Friday, January 30, 2009
Taken
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's "Jason Bourne" meets "Dirty Harry" on a "Without a Trace" case in a "Transporter" movie. Using all of his Jedi Master and Dark Knight Mentor skills, Langley retiree (Liam Neeson) has 96 hours to find his daughter who was 'taken' while on vacation in Paris. This desperate father and one man army leaves quite a trail of corpses and mass destruction behind him. Of course, it's predictable and sometimes implausible, but it is still great fun riding along on this adrenalin charged thrill ride. Audiences will get to take out their aggressions cheering for the bad guys to get what they deserve… and more. The moral of the story is: Don't mess with Daddy's Little Girl. This one is just great mindless fun.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "kill, kill, kill" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's "Jason Bourne" meets "Dirty Harry" on a "Without a Trace" case in a "Transporter" movie. Using all of his Jedi Master and Dark Knight Mentor skills, Langley retiree (Liam Neeson) has 96 hours to find his daughter who was 'taken' while on vacation in Paris. This desperate father and one man army leaves quite a trail of corpses and mass destruction behind him. Of course, it's predictable and sometimes implausible, but it is still great fun riding along on this adrenalin charged thrill ride. Audiences will get to take out their aggressions cheering for the bad guys to get what they deserve… and more. The moral of the story is: Don't mess with Daddy's Little Girl. This one is just great mindless fun.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "kill, kill, kill" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Uninvited
Poor little Anna returns home after a tragic family event and has a hard time coping. Is she dreaming or having nightmares? Is she hallucinating or is she crazy? Is she having flashback memories or is it all in her head? It features all of the usual horror techniques that will keep the audience jumpy, but it’s more of a murder mystery, than a true horror flick. It does star two well known actors, David Strathairn and Elizabeth Banks, and is set in a beautiful house. This is a remake of a popular Korean film. Some will probably really like it and some will hate it. Alien would have re-titled it "Daddy’s New Girlfriend".
Alien gives it 3 "strands of pearls" stars out of 4.
Poor little Anna returns home after a tragic family event and has a hard time coping. Is she dreaming or having nightmares? Is she hallucinating or is she crazy? Is she having flashback memories or is it all in her head? It features all of the usual horror techniques that will keep the audience jumpy, but it’s more of a murder mystery, than a true horror flick. It does star two well known actors, David Strathairn and Elizabeth Banks, and is set in a beautiful house. This is a remake of a popular Korean film. Some will probably really like it and some will hate it. Alien would have re-titled it "Daddy’s New Girlfriend".
Alien gives it 3 "strands of pearls" stars out of 4.
Notorious
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The rise and fall of Biggie Smalls aka Notorious B.I.G. aka Christopher Wallace is told in this biopic about the gangsta rapper involved the East Coast/West Coast hip-hop feud. Alien is not a fan of rap music, but I found this story very intriguing to watch. Wallace is a charismatic character and his rhythmic music becomes hypnotic. This appears to be a glamorous picture of Biggie Smalls because he seems to be way too sweet for a drug dealer and a two-timing womanizer. Other rap music characters featured in this film are Sean "Puffy" Combs, Tupak Shakur, and Lil Kim. This movie is probably more about entertainment than reality.
Alien gives it 3 "glamorized gangsta" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The rise and fall of Biggie Smalls aka Notorious B.I.G. aka Christopher Wallace is told in this biopic about the gangsta rapper involved the East Coast/West Coast hip-hop feud. Alien is not a fan of rap music, but I found this story very intriguing to watch. Wallace is a charismatic character and his rhythmic music becomes hypnotic. This appears to be a glamorous picture of Biggie Smalls because he seems to be way too sweet for a drug dealer and a two-timing womanizer. Other rap music characters featured in this film are Sean "Puffy" Combs, Tupak Shakur, and Lil Kim. This movie is probably more about entertainment than reality.
Alien gives it 3 "glamorized gangsta" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Coldspot
If you are into horror/Sci-Fi, you might want to check out DVD film about humans battling a deadly creature that can travel through cold spot portals. Ed Radmanich III produced and filmed his film in Sacramento and Folsom. Don’t expect this low budget beauty to compete with the big boys. It may only afford porno quality production values, but it still has a certain cheesy cult classic charm. It is about what you would expect from some ambitious geeks who convinced some pretty girls to star in their movie. Alien took this creative attempt to be more comical than serious. If you like this film, you may want to look out for "Artie Saves the Hood".
Alien gives it 2 "soul sucking robot" stars out of 4.
