Thursday, January 28, 2010
Dear John
It’s about the young love between a boy and a girl, the relationship between a father and son, and the choice between love and duty. A Special Forces soldier (Channing Tatum) on leave meets a college coed (Amanda Seyfried) on break and they fall in love. After he returns to duty, they continue their relationship through written correspondence until that fateful day of the last letter beginning "Dear John..." If you are an incurable romantic, break out the hankie for this Nicholas Spark’s tear jerker.
Alien give is 3 "1978 mule" stars out of 4.
It’s about the young love between a boy and a girl, the relationship between a father and son, and the choice between love and duty. A Special Forces soldier (Channing Tatum) on leave meets a college coed (Amanda Seyfried) on break and they fall in love. After he returns to duty, they continue their relationship through written correspondence until that fateful day of the last letter beginning "Dear John..." If you are an incurable romantic, break out the hankie for this Nicholas Spark’s tear jerker.
Alien give is 3 "1978 mule" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
When In Rome
It's love at the Guggenheim. A young woman (Kristen Bell) who is married to her job gets stalked by a magician, an artist, a male model, a sports writer, and a sausage king as a result of an Italian curse. It is your basic romantic comedy premise, but with a slight twist and lots of slapstick and site gags. The clown car bit is hilarious. Look for some cameos. Alien found it funnier than I would have expected. It is good clean fun entertainment about searching and finding love where you don’t expect it.
Alien gives it 3 "fountain of love" stars out of 4.
It's love at the Guggenheim. A young woman (Kristen Bell) who is married to her job gets stalked by a magician, an artist, a male model, a sports writer, and a sausage king as a result of an Italian curse. It is your basic romantic comedy premise, but with a slight twist and lots of slapstick and site gags. The clown car bit is hilarious. Look for some cameos. Alien found it funnier than I would have expected. It is good clean fun entertainment about searching and finding love where you don’t expect it.
Alien gives it 3 "fountain of love" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Edge of Darkness
Move over "Dirty Harry", Mad Mel is on a rampage in the streets of Boston because someone has killed his daughter and he wants to know why. Detective Tom Craven (Mel Gibson) gets involved in a big time mystery involving national security, a big corporation, a U.S. senator, and a professional hit man. Tender father/daughter moments are contrasted with thrilling action and extreme violence as a cop with nothing to lose tries to uncover the truth. This one is intense with very evil bad guys.
Alien gives it 3 "spin city" stars out of 4.
Move over "Dirty Harry", Mad Mel is on a rampage in the streets of Boston because someone has killed his daughter and he wants to know why. Detective Tom Craven (Mel Gibson) gets involved in a big time mystery involving national security, a big corporation, a U.S. senator, and a professional hit man. Tender father/daughter moments are contrasted with thrilling action and extreme violence as a cop with nothing to lose tries to uncover the truth. This one is intense with very evil bad guys.
Alien gives it 3 "spin city" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Single Man
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Relive 1962, as a gay British university professor (Colin Firth) in Southern California suffers through the loss of his long time lover (Matthew Goode) and contemplates suicide. The acting is superb in this movie with artsy values, but the story is sad and dreary. The film is well crafted, but maybe uncomfortable to watch.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "drowning man" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Relive 1962, as a gay British university professor (Colin Firth) in Southern California suffers through the loss of his long time lover (Matthew Goode) and contemplates suicide. The acting is superb in this movie with artsy values, but the story is sad and dreary. The film is well crafted, but maybe uncomfortable to watch.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "drowning man" stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Legion
It’s "Terminator" meets "Night of the Living Dead" when God sends the apocalypse to the Paradise Falls diner in the middle of nowhere New Mexico. The salvation of man depends on a guardian angel and the unborn child of a waitress. Don’t expect much to be explained because the main goal of the movie is to jump from one special effects action sequence to another. Alien is pretty sure the script writers cast themselves as those mindless creatures surrounding the diner. You can relax when you feel the cheesiness factor increase because you’ll be at the end of the show. This is a great action flick for the brain dead.
Alien gives it 2 "fallen angel" stars out of 4.
It’s "Terminator" meets "Night of the Living Dead" when God sends the apocalypse to the Paradise Falls diner in the middle of nowhere New Mexico. The salvation of man depends on a guardian angel and the unborn child of a waitress. Don’t expect much to be explained because the main goal of the movie is to jump from one special effects action sequence to another. Alien is pretty sure the script writers cast themselves as those mindless creatures surrounding the diner. You can relax when you feel the cheesiness factor increase because you’ll be at the end of the show. This is a great action flick for the brain dead.
