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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Pineapple Express

Dude, the Apatow humor machine keeps cranking them out. This time, a slacker (Seth Rogen) and a stoner (James Franco) get mixed up in a drug war with comical results. There is nothing too original here, but you’ll still get a few good laughs. The film is rated “R” for pervasive language, drug use, sexual references, and violence. If you like to get high, you’ll probably find this film hilarious. This movie is the poster boy for a “this is your brain on drugs” campaign. The some of the funnier sequences are the action scenes as our heroes demonstrate their manly manliness. In the end, it is a buddy film where the guys bond through their life threatening experiences together.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “cross joint with your BFF” stars out of 4.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Brideshead Revisited

For those who never heard about the famous novel or 1981 TV miniseries, this is the story of a young man’s attraction to an English blue blood family and their ancestral home, Brideshead Castle. Emma Thompson plays the devote Catholic matriarch who manipulates her children. Alien tried to get into this movie, but found it quite boorish and dreary. However, the Brideshead estate was magnificent and I enjoyed the tour. If you favor slow-moving, dry English period pieces, this may be your cup of tea.

Alien gives it 1 ½ “painter from Paddington” stars out of 4.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

It’s “Indiana Jones” meets “Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger” meets “Forbidden Kingdom”. The setting in China and the premise of reviving an army of terra cotta soldiers showed great promise. However, the plot and the characters are shallow and the dizzying special effects overdrive this movie to the point of being almost boring or at least numbing to the brain. It is a real hodge-podge of gimmicky ideas strung to together hoping to tell an interesting story. There are a lot of Indy like resemblances in this film, but the movie lacks the story telling talents of Spielberg and Lucas. Brendan Fraser and Maria Bello do their “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” thing and Fraser and Luke Ford do their Indy/Mutt thing. Jet Li’s emperor character is almost more CGI than human. If you love special effects, you’ll get your fill and more. For you die hard “Mummy” fans there’s a hint to the next adventure’s locale.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “Ricochet O’Connell” stars out of 4.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

The X-Files: I Want to Believe

True fans will turn out for this film whether it is any good or not. They just have to know what happens to Fox Mulder and Dana Scully since the first movie 10 years ago and the end of the popular series 6 years ago. For the fans, Alien won’t spoil the movie by revealing much. An X-Files project needs the mystery for the fans to unravel. Fans will enjoy the further relationship between Mulder and Scully being explored. This story is true to a typical episode, but it does seem to drag on for too long. X-Filers will just have to go and eXperience this one for themselves.

Alien gives it 2 “tears of blood” stars out of 4.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Death Race

1975’s “Death Race 2000” has been updated to the year 2012 as Jason Statham and Tyrese Gibson race for their lives in a deadly game controlled by a bioch warden (Joan Allen). It’s “Fast and Furious” meets “The Road Warrior” meets “Condemned” meets “The Longest Yard” as prisoners try to escape from Terminal Island. It is a simple plot; a frame up, a good guy amongst a bunch of bad guys, a prison, an evil warden, and a promise of freedom. This is pure macho madness with fast cars, hot women, and studly men in this smash‘em, crash’em, bash’em, shoot’em up, blow’em up high octane thrill ride. This one plays like a video game which is rated “R” for extreme violence and language. It is a definite guilty pleasure and mindless entertainment for the blood thirsty.

Alien gives it 3 “freakin’ Frankenstein fun” stars out of 4.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Step Brothers

Apatow Productions brings back those Talladega Nights boys (Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly) back for some crazy, gross fun as “Dumb and Dumber” meets those “Super Bad” kids. Only, they are older, but they still haven’t grown up. If you don’t mind foul mouth language, crude toilet humor, and the silliness of two grown men acting like 8 year olds, you’ll probably have a hysterical time at this movie. Ferrell and Reilly are outrageous as step brothers who must learn to bond with each other and to grow up in life. Expect a few cameos and to be grossed out as you roll with laughter in the aisles. Sometimes stupid is funny and wrong is funnier. This one may not be for everyone; but for all those parents with adult children still living at home, your life won’t seem so bad after all. This one is rated "R" for all of the reasons mentioned above. Stay seated during the credits for one last rumble.

Alien gives it 3 “Catalina Wine Mixer” stars out of 4.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Fly Me to the Moon

In July of 1969, Apollo 11 blasts off for its historic moon mission; however, they pick 3 hitchhikers, Nat, IQ, and Scooter, 3 flies from Big Tony’s Junkyard. At least that how this 3D animated story tells it from the fly on the wall perspective. The third dimension adds a lot of fun to the animation. Alien loved the wing action on these fly guys. The movie cuts back and forth between a space documentary and a cute kiddie cartoon. Little ones may get a bit bored in space when these insects aren’t a buzz. In that case, “Space Chimps” may be a better option.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “adventure dreamers” stars out of 4.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Swing Vote

America’s democratic political system is skewered in Kevin Costner’s surprising comedy about one man’s vote deciding the next president of the United States. It’s an improbable situation with intriguing implications teased from close political races. Bud Johnson (Costner) is below-average Joe American who’s an immature, apathetic, beer guzzling, lovable loser. The parent/child roles are switched for this single dad and his adorable 12 year old daughter. Following a polling machine error in Texico, New Mexico, the political (Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, Nathan Lane) and media (Paula Patton, George Lopez) circus arrives in town and gives Bud his 15 minutes of fame. It’s a funny, clever film that sucks you in with its humor and charm; then it reminds you what it means to be an American. Do the right thing and vote.

