different journey than they had expected. On this road trip, Cheever, TK, and Colee discover that the family relationships that they are searching for are sometimes closer than they think. McAdams really shines as the sweet, simple naïve country girl with a good heart. This film honors our soldiers and depicts some of the challenges they face after returning to the US.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "returning home for some R&R" stars out of 4.
When a blackout causes flights to be cancelled out of New York, three injured solders returning from Iraq end up sharing a rental car to reach their destinations. These strangers (Tim Robbins, Michael Pena, and Rachel McAdams) begin to form a bond as they travel across country on longer and different journey than they had expected. On this road trip, Cheever, TK, and Colee discover that the family relationships that they are searching for are sometimes closer than they think. McAdams really shines as the sweet, simple naïve country girl with a good heart. This film honors our soldiers and depicts some of the challenges they face after returning to the US.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "returning home for some R&R" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Eagle Eye
National security and the war on terrorism get out of hand when Jerry (Shia LaBouef) and Rachel (Michelle Monaghan) become unwilling pawns in a complicated scheme cloaked in mystery. This is a fun 'who done it' exposing all of the electronics integrated into our day-to-day lives. This movie is basically one big long chase scene with car crashes galore and cliff hanging moments at every turn. Yes, the stunts get rather outrageous and couldn’t really happen that way in real life, but just relax, sit back in your chair, and hang on tight for quite a wild and crazy thrill ride. Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson lead the authorities giving chase to the suspected terrorists. If you weren’t paranoid about "Big Brother watching" you before, you may change your mind after seeing this film.
Alien gives it 3 "Patriot Act" stars out of 4.
National security and the war on terrorism get out of hand when Jerry (Shia LaBouef) and Rachel (Michelle Monaghan) become unwilling pawns in a complicated scheme cloaked in mystery. This is a fun 'who done it' exposing all of the electronics integrated into our day-to-day lives. This movie is basically one big long chase scene with car crashes galore and cliff hanging moments at every turn. Yes, the stunts get rather outrageous and couldn’t really happen that way in real life, but just relax, sit back in your chair, and hang on tight for quite a wild and crazy thrill ride. Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson lead the authorities giving chase to the suspected terrorists. If you weren’t paranoid about "Big Brother watching" you before, you may change your mind after seeing this film.
Alien gives it 3 "Patriot Act" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Nights at Rodanthe
While Alien was watching Spike Lee's new war epic, another critic-in-training filed this report:
The movie plot was kind of unbelievable (how could people change so fast...I know what they try to do with the story line, but please...and the acting at the beginning is so typical of the two...same expressions and face movements as all the other movies). Then after the turn of the event, the good acting by Diane really came through and grabbed the hearts and flowed the tears. If the leads weren't such good looking and easy to like, the movie would be a bore. She saved the movie toward the end, leaving the audience with an impression.
While Alien was watching Spike Lee's new war epic, another critic-in-training filed this report:
The movie plot was kind of unbelievable (how could people change so fast...I know what they try to do with the story line, but please...and the acting at the beginning is so typical of the two...same expressions and face movements as all the other movies). Then after the turn of the event, the good acting by Diane really came through and grabbed the hearts and flowed the tears. If the leads weren't such good looking and easy to like, the movie would be a bore. She saved the movie toward the end, leaving the audience with an impression.
Miracle at St. Anna
Director Spike Lee masterfully unravels the mystery of a marble statue head in his powerful World War II story about 4 Buffalo Soldiers and their involvement in a murder, a miracle, and a massacre. Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonzo, and Omar Benson Miller give outstanding performances that will carry you through the film’s 2 hours and 40 minutes so that you won’t even notice as it goes by. Spike will have you mesmerized at the screen as he paints a different view of this war. It is a beautifully shot film with great character development. By the end, you’ll be moved and really care about these people. This is a great film with a great message. Don’t worry is you don’t speak Italiano because there are subtitles.
Alien gives it 4 "Little Boy, Chocolate Giant, Sleeping Man, and Great Butterfly" stars out of 4.