Alien gives it 2 "fallen angel" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Crazy Heart
Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell as county singers, who would have thunk it. Bridges plays Bad Blake, an alcoholic, chain-smoking, has-been legend on his sunset tour of bowling alleys and bar room dives. He is a lovable loser who attracts the attention of a Santa Fe reporter (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Great acting and music highlight this bittersweet story that plays like a country western song. This could be a sleeper that may get over looked.
Alien gives it 3 "never too late" stars out of 4.
Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell as county singers, who would have thunk it. Bridges plays Bad Blake, an alcoholic, chain-smoking, has-been legend on his sunset tour of bowling alleys and bar room dives. He is a lovable loser who attracts the attention of a Santa Fe reporter (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Great acting and music highlight this bittersweet story that plays like a country western song. This could be a sleeper that may get over looked.
Alien gives it 3 "never too late" stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Book of Eli
It’s "Mad Max" meets "The Road" in this post-apocalyptic world 30 years after some nuclear disaster. It plays like an old western where the lone drifter arrives in a town run by a tyrant and his gang of thugs. The stranger, who wants no trouble, carries something valuable that others want to take away from him. As expected, Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman superbly play their roles. You’ll get a real kick out of the George and Martha characters. The action sequences are great when they occur, but the film seems to drag in between those scenes. Alien believes this movie needs to be seen again to be fully appreciated.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "fight the good fight and keep the faith" stars out of 4.
It’s "Mad Max" meets "The Road" in this post-apocalyptic world 30 years after some nuclear disaster. It plays like an old western where the lone drifter arrives in a town run by a tyrant and his gang of thugs. The stranger, who wants no trouble, carries something valuable that others want to take away from him. As expected, Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman superbly play their roles. You’ll get a real kick out of the George and Martha characters. The action sequences are great when they occur, but the film seems to drag in between those scenes. Alien believes this movie needs to be seen again to be fully appreciated.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "fight the good fight and keep the faith" stars out of 4.
Nine
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s "Chicago" meets "Cabaret" meets Fellini’s "8 ½" when director Rob Marshall brings the Broadway play to the big screen. Alien loved the superbly choreographed song and dance numbers, the gorgeous costumes, and the beautiful backdrops. The all star cast are all great actors that can sing too. The production is stylized and artsy. However, Alien did not care for the slow moving sad story about the troubled filmmaker who was struggling with his movie and the women in his life.
Alien gives it 2 "many women to love" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s "Chicago" meets "Cabaret" meets Fellini’s "8 ½" when director Rob Marshall brings the Broadway play to the big screen. Alien loved the superbly choreographed song and dance numbers, the gorgeous costumes, and the beautiful backdrops. The all star cast are all great actors that can sing too. The production is stylized and artsy. However, Alien did not care for the slow moving sad story about the troubled filmmaker who was struggling with his movie and the women in his life.
Alien gives it 2 "many women to love" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Daybreakers
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s "Gattaca" meets "Blade Runner" meets "I Am Legend" in a planet controlled by vampires and humans are the endangered species. While trying to develop a synthetic blood to meet the "food" shortage crisis, a hematologist (Ethan Hawke) stumbles onto a possible cure for vampirism. If you like vampire movies, you’ll like the vampy nuances in this twisted world of the bloodsuckers. Check out the features on the Chrysler "batmobile". The squeamish may have to peek through their hands during some excessively bloody and gory moments near the end of the film. Alien liked the premise.
Alien gives it 3 "subsiders" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s "Gattaca" meets "Blade Runner" meets "I Am Legend" in a planet controlled by vampires and humans are the endangered species. While trying to develop a synthetic blood to meet the "food" shortage crisis, a hematologist (Ethan Hawke) stumbles onto a possible cure for vampirism. If you like vampire movies, you’ll like the vampy nuances in this twisted world of the bloodsuckers. Check out the features on the Chrysler "batmobile". The squeamish may have to peek through their hands during some excessively bloody and gory moments near the end of the film. Alien liked the premise.
Alien gives it 3 "subsiders" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Extraordinary Measures
A desperate father/business man (Brendan Fraser) and theoretical scientist/researcher (Harrison Ford) team up and butt heads as they race against time to find a miracle cure for a rare genetic disorder. This movie is inspired by the real life story of the John Crowley family. It is a powerfully emotional film that illustrates the frustrations and ordeals that are encountered while trying to bring a new drug to clinical trials. Fraser and Ford are excellent in their roles, as is the little girl who plays Megan with such punk. This movie is about family and hope.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "chasing the wind" stars out of 4.
