Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I.O.U.S.A.
This enlightening, but scary documentary tries to explain America's economic crisis and 10 trillion dollar debt. The film features Robert Bixby and David Walker on their "Fiscal Wake-up Tour". The film will fill you with facts and figures as it tries to explain how we got to this point of financial irresponsibility. It’s ECON 101 with timelines and explanations about inflation, recession, trade deficit, and gross domestic product. It focuses on several of the recent presidencies and even flashes pictures of Obama and McCain. The facts foretell the frightening financial future.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "one nation, under stress, in debt" stars out of 4.
This enlightening, but scary documentary tries to explain America's economic crisis and 10 trillion dollar debt. The film features Robert Bixby and David Walker on their "Fiscal Wake-up Tour". The film will fill you with facts and figures as it tries to explain how we got to this point of financial irresponsibility. It’s ECON 101 with timelines and explanations about inflation, recession, trade deficit, and gross domestic product. It focuses on several of the recent presidencies and even flashes pictures of Obama and McCain. The facts foretell the frightening financial future.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "one nation, under stress, in debt" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Changeling
Changeling: A child secretly exchanged for another.
It’s "Without a Trace" meets "Law and Order" meets "Cold Case" as Clint Eastwood takes us back to vintage LA circa 1928. Eastwood directs and scores another powerful movie masterpiece. Based on the true story of Christine Collins, it's about a desperate mother's hpoeful search for her missing son and the injustices that she must endure. With the details of the costumes, props, sets, and back drops, the audience is teleported back to a place and time where attitudes were quite different. Angelina Joie will take you on an emotional roller coaster crusade for truth and justice. The entire cast is terrific, right down to the child actors. This slow moving movie runs about 2 hours 20 minutes, but is well worth it. You’ll get child abduction, police and government corruption, a serial killer suspect, roller skating at the phone exchange, life inside of a mental institution, and a visit to San Quentin. This effectively frustrating film will get you boiling mad as you agonize with Jolie.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Wineville Chicken Coop Ranch" stars out of 4.
Changeling: A child secretly exchanged for another.
It’s "Without a Trace" meets "Law and Order" meets "Cold Case" as Clint Eastwood takes us back to vintage LA circa 1928. Eastwood directs and scores another powerful movie masterpiece. Based on the true story of Christine Collins, it's about a desperate mother's hpoeful search for her missing son and the injustices that she must endure. With the details of the costumes, props, sets, and back drops, the audience is teleported back to a place and time where attitudes were quite different. Angelina Joie will take you on an emotional roller coaster crusade for truth and justice. The entire cast is terrific, right down to the child actors. This slow moving movie runs about 2 hours 20 minutes, but is well worth it. You’ll get child abduction, police and government corruption, a serial killer suspect, roller skating at the phone exchange, life inside of a mental institution, and a visit to San Quentin. This effectively frustrating film will get you boiling mad as you agonize with Jolie.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Wineville Chicken Coop Ranch" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Zack and Miri make a Porno
Yes, that really is the title of this Seth Rogen/Elizabeth Banks comedy written and directed by Kevin Smith. When platonic roommates can't pay their rent and utilities, they develop a sure-fired, get-rich-quick scheme. Of course, things go terribly wrong, but awfully funny. This film could inspire a surge in amateur home movies for private viewing. Banks and Rogen are a lovable pair which makes this movie work. There are also some great side characters including Superman, the Mac Guy, and an ex-porn star. It’s raunchy. It's gross. It’s hilarious. And it's a love story too. Of course, it’s rated "R" for obvious reasons, language, and nudity. It’s not a great film, but a great guilty pleasure. Stay through the credits for the special NR Productions trailer.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "poking fun at porn" stars out of 4.