This review was made possible through Toy Fusion (1908 El Camino Ave, Sacramento CA 95815), purveyor of childhood nostalgia. Your patronage would be gratefully appreciated.
If you are into horror/Sci-Fi, you might want to check out DVD film about humans battling a deadly creature that can travel through cold spot portals. Ed Radmanich III produced and filmed his film in Sacramento and Folsom. Don’t expect this low budget beauty to compete with the big boys. It may only afford porno quality production values, but it still has a certain cheesy cult classic charm. It is about what you would expect from some ambitious geeks who convinced some pretty girls to star in their movie. Alien took this creative attempt to be more comical than serious. If you like this film, you may want to look out for "Artie Saves the Hood".
Alien gives it 2 "soul sucking robot" stars out of 4.
This review was made possible through Toy Fusion (1908 El Camino Ave, Sacramento CA 95815), purveyor of childhood nostalgia. Your patronage would be gratefully appreciated.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Underworld 3: Rise of the Lycans
It's "Romeo & Juliet" meet "300" in the dark shadows of the Middle Ages when the vampire nobility enslave the human/werewolve (Lycan) peasants. If you've seen the first of this series and remember it, then this prequel may seem a bit anticlimactic. Disappointingly, director Len Wiseman and his pretty wife, Kate Beckinsale, are a part, but not featured in this film. The plot explains why Vicktor and Lucien are immortal enemies. If you like to see lots of blood spilled and heavy artillery crossbows zing their spears, check this one out. Vampires and werewolves always bring out the blood thirsty.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "bloodlines" stars out of 4.
It's "Romeo & Juliet" meet "300" in the dark shadows of the Middle Ages when the vampire nobility enslave the human/werewolve (Lycan) peasants. If you've seen the first of this series and remember it, then this prequel may seem a bit anticlimactic. Disappointingly, director Len Wiseman and his pretty wife, Kate Beckinsale, are a part, but not featured in this film. The plot explains why Vicktor and Lucien are immortal enemies. If you like to see lots of blood spilled and heavy artillery crossbows zing their spears, check this one out. Vampires and werewolves always bring out the blood thirsty.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "bloodlines" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inkheart
It’s "Bedtime Stories" meets "Journey to the Center of the Earth" as storybook creatures and characters leap right off the pages and into the real world. Father (Brendan Fraser) and daughter travel through picturesque Europe searching for more than just books. This action/fantasy tale's mystery begins to unfold when this duo stumble across a fire juggler named Dustfinger with a ferret companion and the evil medieval Capricorn and his Black Jacket henchmen. This whimsical adventure captures the magic of great storytelling. The Italian backdrop is gorgeous and fairy tale perfect. It is family fun and book reading inspirational.
Alien gives it 3 "gifted silver tongue" stars out of 4.
It’s "Bedtime Stories" meets "Journey to the Center of the Earth" as storybook creatures and characters leap right off the pages and into the real world. Father (Brendan Fraser) and daughter travel through picturesque Europe searching for more than just books. This action/fantasy tale's mystery begins to unfold when this duo stumble across a fire juggler named Dustfinger with a ferret companion and the evil medieval Capricorn and his Black Jacket henchmen. This whimsical adventure captures the magic of great storytelling. The Italian backdrop is gorgeous and fairy tale perfect. It is family fun and book reading inspirational.
Alien gives it 3 "gifted silver tongue" stars out of 4.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Space Buddies
If you are a fan of the "Air Bud" series or "Snow Buddies", you might want to check out Disney' latest straight to DVD dog-gone movie.
Although there is nothing special about this kids’ film about five talking golden retriever pups who stole away on an unmanned flight to the moon, it is still entertaining for the little guys. If it were up to the standards of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Hotel for Dogs", it would have made it to the big screen. A DVD release seems appropriate for the 7-year-old-and-under crowd. It's cute critters reciting corny lines and events that would only occur in a Disney film.
Alien gives it 2 "giant leap for dogkind" stars out of 4.
If you are a fan of the "Air Bud" series or "Snow Buddies", you might want to check out Disney' latest straight to DVD dog-gone movie.
Although there is nothing special about this kids’ film about five talking golden retriever pups who stole away on an unmanned flight to the moon, it is still entertaining for the little guys. If it were up to the standards of "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Hotel for Dogs", it would have made it to the big screen. A DVD release seems appropriate for the 7-year-old-and-under crowd. It's cute critters reciting corny lines and events that would only occur in a Disney film.