A desperate father/business man (Brendan Fraser) and theoretical scientist/researcher (Harrison Ford) team up and butt heads as they race against time to find a miracle cure for a rare genetic disorder. This movie is inspired by the real life story of the John Crowley family. It is a powerfully emotional film that illustrates the frustrations and ordeals that are encountered while trying to bring a new drug to clinical trials. Fraser and Ford are excellent in their roles, as is the little girl who plays Megan with such punk. This movie is about family and hope.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "chasing the wind" stars out of 4.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
The Spy Next Door
It’s "The Pacifier" meets "True Lies" as Jackie Chan plays a secret agent trying to romance the lady next door who has 3 kids, a cat, a pig, and a turtle. The plot is extremely predictable, but it is still fun for the kids. Jackie Chan fans will also enjoy watching him perform and mug for the cameras. The villains with the secret formula are lead by a "Boris and Natasha" team. In this one, you know exactly what you are going to get before the reel even begins to roll. Of course, stay seated for the typical Jackie Chan gag reel at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 "Secret Asian Man" stars out of 4.
It’s "The Pacifier" meets "True Lies" as Jackie Chan plays a secret agent trying to romance the lady next door who has 3 kids, a cat, a pig, and a turtle. The plot is extremely predictable, but it is still fun for the kids. Jackie Chan fans will also enjoy watching him perform and mug for the cameras. The villains with the secret formula are lead by a "Boris and Natasha" team. In this one, you know exactly what you are going to get before the reel even begins to roll. Of course, stay seated for the typical Jackie Chan gag reel at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 "Secret Asian Man" stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
The Lovely Bones
Do you believe in ghosts and fate? It’s "Without a Trace" meets "Ghost" meets "America’s Most Wanted" as director Peter Jackson tells a story seen through the eyes of a dead girl caught between heaven and earth. In a time before missing children’s faces were put on milk cartons and when people still used rotary phones, we follow the grief of a family’s loss and witness a portrait of a serial killer. Stanley Tucci is exquisite as the creepy wolf in sheep’s clothing. This sad story is keeps you interested because you don’t quite know which way it is going to go. It is basically a murder mystery that’s told unconventionally, creatively, and surreally. By the end, you may be a believer.
Alien gives it 3 "skeevy good" stars out of 4.
Do you believe in ghosts and fate? It’s "Without a Trace" meets "Ghost" meets "America’s Most Wanted" as director Peter Jackson tells a story seen through the eyes of a dead girl caught between heaven and earth. In a time before missing children’s faces were put on milk cartons and when people still used rotary phones, we follow the grief of a family’s loss and witness a portrait of a serial killer. Stanley Tucci is exquisite as the creepy wolf in sheep’s clothing. This sad story is keeps you interested because you don’t quite know which way it is going to go. It is basically a murder mystery that’s told unconventionally, creatively, and surreally. By the end, you may be a believer.
Alien gives it 3 "skeevy good" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Youth in Revolt
Michael Cera fans won’t be disappointed by his latest quirky romantic comedy. He will double your pleasure and double your fun as he perfectly plays that same awkward but lovable teenager that you’ve seen him play over and over again, but with a bonus this time. Alien was glad to see him take a step away from typecasting through his alter-ego role of Francois Dillinger. It is a modern day "Graduate" story where a young man discovers sex and pursues the girl he loves. This "R" rated film is edgy and innovative as it keeps the audience off-balanced and laughing. Here is what goes through a teenage boy’s mind as he explores sex and drugs and he falls blindly in love. Don’t rush out of the theater because the story doesn’t really end before the credits start to roll.
Alien gives it 3 "bad boy syndrome" stars out of 4.
Michael Cera fans won’t be disappointed by his latest quirky romantic comedy. He will double your pleasure and double your fun as he perfectly plays that same awkward but lovable teenager that you’ve seen him play over and over again, but with a bonus this time. Alien was glad to see him take a step away from typecasting through his alter-ego role of Francois Dillinger. It is a modern day "Graduate" story where a young man discovers sex and pursues the girl he loves. This "R" rated film is edgy and innovative as it keeps the audience off-balanced and laughing. Here is what goes through a teenage boy’s mind as he explores sex and drugs and he falls blindly in love. Don’t rush out of the theater because the story doesn’t really end before the credits start to roll.
Alien gives it 3 "bad boy syndrome" stars out of 4.