Yes, that really is the title of this Seth Rogen/Elizabeth Banks comedy written and directed by Kevin Smith. When platonic roommates can't pay their rent and utilities, they develop a sure-fired, get-rich-quick scheme. Of course, things go terribly wrong, but awfully funny. This film could inspire a surge in amateur home movies for private viewing. Banks and Rogen are a lovable pair which makes this movie work. There are also some great side characters including Superman, the Mac Guy, and an ex-porn star. It’s raunchy. It's gross. It’s hilarious. And it's a love story too. Of course, it’s rated "R" for obvious reasons, language, and nudity. It’s not a great film, but a great guilty pleasure. Stay through the credits for the special NR Productions trailer.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "poking fun at porn" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
The title pretty much tells it all. Disney’s HSM gang is back for more spectacularly choreographed, high energy dance numbers and catchy tunes. The plot captures the essence of senior year where the good looking adorable teens must deal with prom, yearbook, their last basketball game, their final school show, and their futures. Fans of the first two will love this sequel. It’s good wholesome squeaky clean family fun where high school looks glamorous and picture perfect. Funny outtakes play during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "Wildcats Forever!" stars out of 4.
The title pretty much tells it all. Disney’s HSM gang is back for more spectacularly choreographed, high energy dance numbers and catchy tunes. The plot captures the essence of senior year where the good looking adorable teens must deal with prom, yearbook, their last basketball game, their final school show, and their futures. Fans of the first two will love this sequel. It’s good wholesome squeaky clean family fun where high school looks glamorous and picture perfect. Funny outtakes play during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "Wildcats Forever!" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Max Payne
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This action thriller is based a video game unfamiliar to Alien. That being the case, one can assume not much of a plot and lots of flash. So if you are attracted to big guns with big bangs and even bigger and louder explosions, you just might have a blast. Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges star in this predictable story filled with cheesy lines and deafening sound levels. The film shows some promise in the beginning, but takes an odd turn when Max becomes enraged. Even though it becomes more and more ridiculous, it still looks great at the same time. For those intrigued by those winged creatures, Valkyries, in the trailers, you may be a bit disappointed.
Alien gives it 2 "miracle blue drug" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This action thriller is based a video game unfamiliar to Alien. That being the case, one can assume not much of a plot and lots of flash. So if you are attracted to big guns with big bangs and even bigger and louder explosions, you just might have a blast. Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges star in this predictable story filled with cheesy lines and deafening sound levels. The film shows some promise in the beginning, but takes an odd turn when Max becomes enraged. Even though it becomes more and more ridiculous, it still looks great at the same time. For those intrigued by those winged creatures, Valkyries, in the trailers, you may be a bit disappointed.
Alien gives it 2 "miracle blue drug" stars out of 4.
Quarantine
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Shades of "Cloverfield" and "Blair Witch Project", lots of shaky and unfocused camera work are back to haunt us again. This time it is the overused gimmick in remake of a Spanish horror flick. Follow a news team who shadow firemen on a call to an old apartment building where things are not quite right. Before you know it, bodies are dropping left and right as infection spreads rapidly in the quarantined building. If you like scary, this may just be the fright film for you. The tension builds and builds as infectious hysteria and paranoia mounts to almost laughable moments. Expert screamer Jennifer Carpenter leads the trapped group of policemen, firemen, and residents through a terrifying night.
Alien gives it 3 "foaming at the mouth" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Shades of "Cloverfield" and "Blair Witch Project", lots of shaky and unfocused camera work are back to haunt us again. This time it is the overused gimmick in remake of a Spanish horror flick. Follow a news team who shadow firemen on a call to an old apartment building where things are not quite right. Before you know it, bodies are dropping left and right as infection spreads rapidly in the quarantined building. If you like scary, this may just be the fright film for you. The tension builds and builds as infectious hysteria and paranoia mounts to almost laughable moments. Expert screamer Jennifer Carpenter leads the trapped group of policemen, firemen, and residents through a terrifying night.
Alien gives it 3 "foaming at the mouth" stars out of 4.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Pride and Glory
Dark and dingy, grim and gritty set the tone for this tale of police corruption featuring cops gone wild. A father, two brothers, and a brother-in-law become entangled in a violent and bloody mess that tests their moral code. Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, and Jon Voight star in this family of cops. Realism and good acting help make this a depressing movie. New York’s finest becomes New York’s worst in a film that could be retitled "Shame and Dishonor". Rated 'R' for language, violence, and drugs.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "ends justifies the means" stars out of 4.
