Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Collector
A desperate man turns to thievery in order to pay off his ex-wife’s debt, but bites off more than he can chew. The would-be robber suddenly turns rescuer when he realizes he trapped in a booby trapped house with an innocent family and a silent sadist. The movie is extremely low budget with grainy footage, a loud and horrible sound track and a Swiss cheese script. The audience will wince and groan with every blow to the victims. Tension builds with every murderous moment. However, Alien found it bloody awful, awfully gory, and sadistically senseless. Never the less, fans of the "Saw" and the "Hostel" series will salivate over this one. The probable sequels will likely explain motive in bits and pieces.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "Houdini Heroics for Jack in the Box" stars out of 4.
A desperate man turns to thievery in order to pay off his ex-wife’s debt, but bites off more than he can chew. The would-be robber suddenly turns rescuer when he realizes he trapped in a booby trapped house with an innocent family and a silent sadist. The movie is extremely low budget with grainy footage, a loud and horrible sound track and a Swiss cheese script. The audience will wince and groan with every blow to the victims. Tension builds with every murderous moment. However, Alien found it bloody awful, awfully gory, and sadistically senseless. Never the less, fans of the "Saw" and the "Hostel" series will salivate over this one. The probable sequels will likely explain motive in bits and pieces.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "Houdini Heroics for Jack in the Box" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Funny People
You may think a movie titled "Funny People" and chocked full of comedians, new and old, would be hilarious, but the joke would be on you. It’s more of a dramedy exposing the darker side of a fading standup comic facing loneliness, remorse, and death. Writer/director Judd Apatow has enlisted his army of regulars (Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, wife Leslie Mann, and his 2 daughters) to accompany Adam Sandler on his hard journey. This is a comic's film which reveals how comedians hide their pain and suffering in their humor. The humor here is mainly blue. This one drags on for 2 ½ hours.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "hiding in humor" stars out of 4.
You may think a movie titled "Funny People" and chocked full of comedians, new and old, would be hilarious, but the joke would be on you. It’s more of a dramedy exposing the darker side of a fading standup comic facing loneliness, remorse, and death. Writer/director Judd Apatow has enlisted his army of regulars (Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, wife Leslie Mann, and his 2 daughters) to accompany Adam Sandler on his hard journey. This is a comic's film which reveals how comedians hide their pain and suffering in their humor. The humor here is mainly blue. This one drags on for 2 ½ hours.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "hiding in humor" stars out of 4.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Ugly Truth
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's Good Day Sacramento when a control freak TV producer (Katherine Heigl) seeks advice from a brash cable-access show host (Gerard Butler). Heigl and Butler are funny, charming, and watchable in this very predictable romantic comedy involving the battle of the sexes. It's "My Fair Lady" meets "Cyrano De Bergerac" meets "When Sally Met Harry" with lots of sexually targeted jokes. The ugly truth of this film is that it tries to be edgy and naughty, but it just comes out as formulated silliness.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "man whore and the fun bag twins" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's Good Day Sacramento when a control freak TV producer (Katherine Heigl) seeks advice from a brash cable-access show host (Gerard Butler). Heigl and Butler are funny, charming, and watchable in this very predictable romantic comedy involving the battle of the sexes. It's "My Fair Lady" meets "Cyrano De Bergerac" meets "When Sally Met Harry" with lots of sexually targeted jokes. The ugly truth of this film is that it tries to be edgy and naughty, but it just comes out as formulated silliness.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "man whore and the fun bag twins" stars out of 4.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
500 Days of Summer
This is an offbeat, bittersweet story about the complex relationship between a man and a woman, love at first sight, and heartbreak. This funny, clever, and unconventional film stars two of Alien’s favorites. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tom) and Zooey Deschanel (Summer) are excellent as the couple we fondly follow through their 500 days together. Tom is vulnerable and love struck by Summer. Flashbacks and flash forwards are used to contrast the ups and downs of their lives.
Alien gives it 3 "pretending in IKEA" stars out of 4.
This is an offbeat, bittersweet story about the complex relationship between a man and a woman, love at first sight, and heartbreak. This funny, clever, and unconventional film stars two of Alien’s favorites. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tom) and Zooey Deschanel (Summer) are excellent as the couple we fondly follow through their 500 days together. Tom is vulnerable and love struck by Summer. Flashbacks and flash forwards are used to contrast the ups and downs of their lives.