Alien gives it 3 “one man, one vote, no clue” stars out of 4.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The Dark Knight

Who let the clown out of the box? Heath Ledger’s performance is maniacal and mesmerizing. Don’t blink during the magic act. The Joker is an insane genius and a worthy adversary to the Batman in the struggle for control of Gotham City. Batman has a new bag of toys to play with. See the emergence of Commissioner Gordon, the rise of D.A. Harvey Dent, the introduction of the bat cycle, and the origin of Two Face. The entire cast is terrific. Choosing to replace Katie Holmes with Maggie Gyllenhaal as the lovely Rachel Dawes was a smart one. The outstanding script will keep you glued to your seat as you wonder where this adrenaline pumping thrill ride will take you. Just when you think it’s over, it takes you for another spin around the block. The movies questions right and wrong and how far should you go without crossing the line. By the end, you’ll be exhausted and be wondering what is in stored next for the Batman. Alien found this sequel deliciously dark and lip licking good. Go see it.

Alien gives it 4 “agent of chaos and anarchy” stars out of 4.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Mama Mia!

It’s a twist on “Definitely, Maybe” meets “Father of the Bride” in ABBA’s version of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. A bride to be searches for her father just before her big wedding day as music and comedy erupt. A terrific cast, nostalgic 70’s music, and a gorgeous back drop make this movie fun, fun, fun. Not only will the remarkable Meryl Streep impress you with her singing, but she can even be that same outstanding actress while carrying a tune. Too bad Alien can’t say the same about the singing voice of Pierce Brosnan, but he does try his best. The film has a great sense of humor as it weaves song and dance numbers into this musical romantic comedy story. The choreography will amaze and delight you. This is a great chick flick with a little romance, a little mystery, a little drama, and a lot of laughs. Who can resist those catchy ABBA songs? Stay tune for the finale during the credits; you’ll get a rousing musical video number that will get a roar from the audience.

Alien gives it 3 ½ “Donna & the Dynamos” stars out of 4.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Space Chimps

It’s “The Right Stuff” meets “Planet of the Apes” in a new animated feature about space exploration. When a space probe goes off course, 3 chimpanzees are sent on a mission. The humans take a back seat to the chimps and aliens here. It’s a cute and entertaining film for the kids. The little ones will have a great time and the adults can grimace at all of the chimp/space puns. It is good clean family fun. Stay to the very end of the credits if you want to see the final gag.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “triple sun day” stars out of 4.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D

Brendan Frasier and “The Temple of Gems” and “Last Crusade” meets “Jurassic Park” meets “Little Shop of Horrors” in a three dimensional retelling of the Jules Verne classic. This movie is goofy fun as the camera never skips an opportunity to poke the audience in the eyes. It has entertaining stunts, but they are nothing you haven’t seen before. If the 3D effects get too dizzying for you, just close your eyes for a bit. It is a fun romp for the kids. The best reason to see it is for the 3D effects.

Alien gives it 2 ½ “volcanic” stars out of 4.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

It’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” meets “Prince Caspian” meets “X-Men” meets “Hancock” meets “Love Story” as the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense returns with the big red gentle giant (Ron Perlman), the flaming female fire starter (Selma Blair), and the intelligent fish man (Doug Jones). Add to the BPRD team a mysterious gas man as they set off to protect the world from the evil prince and his golden army. The film is very stylish and the CGI action is absolutely amazing. Director Del Toro has created a wondrous world paying homage to yesterday’s sci-fi monsters with his interpretation of these graphic novel characters in a fun and thrilling creature feature. It has some of the best sword play and hand-to-hand combat scenes. Seeing the human side of these monstrous beings makes this film a lot more entertaining. You’ll just love the special musical number. The film explores what one would do for love. Hellboy II is a hellava thrill ride with a great sense of humor; so relax and just enjoy this guilty pleasure.

Alien gives it 4 “70 by 70 soldiers” stars out of 4.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Mongol

This is not a sneak preview. This movie has already released.

Take a journey back in time and experience life on the Mongolian Steppes with Genghis Khan in this marvelous Russian production with English subtitles. This stunning film paints the human side of the future conqueror who struggles to survive and unite his people. Prepare for some thrilling battle scenes heighten by “300” blood splatterings. It is also a wonderful love story. The backdrop is strikingly beautiful. Although the details of his personal life are probably fictionalized, it is still a fabulous bit of story telling.

Alien gives it 3 ½ “choosing a bride” stars out of 4.

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