Dark and dingy, grim and gritty set the tone for this tale of police corruption featuring cops gone wild. A father, two brothers, and a brother-in-law become entangled in a violent and bloody mess that tests their moral code. Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, and Jon Voight star in this family of cops. Realism and good acting help make this a depressing movie. New York’s finest becomes New York’s worst in a film that could be retitled "Shame and Dishonor". Rated 'R' for language, violence, and drugs.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "ends justifies the means" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
W.
The lighthearted recounting of the life and times of George W. Bush is creatively re-enacted through the manipulative hands of director Oliver Stone. Stone gives us that public persona of Bush that comedians have been having a field day with for years. It’s an unflattering look at George W from behind the scenes amongst family and his cabinet members. Josh Brolin does a remarkable job mimicking the mannerisms and the cadence of speech. Listen for your favorite Bush-isms. After two terms, two more hours of Bush may seem like be too much.
Alien gives it 2 "presidential lampooning" stars out of 4.
The lighthearted recounting of the life and times of George W. Bush is creatively re-enacted through the manipulative hands of director Oliver Stone. Stone gives us that public persona of Bush that comedians have been having a field day with for years. It’s an unflattering look at George W from behind the scenes amongst family and his cabinet members. Josh Brolin does a remarkable job mimicking the mannerisms and the cadence of speech. Listen for your favorite Bush-isms. After two terms, two more hours of Bush may seem like be too much.
Alien gives it 2 "presidential lampooning" stars out of 4.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Nights in Rodanthe
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two strangers with personal troubles meet at a beach house in North Carolina, endure a hurricane together, and forever change each other’s lives. Diane Lane and Richard Gere are the leads in this touching tearjerker for the romantics. Lane is terrific as she runs through all of the emotions relating to her kids, her best friend, her ex, and her love interest. It’s hard to believe that such a strong relationship could be built in 4 days, but that's the story your heart will want to follow.
Alien gives it 3 "running of the horses" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two strangers with personal troubles meet at a beach house in North Carolina, endure a hurricane together, and forever change each other’s lives. Diane Lane and Richard Gere are the leads in this touching tearjerker for the romantics. Lane is terrific as she runs through all of the emotions relating to her kids, her best friend, her ex, and her love interest. It’s hard to believe that such a strong relationship could be built in 4 days, but that's the story your heart will want to follow.
Alien gives it 3 "running of the horses" stars out of 4.
City of Ember
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A world crisis has forced man to go underground to survive, but 200 years later, the secrets of their forefathers have been lost and the now the city of Ember’s generator is failing. Two young heroes, Doon Harrow and Lina Mayfleet, must search for a solution. This fantasy action adventure story is targeted for the kids. Ember is an interesting place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "messenger and pipe works jobs" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A world crisis has forced man to go underground to survive, but 200 years later, the secrets of their forefathers have been lost and the now the city of Ember’s generator is failing. Two young heroes, Doon Harrow and Lina Mayfleet, must search for a solution. This fantasy action adventure story is targeted for the kids. Ember is an interesting place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "messenger and pipe works jobs" stars out of 4.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Another Cinderella Story
This is Warner Brothers' straight to DVD dance/music video version of the classic fairy tale. Over-the-top acting and well-choreographed dance sequences punctuate this contemporary and predictible remake. It’s a cute, but cheesy film targeting those Lizzie McGuire and Hannah Montana fans. It features Selena Gomez from Disney's "Witches of Waverly Place" and the much older Andrew Seeley, from Disney’s "High School Musical", "The Cheetah Girls 2", and "Jump In!" TV movies.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "no fairy godmother" stars out of 4.
This is Warner Brothers' straight to DVD dance/music video version of the classic fairy tale. Over-the-top acting and well-choreographed dance sequences punctuate this contemporary and predictible remake. It’s a cute, but cheesy film targeting those Lizzie McGuire and Hannah Montana fans. It features Selena Gomez from Disney's "Witches of Waverly Place" and the much older Andrew Seeley, from Disney’s "High School Musical", "The Cheetah Girls 2", and "Jump In!" TV movies.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "no fairy godmother" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Secret Lives of Bees
In South Carolina during times of racial tension, Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) and Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) run away from their troubles to find sanctuary in the home of three beekeeping sisters, August, June, and May Boatwright (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo). Lily is an innocent child who suffers from the guilt of her past and present as she searches for love and information about her mother. This entertaining story is funny, sweet, and tragic. Little Dakota is grown up here and she can still act with the best of them. She will make you cry. The whole cast is talented, but Dakota's and Sophie's performances are exceptional. Oh, and this film is educational too because it will teach you about beekeeping and the secret lives of bees.
