Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Planet 51
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The shoe is on the other foot when an earthling’s arrival triggers panic on an alien planet. This animated comedy parodies "E.T.", "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and the 1950’s UFO craze. The film will entertain kids and adults.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Rover and Lem" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The shoe is on the other foot when an earthling’s arrival triggers panic on an alien planet. This animated comedy parodies "E.T.", "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and the 1950’s UFO craze. The film will entertain kids and adults.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Rover and Lem" stars out of 4.
Brothers
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director Jim Sheridan contrasts the lives of two brothers in an emotional story about family, love, war, loss, rebuilding, bonding, and guilt. Tobey McGuire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman give superb performances, as do the adorable little girls who play the daughters. It is a real tear jerker.
Alien gives it 3 "save the drowning man" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director Jim Sheridan contrasts the lives of two brothers in an emotional story about family, love, war, loss, rebuilding, bonding, and guilt. Tobey McGuire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman give superb performances, as do the adorable little girls who play the daughters. It is a real tear jerker.
Alien gives it 3 "save the drowning man" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sherlock Holmes
A British "National Treasure"/ "Angels and Demons" with a touch of the "Wild, Wild West" is Guy Richie’s movie version of the famed detective. Holmes and Watson bicker as they follow the trail of a serial killer in a mystery involving a midget, a deceptive lady, a secret society, and the dark arts. Of course, no one can out smart Sherlock as he deduces all of the subtle clues. This film has big stars, big action, and big special effects, but little chemistry.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Blackwood black magic and Gladstone guinea pig" stars out of 4.
A British "National Treasure"/ "Angels and Demons" with a touch of the "Wild, Wild West" is Guy Richie’s movie version of the famed detective. Holmes and Watson bicker as they follow the trail of a serial killer in a mystery involving a midget, a deceptive lady, a secret society, and the dark arts. Of course, no one can out smart Sherlock as he deduces all of the subtle clues. This film has big stars, big action, and big special effects, but little chemistry.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Blackwood black magic and Gladstone guinea pig" stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Move over "G-Force", the Chipmunks are back for more nutty laughs. It’s "High School Musical" meets the Jonas Brothers meets Beyoncé when Alvin, Theodore, and Simon meet their match in a musical showdown with the Chipettes - Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette. Yeah, it’s kind of corny and cheesy, but the little kids will just love it. These CGI rodents are cute and adorable as they sing and dance to some popular tunes. Alien thinks everyone already knows if they want to see this movie or not. For a children’s film, it is actually well made and a must if you need to entertain some little ones. Stay through the credits for some final inserts.
Alien gives it 3 "Seville silliness" stars out of 4.
Move over "G-Force", the Chipmunks are back for more nutty laughs. It’s "High School Musical" meets the Jonas Brothers meets Beyoncé when Alvin, Theodore, and Simon meet their match in a musical showdown with the Chipettes - Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette. Yeah, it’s kind of corny and cheesy, but the little kids will just love it. These CGI rodents are cute and adorable as they sing and dance to some popular tunes. Alien thinks everyone already knows if they want to see this movie or not. For a children’s film, it is actually well made and a must if you need to entertain some little ones. Stay through the credits for some final inserts.
Alien gives it 3 "Seville silliness" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Avatar
It’s "Dances with Wolves" meets "Aliens" meets "The Matrix" meets giant Smurfs with tails in James Cameron’s latest epic story on an alien planet filmed in 3D. A crippled marine is sent to infiltrate the native culture of a distant planet in order to obtain a valuable mineral. This movie will carry you away to a land that you have never imagined before. The creatures and the plant life are so strange looking, but yet oddly familiar. The special effects are amazing. The action sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story line is terrific. It is a war film, a love story, a save the planet movie, and a sci-fi spectacular. This film is a remarkable experience that lasts nearly 3 hours.
Alien gives it 4 "dreamwalkers, blue monkeys, and ICU" stars out of 4.
