Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Crazies
Ogden Marsh, Iowa, is small town USA, America’s agricultural heartland, home of the Tigers... and the Crazies. It’s "Night of the Living Dead" meets "Outbreak" meets "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (the first one, not the remake). George Romero is the producer in this remake of his 1973 film about a town gone loco. This is a hang-on-to-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller where the tension is always running on high. Some times you see it coming and some times you don’t. It is a simple little film, but very effective. Something has happened to the town folk and no one knows what or else they are just not telling. Trust no one. It is a fun romp for those who like to be scared. Try and stay for the last news clip in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "fool’s errand" stars out of 4.
Ogden Marsh, Iowa, is small town USA, America’s agricultural heartland, home of the Tigers... and the Crazies. It’s "Night of the Living Dead" meets "Outbreak" meets "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (the first one, not the remake). George Romero is the producer in this remake of his 1973 film about a town gone loco. This is a hang-on-to-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller where the tension is always running on high. Some times you see it coming and some times you don’t. It is a simple little film, but very effective. Something has happened to the town folk and no one knows what or else they are just not telling. Trust no one. It is a fun romp for those who like to be scared. Try and stay for the last news clip in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "fool’s errand" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Cop Out
It’s hardly "Die Hard" when "Lethal Weapon" meets "Rush Hour" in director Kevin Smith’s buddy cop comedy. Two dicks (Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan) play good cop - bad cop as they deal with stolen property, kidnapping, robbery, car chases, shootouts, and the Mexican mafia. Seann William Scott does his best impersonation of Will Ferrell. If you love Willis and Morgan, you will love this movie. Expect a lot of humor bursting out in the middle of blazing gunfire. The "R" rating will get you crude sexual references and foul-mouth dialogue in two languages. Look for a final scene at the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "the worst of New York’s finest" stars out of 4.
It’s hardly "Die Hard" when "Lethal Weapon" meets "Rush Hour" in director Kevin Smith’s buddy cop comedy. Two dicks (Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan) play good cop - bad cop as they deal with stolen property, kidnapping, robbery, car chases, shootouts, and the Mexican mafia. Seann William Scott does his best impersonation of Will Ferrell. If you love Willis and Morgan, you will love this movie. Expect a lot of humor bursting out in the middle of blazing gunfire. The "R" rating will get you crude sexual references and foul-mouth dialogue in two languages. Look for a final scene at the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "the worst of New York’s finest" stars out of 4.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Saint John of Las Vegas
A Las Vegas compulsive gambler (Steve Buscemi) runs off to Albuquerque to work for an auto insurance company and to avoid his addiction. However, fate returns him to sin city to investigate a possible fraud case. This off-beat comedy is full of off-beat characters, including a wheelchair-bound stripper, a nudist/militant, and a carnival human torch. The low budget potential sleeper turned out to be a real yawner for Alien. Is it public embarrassment that keeps John Cho’s face hidden during his scenes? If you can stand it, stay through the credits for final bows.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "happy face crazed girlfriend" stars out of 4.
A Las Vegas compulsive gambler (Steve Buscemi) runs off to Albuquerque to work for an auto insurance company and to avoid his addiction. However, fate returns him to sin city to investigate a possible fraud case. This off-beat comedy is full of off-beat characters, including a wheelchair-bound stripper, a nudist/militant, and a carnival human torch. The low budget potential sleeper turned out to be a real yawner for Alien. Is it public embarrassment that keeps John Cho’s face hidden during his scenes? If you can stand it, stay through the credits for final bows.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "happy face crazed girlfriend" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Shutter Island
Something just doesn’t seem right on Shutter Island as we follow the story of a U.S. Marshall (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigating the mystery of a missing patient. Suspicion, paranoia, and hallucinations build as he spends time amongst the crazies in this loony bin for the criminally insane. Director Martin Scorsese crafts a gorgeous looking film for your eyes to drink in. He does wonders with smoke and water. This psychological thriller (2 hr 18 min) is creepy, eerie, and haunting. It will keep you off balanced as the ghosts of the island are searched out. Those afraid of heights and rats may want to avoid certain scenes.
Alien gives it 3 "why are you all wet, baby" stars out of 4.
Something just doesn’t seem right on Shutter Island as we follow the story of a U.S. Marshall (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigating the mystery of a missing patient. Suspicion, paranoia, and hallucinations build as he spends time amongst the crazies in this loony bin for the criminally insane. Director Martin Scorsese crafts a gorgeous looking film for your eyes to drink in. He does wonders with smoke and water. This psychological thriller (2 hr 18 min) is creepy, eerie, and haunting. It will keep you off balanced as the ghosts of the island are searched out. Those afraid of heights and rats may want to avoid certain scenes.
Alien gives it 3 "why are you all wet, baby" stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
It’s "Narnia" meets "Harry Potter" as Greek mythology erupts on the scene for a teenage boy accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. Thus begins the quest to prove his innocence and find his missing mother. The special effects are terrific. Based on a popular children’s book, this good action/family film is geared for the 12-year olds. Stay in your seats for a final scene near the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "demigod" stars out of 4.