Alien gives it 2 "giant leap for dogkind" stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Paul Blart Mall Cop
This Kevin James film is kind of a comedic version of "Die Hard" on wheels. Instead of the Nakatomi Towers in LA, we are stuck in a New Jersey Mall. It’s Black Friday and a criminal mastermind and his gang of x-gamer reindeers have taken hostages. Now, America’s favorite funny fat man and inept segway riding mall security officer must rise to the occasion to rescue his love ones and foil the bad guys. This IS the Kevin James Show. His specialty is his physical comedy where he can really throw his weight around. Although he is great fun to watch, this movie does not appeal that much to Alien's sense of humor. However, if you are a fan of Kevin, you’ll have a hilarious time.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "safety never takes a holiday" stars out of 4.
This Kevin James film is kind of a comedic version of "Die Hard" on wheels. Instead of the Nakatomi Towers in LA, we are stuck in a New Jersey Mall. It’s Black Friday and a criminal mastermind and his gang of x-gamer reindeers have taken hostages. Now, America’s favorite funny fat man and inept segway riding mall security officer must rise to the occasion to rescue his love ones and foil the bad guys. This IS the Kevin James Show. His specialty is his physical comedy where he can really throw his weight around. Although he is great fun to watch, this movie does not appeal that much to Alien's sense of humor. However, if you are a fan of Kevin, you’ll have a hilarious time.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "safety never takes a holiday" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New in Town
It is the classic fish out of water story as Lucy Hill (Renée Zellweger), a Miami executive who is on the fast track climbing the corporate ladder, is sent to New Ulm, Minnesota, to downsize the local processing plant. Lucy just doesn't fit in this frozen small town community that is big on hockey, hunting, ice fishing, and scrap booking, but she slowly warms up to the town. Lucy's secretary Blanch Gunderson (Siobhan Fallon) and her foreman Stu Kopenhafer (J.K. Simmons) are the scene stealers with their folksy charm and accents right out of "Fargo". Yeah, it is a very predictable romantic comedy, but the audience was roaring with laughter. Harry Connick Jr. plays the obvious love interest. Zellweger, as always, is cute as a button. This one may just surprise you.
Alien gives it 3 "Happy Gopher Day" stars out of 4.
It is the classic fish out of water story as Lucy Hill (Renée Zellweger), a Miami executive who is on the fast track climbing the corporate ladder, is sent to New Ulm, Minnesota, to downsize the local processing plant. Lucy just doesn't fit in this frozen small town community that is big on hockey, hunting, ice fishing, and scrap booking, but she slowly warms up to the town. Lucy's secretary Blanch Gunderson (Siobhan Fallon) and her foreman Stu Kopenhafer (J.K. Simmons) are the scene stealers with their folksy charm and accents right out of "Fargo". Yeah, it is a very predictable romantic comedy, but the audience was roaring with laughter. Harry Connick Jr. plays the obvious love interest. Zellweger, as always, is cute as a button. This one may just surprise you.
Alien gives it 3 "Happy Gopher Day" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Defiance
It is life and death as three Bielski brothers struggle to save more than a thousand Jews during World War II. These Polish Jews flee to the Belarusian forest seeking freedom and some resemblance to civilization. These are desperate people living desperate lives struggling to survive harsh winters, very little food, and German patrols. This is a grim picture what some people had to do to survive. Although this movie is based upon a true story, there is some controversy about the Bielski brothers. Regardless, this film should be taken as a symbolic tribute to those brave souls who endured so much to survive and a demonstration of man’s will power. This is a powerful emotional survival journey.
Alien gives it 3 "freedom fighters unite" stars out of 4.
It is life and death as three Bielski brothers struggle to save more than a thousand Jews during World War II. These Polish Jews flee to the Belarusian forest seeking freedom and some resemblance to civilization. These are desperate people living desperate lives struggling to survive harsh winters, very little food, and German patrols. This is a grim picture what some people had to do to survive. Although this movie is based upon a true story, there is some controversy about the Bielski brothers. Regardless, this film should be taken as a symbolic tribute to those brave souls who endured so much to survive and a demonstration of man’s will power. This is a powerful emotional survival journey.
Alien gives it 3 "freedom fighters unite" stars out of 4.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Hotel for Dogs
Foster kids and stray bond together in an abandon hotel for lots of laughs and wholesome family fun. Kids and dog lovers will enjoy this predictable, but highly entertaining Nickeldon/DreamWorks production. Crazy kid-ventions and doggie antics are featured. Alien found this charming film to be just too dog-gone cute.