Alien gives it 3 "bee stung and honey sweet" stars out of 4.
In South Carolina during times of racial tension, Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning) and Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) run away from their troubles to find sanctuary in the home of three beekeeping sisters, August, June, and May Boatwright (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo). Lily is an innocent child who suffers from the guilt of her past and present as she searches for love and information about her mother. This entertaining story is funny, sweet, and tragic. Little Dakota is grown up here and she can still act with the best of them. She will make you cry. The whole cast is talented, but Dakota's and Sophie's performances are exceptional. Oh, and this film is educational too because it will teach you about beekeeping and the secret lives of bees.
Alien gives it 3 "bee stung and honey sweet" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Appaloosa
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's the "Quigley Down Under" meets "The Magnificent Seven" meets "3:10 to Yuma" with Butch and Sundance on the right side of the badge. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen sign on as City Marshall and Deputy to protect the small New Mexico town of Appaloosa from bad guy Jeremy Irons and his hired hands. Oh, and toss in Renée Zellweger as the love interest. This is not your glamorous shoot 'em up, high falutin' western tale, but more of a slow pokin' buddy film where the heroes do more jawin’ than shootin’ in small dusty town just ready to blow away. Alien enjoyed the authentic feel of the sets and the costumes right down to the hat tan marks. Harris takes on a huge role as star, director, writer, and producer. It's a good, quiet, little thinking man’s western, but seems to lack the soul of a true western from yesteryear.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "8 gauge shotgun" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's the "Quigley Down Under" meets "The Magnificent Seven" meets "3:10 to Yuma" with Butch and Sundance on the right side of the badge. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen sign on as City Marshall and Deputy to protect the small New Mexico town of Appaloosa from bad guy Jeremy Irons and his hired hands. Oh, and toss in Renée Zellweger as the love interest. This is not your glamorous shoot 'em up, high falutin' western tale, but more of a slow pokin' buddy film where the heroes do more jawin’ than shootin’ in small dusty town just ready to blow away. Alien enjoyed the authentic feel of the sets and the costumes right down to the hat tan marks. Harris takes on a huge role as star, director, writer, and producer. It's a good, quiet, little thinking man’s western, but seems to lack the soul of a true western from yesteryear.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "8 gauge shotgun" stars out of 4.
Wild Ocean 3D
Off the Wild Coast is where Africa meets the ocean and where the sardines still run. The IMAX cameras capture the feeding frenzy in the delicate food chain linking the sardines to the dolphins, the penguins, the sharks, and the diving gannets. Witness the amazing bait ball that has developed as a defense mechanism. With world-wide overfishing, this may be one of your last chances to gaze at the beauty and grace of the ever elusive shoal.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "explosive and symphonic documentary" stars out of 4.
Off the Wild Coast is where Africa meets the ocean and where the sardines still run. The IMAX cameras capture the feeding frenzy in the delicate food chain linking the sardines to the dolphins, the penguins, the sharks, and the diving gannets. Witness the amazing bait ball that has developed as a defense mechanism. With world-wide overfishing, this may be one of your last chances to gaze at the beauty and grace of the ever elusive shoal.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "explosive and symphonic documentary" stars out of 4.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Body of Lies
It’s "Syriana" meets "The Terrorist" as director Ridley Scott explores the complex world of CIA counter-terrorism with Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. You won’t know who to trust as field operative Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) attempts to track down a major terrorist leader in Jordan. Great suspense, drama, and Leo’s terrific performance will keep you on the edge of your seat. Crowe gives his best slimy performance as a manipulative boss who seems to have his own hidden agenda. It’s a wonderful thrill ride, but it doesn’t feel like you really go anywhere.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "spy in the sky" stars out of 4.