It’s "Narnia" meets "Harry Potter" as Greek mythology erupts on the scene for a teenage boy accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt. Thus begins the quest to prove his innocence and find his missing mother. The special effects are terrific. Based on a popular children’s book, this good action/family film is geared for the 12-year olds. Stay in your seats for a final scene near the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "demigod" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
She’s Out Of My League
Sometimes the math just doesn’t add up in the rating game when a 5 wonders why a 10 is interested in him. At times a bit raunchy, but absolutely hilarious, this atypical romantic comedy explores dating and boy/girl relationships. The shaving scene with have you rolling in the aisles. It is "Super Bad"/"Hangover" type humor. The morals of the story are "believe in yourself" and "good guys don’t have to finish last". If you are looking for laughs, don’t skip over this unsuspecting romp about the lovable loser, his idiot friends, and the hot girl.
Alien gives it 3 "dating, rating, and mating" stars out of 4.
Sometimes the math just doesn’t add up in the rating game when a 5 wonders why a 10 is interested in him. At times a bit raunchy, but absolutely hilarious, this atypical romantic comedy explores dating and boy/girl relationships. The shaving scene with have you rolling in the aisles. It is "Super Bad"/"Hangover" type humor. The morals of the story are "believe in yourself" and "good guys don’t have to finish last". If you are looking for laughs, don’t skip over this unsuspecting romp about the lovable loser, his idiot friends, and the hot girl.
Alien gives it 3 "dating, rating, and mating" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
The Wolfman
For you young pups who have never seen the 1941 Universal Studio classic, it’s "The Hulk" meets "Wolverine" meets "Beauty and the Beast". This dark and haunting tale begins with Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro) returning home to investigate the mystery of his missing brother and ends up with him biting off more than he can chew. It is a bloody horror flick that will keep you a bit jumpy in your seat. The curse of the beast, the full moons, the silver bullets, the gypsy lore, the damsel in distress, and the mob of angry villagers are iconic symbols of the werewolf legend. The acting, the look of the film, and the action kill sequences are great in this re-imagined throwback to the old horror genre.
Alien gives it 3 "when the wolfbane blooms" stars out of 4.
For you young pups who have never seen the 1941 Universal Studio classic, it’s "The Hulk" meets "Wolverine" meets "Beauty and the Beast". This dark and haunting tale begins with Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro) returning home to investigate the mystery of his missing brother and ends up with him biting off more than he can chew. It is a bloody horror flick that will keep you a bit jumpy in your seat. The curse of the beast, the full moons, the silver bullets, the gypsy lore, the damsel in distress, and the mob of angry villagers are iconic symbols of the werewolf legend. The acting, the look of the film, and the action kill sequences are great in this re-imagined throwback to the old horror genre.
Alien gives it 3 "when the wolfbane blooms" stars out of 4.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Valentine’s Day
The pressures of February 14th are explored in director Garry Marshall’s latest romantic comedy featuring an all-star cast. Whether you love or hate Valentine’s Day, you may enjoy this movie. Just look for your favorites in the film to do their own thing. It is exactly what you expect... light-hearted fun that has it’s sappy moments. The challenge is to figure out who will be coupled with who by the end of the intricate, interweaving plot. At 120 minutes with 20 well known names, this averages to about 6 minutes screen time per star. Outtakes play through the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "Moorpark" stars out of 4.
The pressures of February 14th are explored in director Garry Marshall’s latest romantic comedy featuring an all-star cast. Whether you love or hate Valentine’s Day, you may enjoy this movie. Just look for your favorites in the film to do their own thing. It is exactly what you expect... light-hearted fun that has it’s sappy moments. The challenge is to figure out who will be coupled with who by the end of the intricate, interweaving plot. At 120 minutes with 20 well known names, this averages to about 6 minutes screen time per star. Outtakes play through the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "Moorpark" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
From Paris with Love
A dull, chess-playing, embassy gopher (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) partners with a foul-mouthed, cocky, unorthodox special ops agent (John Travolta) in a hunt for terrorists. Paris is the backdrop for this shoot’em up show involving drugs, assassins, and betrayal. See Travolta as you have never seen him before as he has fun with his new look and bad ass personality. Look for a "Pulp Fiction" reference. This is a great action flick with a sense of humor. Enjoy the thrill ride.
Alien gives it 3 "Wax on, Wax off" stars out of 4.
A dull, chess-playing, embassy gopher (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) partners with a foul-mouthed, cocky, unorthodox special ops agent (John Travolta) in a hunt for terrorists. Paris is the backdrop for this shoot’em up show involving drugs, assassins, and betrayal. See Travolta as you have never seen him before as he has fun with his new look and bad ass personality. Look for a "Pulp Fiction" reference. This is a great action flick with a sense of humor. Enjoy the thrill ride.
Alien gives it 3 "Wax on, Wax off" stars out of 4.