Alien gives it 3 "pretending in IKEA" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
G-Force
It’s "Mission Impossible" meets "Transformers" in 3D when cute little Disney talking animals star in a Jerry Bruckheimer production filled with the usual thrilling chase and big explosion scenes. Rodents rule when a covert FBI Special Forces team (3 guinea pigs, a mole, and a fly) try to stop a plan for world domination. This family friendly film is action packed and loaded with guinea pig gadgets. You’ll discover that that guinea pigs say the darnest things. It is very funny and has a high kid appeal factor. Yes, it is silly, but it's fun too.
Alien gives it 3 "Project Clusterstorm" stars out of 4.
It’s "Mission Impossible" meets "Transformers" in 3D when cute little Disney talking animals star in a Jerry Bruckheimer production filled with the usual thrilling chase and big explosion scenes. Rodents rule when a covert FBI Special Forces team (3 guinea pigs, a mole, and a fly) try to stop a plan for world domination. This family friendly film is action packed and loaded with guinea pig gadgets. You’ll discover that that guinea pigs say the darnest things. It is very funny and has a high kid appeal factor. Yes, it is silly, but it's fun too.
Alien gives it 3 "Project Clusterstorm" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Orphan
Is Esther the re-germination of the "Bad Seed" or the reincarnation of Damien? After the miscarriage of their third child, a seemingly ideal family with a past looks to adopt a seemingly perfect orphan girl with a past. Of course, they more than they bargain for, in this horror-like film where false frights flow freely along with some bloody violence. If you liked to be scared, you may enjoy this one. It is the kind of intense film where you sit frustrated in your seat wanting to scream look out to the innocent idiots on the screen. Alien liked the black light art and the movie's twist. The Orphan is wicked evil.
Alien gives it 3 "adroit manipulator" stars out of 4.
Is Esther the re-germination of the "Bad Seed" or the reincarnation of Damien? After the miscarriage of their third child, a seemingly ideal family with a past looks to adopt a seemingly perfect orphan girl with a past. Of course, they more than they bargain for, in this horror-like film where false frights flow freely along with some bloody violence. If you liked to be scared, you may enjoy this one. It is the kind of intense film where you sit frustrated in your seat wanting to scream look out to the innocent idiots on the screen. Alien liked the black light art and the movie's twist. The Orphan is wicked evil.
Alien gives it 3 "adroit manipulator" stars out of 4.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Ice Age: The Dawn of the Dinosaurs
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Your Ice Age favorites are back for more fun and adventure as "Lost World" meets "Parenthood". Expecting parents, Manny and Ellie, along with their rag-tag band of followers continue on their trek through the snow, but stumble into the land of dinosaurs. The animation is amazing. It is filled with cliché jokes and lots of thrilling chase scenes for the kids, but adults may become a bit bored as the dinosaur danger tends to drag on endlessly. Alien liked the look of this 3D adventure, but felt the journey really wasn’t taking us anywhere. However, it is still a good family film. Alien's favorite moments are when Scrat is on the screen.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Lava Falls" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Your Ice Age favorites are back for more fun and adventure as "Lost World" meets "Parenthood". Expecting parents, Manny and Ellie, along with their rag-tag band of followers continue on their trek through the snow, but stumble into the land of dinosaurs. The animation is amazing. It is filled with cliché jokes and lots of thrilling chase scenes for the kids, but adults may become a bit bored as the dinosaur danger tends to drag on endlessly. Alien liked the look of this 3D adventure, but felt the journey really wasn’t taking us anywhere. However, it is still a good family film. Alien's favorite moments are when Scrat is on the screen.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Lava Falls" stars out of 4.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Bandslam
A high school outcast tries to escape his past and start fresh at a new school and city where rock-n-roll rules. This misfit manages to attract the attention of two odd, but gorgeous girls (Vanessa Hudgens of "High School Musical" fame and Alyson Michalka of Aly & AJ), and becomes involved in a battle of the bands competition. The premise is kind of predictable and a bit contrived, but the film is genuinely funny, clever at times, entertaining, and will surprise you. It starts out looking like another stupid teenage comedy, but it's a great family film filled with some good music and laughs. Hopefully, this sleeper won’t get overlooked at the theaters.
Alien gives it 3 "Texas High School Football BIG" stars out of 4.
A high school outcast tries to escape his past and start fresh at a new school and city where rock-n-roll rules. This misfit manages to attract the attention of two odd, but gorgeous girls (Vanessa Hudgens of "High School Musical" fame and Alyson Michalka of Aly & AJ), and becomes involved in a battle of the bands competition. The premise is kind of predictable and a bit contrived, but the film is genuinely funny, clever at times, entertaining, and will surprise you. It starts out looking like another stupid teenage comedy, but it's a great family film filled with some good music and laughs. Hopefully, this sleeper won’t get overlooked at the theaters.