It’s "Dances with Wolves" meets "Aliens" meets "The Matrix" meets giant Smurfs with tails in James Cameron’s latest epic story on an alien planet filmed in 3D. A crippled marine is sent to infiltrate the native culture of a distant planet in order to obtain a valuable mineral. This movie will carry you away to a land that you have never imagined before. The creatures and the plant life are so strange looking, but yet oddly familiar. The special effects are amazing. The action sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story line is terrific. It is a war film, a love story, a save the planet movie, and a sci-fi spectacular. This film is a remarkable experience that lasts nearly 3 hours.
Alien gives it 4 "dreamwalkers, blue monkeys, and ICU" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Up In the Air
Spend time traveling with a corporate hatchet man (George Clooney) as he contemplates his relationships with a new co-worker (Anna Kendrick), his estranged family, and a casual lady friend (Vera Farmiga). This is a sophisticated comedy with smart dialogue. Clooney, Kendrick, and Farmiga all shine as they illustrate the humorous side of frequent flying, job termination, and getting married. This is good light hearted entertainment.
Alien gives it 3 "pack light with slip on shoes" stars out of 4.
Spend time traveling with a corporate hatchet man (George Clooney) as he contemplates his relationships with a new co-worker (Anna Kendrick), his estranged family, and a casual lady friend (Vera Farmiga). This is a sophisticated comedy with smart dialogue. Clooney, Kendrick, and Farmiga all shine as they illustrate the humorous side of frequent flying, job termination, and getting married. This is good light hearted entertainment.
Alien gives it 3 "pack light with slip on shoes" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
It’s Complicated
Love is complicated, especially when it involves ex-spouses (Meryl Streep & Alec Baldwin), their children, a new wife (Lake Bell), and a new boyfriend (Steve Martin). Hilarity ensues after an evening of too much wine. Streep, Baldwin, and Martin are very funny in this love triangle, but John Krasinski steals his scenes. Marriage, divorce, dating, jealousy, and affairs of the heart are explored in this romantic comedy.
Alien gives it 3 "laugh at love" stars out of 4.
Love is complicated, especially when it involves ex-spouses (Meryl Streep & Alec Baldwin), their children, a new wife (Lake Bell), and a new boyfriend (Steve Martin). Hilarity ensues after an evening of too much wine. Streep, Baldwin, and Martin are very funny in this love triangle, but John Krasinski steals his scenes. Marriage, divorce, dating, jealousy, and affairs of the heart are explored in this romantic comedy.
Alien gives it 3 "laugh at love" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
The Road
This not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
"The Road" takes a nameless father and son on an arduous journey through a post apocalyptic land. Their world is very gray, grim, and bleak. Tension and paranoia lurks around every corner as they scavenge for food, fuel, and survival while avoiding the dangerous cannibals. The father is haunted by memories of the past; while the boy never knew that world of the past. This depressing movie is very well made, but can be hard to watch. The film is deliberately slow and sad, but it will make you wonder what you would do if this were you.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "are we the good guys" stars out of 4.
This not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
"The Road" takes a nameless father and son on an arduous journey through a post apocalyptic land. Their world is very gray, grim, and bleak. Tension and paranoia lurks around every corner as they scavenge for food, fuel, and survival while avoiding the dangerous cannibals. The father is haunted by memories of the past; while the boy never knew that world of the past. This depressing movie is very well made, but can be hard to watch. The film is deliberately slow and sad, but it will make you wonder what you would do if this were you.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "are we the good guys" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Invictus
Two men (Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon) unite and inspire a team and a nation. Clint Eastwood produces and directs an amazing story about leadership, vision, and motivation. After 27 years of imprisonment and winning the presidential election, Nelson Mandela must bring together a country divided by deep rooted hatreds. It is a heart warming and inspirational story that revolves around the brutally physical game of rugby. Score one for the Springboks, Mandela, and Eastwood.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "one team, one nation" stars out of 4.