Director Spike Lee masterfully unravels the mystery of a marble statue head in his powerful World War II story about 4 Buffalo Soldiers and their involvement in a murder, a miracle, and a massacre. Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonzo, and Omar Benson Miller give outstanding performances that will carry you through the film’s 2 hours and 40 minutes so that you won’t even notice as it goes by. Spike will have you mesmerized at the screen as he paints a different view of this war. It is a beautifully shot film with great character development. By the end, you’ll be moved and really care about these people. This is a great film with a great message. Don’t worry is you don’t speak Italiano because there are subtitles.
Alien gives it 4 "Little Boy, Chocolate Giant, Sleeping Man, and Great Butterfly" stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Towelhead
A 13 year old Arab-American girl (Summer Bishil) is sent away to the Houston suburbs to live with her strict Lebanese father (Peter Macdissi) during the period of the Gulf War. While there, she faces racism from her classmates and sexual curiosity as she enters puberty. This is not an easy film to watch as it treads a fine line delicately raising the issues of teenage rape and sexuality. However, it is a very well made film with an excellent cast that brings up a topic most people wouldn’t want to face. Bishil and Macdissi carry the film with terrific support from Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, and Maria Bello. This powerful drama with a dark comedy streak is not for all; you will either like it or hate it. It is controversial, brutal, and real. This bold attempt to make a serious statement cleverly involves an innocent girl, pornography, self-centered parents, a lecherous redneck neighbor, a horny black boyfriend, a pregnant over-motherly neighbor, tampons, razors, condoms, and a kitten named Snowball. This film is rated "R" for language and strong disturbing sexual content and abuse of a young teen.
Alien gives it 3 "great unpleasant story nobody wants to see, but should" stars out of 4.
A 13 year old Arab-American girl (Summer Bishil) is sent away to the Houston suburbs to live with her strict Lebanese father (Peter Macdissi) during the period of the Gulf War. While there, she faces racism from her classmates and sexual curiosity as she enters puberty. This is not an easy film to watch as it treads a fine line delicately raising the issues of teenage rape and sexuality. However, it is a very well made film with an excellent cast that brings up a topic most people wouldn’t want to face. Bishil and Macdissi carry the film with terrific support from Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, and Maria Bello. This powerful drama with a dark comedy streak is not for all; you will either like it or hate it. It is controversial, brutal, and real. This bold attempt to make a serious statement cleverly involves an innocent girl, pornography, self-centered parents, a lecherous redneck neighbor, a horny black boyfriend, a pregnant over-motherly neighbor, tampons, razors, condoms, and a kitten named Snowball. This film is rated "R" for language and strong disturbing sexual content and abuse of a young teen.
Alien gives it 3 "great unpleasant story nobody wants to see, but should" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Family That Preys
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two very different Southern matriarchs (Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard) learn to deal with their children, their businesses, and their lives. This is another one of Tyler Perry’s inspirational films about families and their struggles, their flaws, and their dreams. He has assembled a good cast to portray his message about money, jealousy, and friendship. The drama/comedy movie is predictable, but it still is enjoyable and heartwarming.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "family values and family secrets" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two very different Southern matriarchs (Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard) learn to deal with their children, their businesses, and their lives. This is another one of Tyler Perry’s inspirational films about families and their struggles, their flaws, and their dreams. He has assembled a good cast to portray his message about money, jealousy, and friendship. The drama/comedy movie is predictable, but it still is enjoyable and heartwarming.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "family values and family secrets" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Lakeview Terrace
It’s "Pacific Heights" meets "Unlawful Entry" when an interracial couple move to the suburbs next door to a judgmental, controlling single dad who happens to be a police officer. This cop is the law and thinks he is above the law. Samuel L. Jackson is intimidating, charming, and threatening. As the situation and danger escalates, you’ll see how Mace Windu is seduced by the dark side of the Force. Although the script is predictable, it is still fun to see how the drama unfolds. How well do you get along with your neighbors?
Alien gives it 3 "degrees south" stars out of 4.
It’s "Pacific Heights" meets "Unlawful Entry" when an interracial couple move to the suburbs next door to a judgmental, controlling single dad who happens to be a police officer. This cop is the law and thinks he is above the law. Samuel L. Jackson is intimidating, charming, and threatening. As the situation and danger escalates, you’ll see how Mace Windu is seduced by the dark side of the Force. Although the script is predictable, it is still fun to see how the drama unfolds. How well do you get along with your neighbors?