It’s "Syriana" meets "The Terrorist" as director Ridley Scott explores the complex world of CIA counter-terrorism with Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. You won’t know who to trust as field operative Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) attempts to track down a major terrorist leader in Jordan. Great suspense, drama, and Leo’s terrific performance will keep you on the edge of your seat. Crowe gives his best slimy performance as a manipulative boss who seems to have his own hidden agenda. It’s a wonderful thrill ride, but it doesn’t feel like you really go anywhere.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "spy in the sky" stars out of 4.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Tinker Bell
DisneyToons plans to release this computer animated movie straight to DVD on October 28, 2008.
This sort-of prequel to Peter Pan will show you the origins of Tinker Bell and introduce you to some water fairies, light fairies, and garden fairies that all live in Pixie Hollow. It seems that these tiny little fairies are the key to the seasons changing. For the first time, you’ll hear Tink’s voice. This movie is chock-full of cuteness as Tink tries to figure out her purpose if life. The little kids will love this sweet DVD and probably want all of the pixie merchandise to go along with it.
Alien gives it 3 "pixie dust" stars out of 4.
DisneyToons plans to release this computer animated movie straight to DVD on October 28, 2008.
This sort-of prequel to Peter Pan will show you the origins of Tinker Bell and introduce you to some water fairies, light fairies, and garden fairies that all live in Pixie Hollow. It seems that these tiny little fairies are the key to the seasons changing. For the first time, you’ll hear Tink’s voice. This movie is chock-full of cuteness as Tink tries to figure out her purpose if life. The little kids will love this sweet DVD and probably want all of the pixie merchandise to go along with it.
Alien gives it 3 "pixie dust" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Blindness
As the mysterious white blindness spreads to infect the general population, the newly blind are quarantined in a mental facility. With little food and no outside care, the strong begin to prey on the weak as conditions become extremely ugly. This dark and dreary film is very hard to watch. See how cruel man can be to his fellow man. See how vulnerable the blind are. See how demeaningly the women are treated. All of the whiteouts, the blackouts, and out of focus shots, are they artistic or just annoying? This is a beautifully crafted film filled with some shocking and repulsive scenes that you may have wished you had never seen. Will civilization crumble or survive? Alien recommends you look for something more positive for your entertainment value.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "sea of whiteness" stars out of 4.
As the mysterious white blindness spreads to infect the general population, the newly blind are quarantined in a mental facility. With little food and no outside care, the strong begin to prey on the weak as conditions become extremely ugly. This dark and dreary film is very hard to watch. See how cruel man can be to his fellow man. See how vulnerable the blind are. See how demeaningly the women are treated. All of the whiteouts, the blackouts, and out of focus shots, are they artistic or just annoying? This is a beautifully crafted film filled with some shocking and repulsive scenes that you may have wished you had never seen. Will civilization crumble or survive? Alien recommends you look for something more positive for your entertainment value.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "sea of whiteness" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
The Duchess
British royalty, politics, celebrity notoriety, a loveless marriage, socialite parties, and scandalous affairs prove that things haven’t changed much for England’s Spencer family in this period piece with a contemporary feel. Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightly magnificently portray the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Their arranged marriage is headed for disaster. He is cold and unemotional and she is warm and vivacious. It is a fascinating look at 18th century English aristocracy. The costumes and the backdrops are gorgeous. It is a fascinating, but sad story about woman’s desperate search for love. Undoubtedly, comparisons between the Houses of Windsor and Devonshire will be drawn.
Alien gives it 3 "unusual ménage à trois" stars out of 4.
British royalty, politics, celebrity notoriety, a loveless marriage, socialite parties, and scandalous affairs prove that things haven’t changed much for England’s Spencer family in this period piece with a contemporary feel. Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightly magnificently portray the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Their arranged marriage is headed for disaster. He is cold and unemotional and she is warm and vivacious. It is a fascinating look at 18th century English aristocracy. The costumes and the backdrops are gorgeous. It is a fascinating, but sad story about woman’s desperate search for love. Undoubtedly, comparisons between the Houses of Windsor and Devonshire will be drawn.
Alien gives it 3 "unusual ménage à trois" stars out of 4.