Two men (Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon) unite and inspire a team and a nation. Clint Eastwood produces and directs an amazing story about leadership, vision, and motivation. After 27 years of imprisonment and winning the presidential election, Nelson Mandela must bring together a country divided by deep rooted hatreds. It is a heart warming and inspirational story that revolves around the brutally physical game of rugby. Score one for the Springboks, Mandela, and Eastwood.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "one team, one nation" stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
The Princess and the Frog
Set in New Orleans, Disney adds a twist to the old tale of the frog prince. A waitress transforms into a frog in her search for a prince and a restaurant. Voodoo magic, Southern & Cajun characters & critters, and jazz & Dixieland music accent this animated love story. The main characters are frogs, fireflies, a gator, the shadow man, and a voodoo priestess. This fairy tale for kids has a strong female lead and a creepy villain with shadowy henchmen.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "beignets and gumbo" stars out of 4.
Set in New Orleans, Disney adds a twist to the old tale of the frog prince. A waitress transforms into a frog in her search for a prince and a restaurant. Voodoo magic, Southern & Cajun characters & critters, and jazz & Dixieland music accent this animated love story. The main characters are frogs, fireflies, a gator, the shadow man, and a voodoo priestess. This fairy tale for kids has a strong female lead and a creepy villain with shadowy henchmen.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "beignets and gumbo" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Armored
You can pretty much figure out the story line from the premise. Five veteran security guards convince the rookie to join them in a scheme to heist $42 million from their own armored trucks. Because they are amateurs, their plan starts to unravel. Unfortunately for the audience, this movie script has as many holes in it as the guards’ plan. If you switch off your brain and go with the flow, you’ll be entertained for 90 minutes.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Eagle Shield" stars out of 4.
You can pretty much figure out the story line from the premise. Five veteran security guards convince the rookie to join them in a scheme to heist $42 million from their own armored trucks. Because they are amateurs, their plan starts to unravel. Unfortunately for the audience, this movie script has as many holes in it as the guards’ plan. If you switch off your brain and go with the flow, you’ll be entertained for 90 minutes.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Eagle Shield" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Transylmania
It’s "Euro Trip" meets "Van Helsing" meets "Frankenstein" meets "Harold and Kumar" meets "The Prince and the Pauper" in a hodgepodge of stupidity as college students travel abroad to study in a Romanian castle with vampires lurking about. If you are into crude sophomoric humor based on drugs, sex, and scantily clad beauties, you might be amused and entertained by this spoof. Sexy vampires, a few naked breasts, a couple of hunchbacks, and a midget round out a cast of unknowns. This ludicrous script must have been written while under the influence and certainly best enjoyed while under the influence.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "music box" stars out of 4.
It’s "Euro Trip" meets "Van Helsing" meets "Frankenstein" meets "Harold and Kumar" meets "The Prince and the Pauper" in a hodgepodge of stupidity as college students travel abroad to study in a Romanian castle with vampires lurking about. If you are into crude sophomoric humor based on drugs, sex, and scantily clad beauties, you might be amused and entertained by this spoof. Sexy vampires, a few naked breasts, a couple of hunchbacks, and a midget round out a cast of unknowns. This ludicrous script must have been written while under the influence and certainly best enjoyed while under the influence.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "music box" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Leap Year
Anna (Amy Adams) decides to meet her boyfriend in Dublin and propose to him according to an old Irish tradition about leap years. This predictable plot follows the stereotypical story line of the romantic comedy formula. One disaster after another befalls poor Anna on her cross-country journey to meet her man. The highlights of the film are Amy Adam’s always delightful performance, the beautiful Irish countryside, and the colorful locals. This cute charming movie is good light-hearted entertainment.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "kiss the girl" stars out of 4.
Anna (Amy Adams) decides to meet her boyfriend in Dublin and propose to him according to an old Irish tradition about leap years. This predictable plot follows the stereotypical story line of the romantic comedy formula. One disaster after another befalls poor Anna on her cross-country journey to meet her man. The highlights of the film are Amy Adam’s always delightful performance, the beautiful Irish countryside, and the colorful locals. This cute charming movie is good light-hearted entertainment.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "kiss the girl" stars out of 4.