Alien gives it 3 "rescue Rover" stars out of 4.
Foster kids and stray bond together in an abandon hotel for lots of laughs and wholesome family fun. Kids and dog lovers will enjoy this predictable, but highly entertaining Nickeldon/DreamWorks production. Crazy kid-ventions and doggie antics are featured. Alien found this charming film to be just too dog-gone cute.
Alien gives it 3 "rescue Rover" stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
The Unborn
Casey is the classic young and pretty female who is haunted by the creepy images that you come to expect in a horror film. Are the visions real or hallucinations? This run of the mill horror tale takes little bits of other scary movies to provide a few jump-out-of-your-seat scenes. This not very good script involves twins, a Nazi concentration camp, and an exorcism. This movie strives to make scares than to make sense. As in most horror films, the dumb people do exactly what they shouldn't do. Alien feels this film is passable, but still "The Unborn" made me... um, bored.
Alien gives it 2 "Jumby wants to be born now" stars out of 4.
Casey is the classic young and pretty female who is haunted by the creepy images that you come to expect in a horror film. Are the visions real or hallucinations? This run of the mill horror tale takes little bits of other scary movies to provide a few jump-out-of-your-seat scenes. This not very good script involves twins, a Nazi concentration camp, and an exorcism. This movie strives to make scares than to make sense. As in most horror films, the dumb people do exactly what they shouldn't do. Alien feels this film is passable, but still "The Unborn" made me... um, bored.
Alien gives it 2 "Jumby wants to be born now" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Gran Torino
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a grumpy old man who takes no guff from anyone and tells it like it is. He is a Korean War vet and a racist, but a lovable one. He is a lonely man whose wife has just died and he is distant to his sons. Ironically, he becomes closer to his Hmong neighbors which introduce him to a real culture clash. After an incident involving his prized Gran Torino, Walt takes a new "Million Dollar Baby" under his wings to "man him up", but when the trouble appears, watch out because "Dirty Harry" comes out of retirement. Eastwood knows how to tell a story about relationships that will make you laugh and touch your heart. This one is gangbanger good.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "get off my lawn" stars out of 4.
Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) is a grumpy old man who takes no guff from anyone and tells it like it is. He is a Korean War vet and a racist, but a lovable one. He is a lonely man whose wife has just died and he is distant to his sons. Ironically, he becomes closer to his Hmong neighbors which introduce him to a real culture clash. After an incident involving his prized Gran Torino, Walt takes a new "Million Dollar Baby" under his wings to "man him up", but when the trouble appears, watch out because "Dirty Harry" comes out of retirement. Eastwood knows how to tell a story about relationships that will make you laugh and touch your heart. This one is gangbanger good.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "get off my lawn" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Revolutionary Road
If you're a little too happy, I got just the film for you; it will suck the life right out of you. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are reunited again as a married couple seeking the all American dream of happiness in the suburbs, but all is not right on Revolutionary Road. Set in the mid 1950's, this movie features some great performances and is very well crafted. It captures the ideals of the period, but reveals the sadness of unhappy souls living a lie and searching for something better. This movie may be Oscar worthy, but it is too depressing to be called entertainment. This tragic couple, Frank and April, are no Jack and Rose.
Alien gives it 2 "much bickering and sadness" stars out of 4.
If you're a little too happy, I got just the film for you; it will suck the life right out of you. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are reunited again as a married couple seeking the all American dream of happiness in the suburbs, but all is not right on Revolutionary Road. Set in the mid 1950's, this movie features some great performances and is very well crafted. It captures the ideals of the period, but reveals the sadness of unhappy souls living a lie and searching for something better. This movie may be Oscar worthy, but it is too depressing to be called entertainment. This tragic couple, Frank and April, are no Jack and Rose.
Alien gives it 2 "much bickering and sadness" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 05, 2009
The Spirit
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Frank Miller's latest attempt to recreate another graphic novel for the big screen is a bold stylized experiment that fails miserably. The movie is played way over the top with extremely corny lines. It's a noir 1940's detective story with Looney Tune action. Alien had to struggle to sit through this just-too-campy rendition.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "sexy dames and lame story line" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Frank Miller's latest attempt to recreate another graphic novel for the big screen is a bold stylized experiment that fails miserably. The movie is played way over the top with extremely corny lines. It's a noir 1940's detective story with Looney Tune action. Alien had to struggle to sit through this just-too-campy rendition.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "sexy dames and lame story line" stars out of 4.