Alien gives it 3 "degrees south" stars out of 4.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Igor
In a twist to the old Frankenstein story, Igor dreams of being the mad scientist and winning the annual evil science project award. However, he isn’t allowed to because he’s a hunchback and just the lowly assistant who just throws the switch. But one day, opportunity knocks. This computer generated film is ironically like Frankenstein’s monster, made up of bits and pieces that don’t fit together. The target audience are the kids, but it may be a bit too dark and a little strange looking for them. This Burton-esque look may appeal to teens, but it is not hip enough for them. Some of the adult humor will only be appreciated by those bringing their grandkids. Two of the film’s more interesting characters are Scamper the suicidal immortal rabbit and Brain the not so smart brain. Kid show characters typically are cute and cuddly, but it’s tough to make monsters adorable. Alien thinks it was a good premise, but in the end it’s just another Dr. Frankenstein’s experiment gone wrong.
Alien gives it 2 "you try for evil, but you get Eva" stars out of 4.
In a twist to the old Frankenstein story, Igor dreams of being the mad scientist and winning the annual evil science project award. However, he isn’t allowed to because he’s a hunchback and just the lowly assistant who just throws the switch. But one day, opportunity knocks. This computer generated film is ironically like Frankenstein’s monster, made up of bits and pieces that don’t fit together. The target audience are the kids, but it may be a bit too dark and a little strange looking for them. This Burton-esque look may appeal to teens, but it is not hip enough for them. Some of the adult humor will only be appreciated by those bringing their grandkids. Two of the film’s more interesting characters are Scamper the suicidal immortal rabbit and Brain the not so smart brain. Kid show characters typically are cute and cuddly, but it’s tough to make monsters adorable. Alien thinks it was a good premise, but in the end it’s just another Dr. Frankenstein’s experiment gone wrong.
Alien gives it 2 "you try for evil, but you get Eva" stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Righteous Kill
It’s "Dirty Harry" times two meets "Dexter" when De Niro and Pacino re-team to re-"Heat" the big screen as veteran New York City detectives, Turk & Rooster, hot on the trail of a vigilante serial killer. Both give terrific performances as tough street-wise cops. John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, Brian Dennehy, and Carla Gugino round out the squad in this good cop/bad cop game of who done it. Alien loved the acting, but not so keen on the script.
Alien gives it 2 ½ 'poetic justice' stars out of 4.
It’s "Dirty Harry" times two meets "Dexter" when De Niro and Pacino re-team to re-"Heat" the big screen as veteran New York City detectives, Turk & Rooster, hot on the trail of a vigilante serial killer. Both give terrific performances as tough street-wise cops. John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, Brian Dennehy, and Carla Gugino round out the squad in this good cop/bad cop game of who done it. Alien loved the acting, but not so keen on the script.
Alien gives it 2 ½ 'poetic justice' stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Babylon A.D.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Vin Diesel stars in a supercharged special effects version of "Children of Men". Tough guy Toorop (Vinnie) has been hire to deliver a package from Mongolia to the New York. Of course, all of the bad guys are trying to stop him. This action packed thriller is over the top loaded with special effects to dazzle the eye and numb the mind. It is loud and messy. Vin manages to go from the "Transporter" to Mercenary Mayhem to the "Pacifier" in this Mission: Improbable. If you don’t enjoy the excessive action, maybe you’ll get a few laughs at the unbelievable stunts.
Alien gives it 2 "miracle child" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Vin Diesel stars in a supercharged special effects version of "Children of Men". Tough guy Toorop (Vinnie) has been hire to deliver a package from Mongolia to the New York. Of course, all of the bad guys are trying to stop him. This action packed thriller is over the top loaded with special effects to dazzle the eye and numb the mind. It is loud and messy. Vin manages to go from the "Transporter" to Mercenary Mayhem to the "Pacifier" in this Mission: Improbable. If you don’t enjoy the excessive action, maybe you’ll get a few laughs at the unbelievable stunts.
Alien gives it 2 "miracle child" stars out of 4.