Alien gives it 3 "Texas High School Football BIG" stars out of 4.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
This is "sweet 16" for Harry and his Hogwarts cohorts who are back for some high school hijinx with their hormones raging. This episode of the ever growing darker and more mysterious tale is brightened with more humor, making these wizards seem more human... or shall I say more muggle. These now famous characters which we have grown to love and hate are now quite comfortable in their roles. The film looks fabulous and the mystery keeps us looking further ahead as more memories reveal the secrets of the past. It is still magical for Alien.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "rare and dark magic" stars out of 4.
This is "sweet 16" for Harry and his Hogwarts cohorts who are back for some high school hijinx with their hormones raging. This episode of the ever growing darker and more mysterious tale is brightened with more humor, making these wizards seem more human... or shall I say more muggle. These now famous characters which we have grown to love and hate are now quite comfortable in their roles. The film looks fabulous and the mystery keeps us looking further ahead as more memories reveal the secrets of the past. It is still magical for Alien.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "rare and dark magic" stars out of 4.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Adventures in Wild California
This not a sneak preview. This IMAX film was released in 2000.
See spectacular and breath-taking footage shot all over California by land, under the sea, and in the air. From sky surfing to the Oscar ceremony red carpet to a Disneyland roller coaster to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge to deep inside a giant sequoia are just some of the unforgettable images that will thrill and amaze you.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "adrenalin rush" stars out of 4.
This not a sneak preview. This IMAX film was released in 2000.
See spectacular and breath-taking footage shot all over California by land, under the sea, and in the air. From sky surfing to the Oscar ceremony red carpet to a Disneyland roller coaster to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge to deep inside a giant sequoia are just some of the unforgettable images that will thrill and amaze you.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "adrenalin rush" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Julie & Julia
Based on two true stories about two women of different places and time, this delightful film parallels their dissatisfaction of their lives and their discovery of their passion for cooking. Meryl Streep is marvelous as Julia Child. Her performance is spot on and truly captures the spirit of the famous chef. Amy Adams is endearing as Julie Powell who sets out to blog about cooking 524 Julia Child recipes in 365 days. Nora Ephron’s script is a delicious recipe for fun and entertainment. Stanley Tucci plays Julia’s husband, Paul, just one of the superb side characters. As an additional treat, look for Dan Aykroyd’s unforgettable, but always hilarious impersonation.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Bon Appétit" stars out of 4.
Based on two true stories about two women of different places and time, this delightful film parallels their dissatisfaction of their lives and their discovery of their passion for cooking. Meryl Streep is marvelous as Julia Child. Her performance is spot on and truly captures the spirit of the famous chef. Amy Adams is endearing as Julie Powell who sets out to blog about cooking 524 Julia Child recipes in 365 days. Nora Ephron’s script is a delicious recipe for fun and entertainment. Stanley Tucci plays Julia’s husband, Paul, just one of the superb side characters. As an additional treat, look for Dan Aykroyd’s unforgettable, but always hilarious impersonation.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Bon Appétit" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Brüno
Move over Borat, Brüno is here to punk the world. Is it reality entertainment at its best or worst? Sacha spoofs the unsuspecting with his gay Austrian fashionista impersonation told in a faux biopic documentary. The movie has its funny moments and its pornographic ones too. Maybe Alien has become immuned to Sacha's silly shock satire because I became rather bored with Brüno's repetitive antics. However, I'm still impressed with Sacha's selling of his characters so convincingly real as he cleverly pokes fun at the American people (not to mention the other things that get poked in the film). Look for a few celebrity cameos. Definitely, it is not everyone's cup of tea.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "outlandish, outrageous, and offensive" stars out of 4.
Move over Borat, Brüno is here to punk the world. Is it reality entertainment at its best or worst? Sacha spoofs the unsuspecting with his gay Austrian fashionista impersonation told in a faux biopic documentary. The movie has its funny moments and its pornographic ones too. Maybe Alien has become immuned to Sacha's silly shock satire because I became rather bored with Brüno's repetitive antics. However, I'm still impressed with Sacha's selling of his characters so convincingly real as he cleverly pokes fun at the American people (not to mention the other things that get poked in the film). Look for a few celebrity cameos. Definitely, it is not everyone's cup of tea.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "outlandish, outrageous, and offensive" stars out of 4.