Bangkok Dangerous
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Nicholas Cage and the Pang Brothers take us on a guided tour of Thailand’s cultural and entertainment points of interest. However, this is no vacation for hitman Joe. Color this action thriller gun barrel steel blue. Joe has 4 "Transporter" type rules. Of course, when you break your own rules, you can get yourself in quite a mess. This remake of a 1999 Thai version involves a dancer, a pickpocket, a mute pharmacist, a sniper, and lots of gun play and explosions. This seems like a foreign film with one American actor in it. Cage plays that same stereotypical tough guy character dressed in black and leather that he is usually plays. It is predictable, but if you like mindless action and killing, you may enjoy this Bangkok bang bang boom.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "elephant trunk up" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.
Nicholas Cage and the Pang Brothers take us on a guided tour of Thailand’s cultural and entertainment points of interest. However, this is no vacation for hitman Joe. Color this action thriller gun barrel steel blue. Joe has 4 "Transporter" type rules. Of course, when you break your own rules, you can get yourself in quite a mess. This remake of a 1999 Thai version involves a dancer, a pickpocket, a mute pharmacist, a sniper, and lots of gun play and explosions. This seems like a foreign film with one American actor in it. Cage plays that same stereotypical tough guy character dressed in black and leather that he is usually plays. It is predictable, but if you like mindless action and killing, you may enjoy this Bangkok bang bang boom.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "elephant trunk up" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
No, this isn’t an update of Dashiell Hammett’s "Thin Man". Nick (Michael Cera) meets Norah (Kat Dennings) when she asks him to be her boyfriend for 5 minutes and end up searching for their favorite band and a drunken girl all night long. The premise sounds like it should be a wild "Harold & Kumar" type of misadventures, but it turns out to be more of a charming teen romance story. There is some wackiness going on, but the two main characters are just too straight and decent to take advantage of the situation. Cera and Dennings have great chemistry together, but they just seem to be in the wrong movie.
Alien gives it 2 "Where Is Fluffy" stars out of 4.
No, this isn’t an update of Dashiell Hammett’s "Thin Man". Nick (Michael Cera) meets Norah (Kat Dennings) when she asks him to be her boyfriend for 5 minutes and end up searching for their favorite band and a drunken girl all night long. The premise sounds like it should be a wild "Harold & Kumar" type of misadventures, but it turns out to be more of a charming teen romance story. There is some wackiness going on, but the two main characters are just too straight and decent to take advantage of the situation. Cera and Dennings have great chemistry together, but they just seem to be in the wrong movie.
Alien gives it 2 "Where Is Fluffy" stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Burn After Reading
The Coen brothers once again hire their favorite actress/wife/sister-in-law, Frances McDormand, to star in their latest black comedy about CIA intelligence. An ousted CIA analyst, some fitness trainers, and a paranoid Treasury agent become intertwined in a wacky caper involving a computer disk, infidelity, cosmetic surgery, blackmail, divorce, and internet dating. George Clooney, John Malkovitch, Tilda Swinton, and Brad Pitt round out the very talented cast. McDormand is adorably funny to watch. Pitt steals his scenes with his goofy performance. The film does have some genuinely funny moments, but this tongue-in-cheek cloak-and dagger stuff really goes nowhere. For a funny film, it has some surprisingly violent scenes that will stun you. By the end, you’ll ask yourself what happened here. Alien still can’t get into that Coen sense of humor, but if you liked "Fargo", just might like this one too.
Alien gives it 2 "Good Samaritan" stars out of 4.
The Coen brothers once again hire their favorite actress/wife/sister-in-law, Frances McDormand, to star in their latest black comedy about CIA intelligence. An ousted CIA analyst, some fitness trainers, and a paranoid Treasury agent become intertwined in a wacky caper involving a computer disk, infidelity, cosmetic surgery, blackmail, divorce, and internet dating. George Clooney, John Malkovitch, Tilda Swinton, and Brad Pitt round out the very talented cast. McDormand is adorably funny to watch. Pitt steals his scenes with his goofy performance. The film does have some genuinely funny moments, but this tongue-in-cheek cloak-and dagger stuff really goes nowhere. For a funny film, it has some surprisingly violent scenes that will stun you. By the end, you’ll ask yourself what happened here. Alien still can’t get into that Coen sense of humor, but if you liked "Fargo", just might like this one too.
Alien gives it 2 "Good Samaritan" stars out of 4.
