Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Clash of the Titans
Once again, warrior Sam Worthington soars to the rescue on his winged beast. This remake of the 1981 Ray Harryhausen classic is a homage and a special effects spectacular, but it doesn’t convey the storyline as well as the original. The film cheats by including many non-3D scenes. Fans may be disappointed by certain plot changes and yet impressed by the CGI work. This film doesn’t live up to the hype. It’s good, but not great.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "flash of the demigod" stars of 4.
Once again, warrior Sam Worthington soars to the rescue on his winged beast. This remake of the 1981 Ray Harryhausen classic is a homage and a special effects spectacular, but it doesn’t convey the storyline as well as the original. The film cheats by including many non-3D scenes. Fans may be disappointed by certain plot changes and yet impressed by the CGI work. This film doesn’t live up to the hype. It’s good, but not great.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "flash of the demigod" stars of 4.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Last Song
Break out your hankies for the latest love story/tearjerker involving a rebellious teenager musical prodigy, an estranged father, a summer romance, and saving the sea turtles. The two names of Miley Cyrus and Nicholas Sparks should guarantee a big draw. This is Miley’s attempt to break away from her Hannah Montana persona, but she is a better performer than an actress. The lack of chemistry between the two leads makes one question their current romantic relationship in real life. The film is filled with clichéd moments. Despite all of these minor flaws, it’s still an emotional roller coaster ride that Cyrus/Sparks fans are looking for.
Alien gives it 3 "making mistakes and moving forward" stars out of 4.
Break out your hankies for the latest love story/tearjerker involving a rebellious teenager musical prodigy, an estranged father, a summer romance, and saving the sea turtles. The two names of Miley Cyrus and Nicholas Sparks should guarantee a big draw. This is Miley’s attempt to break away from her Hannah Montana persona, but she is a better performer than an actress. The lack of chemistry between the two leads makes one question their current romantic relationship in real life. The film is filled with clichéd moments. Despite all of these minor flaws, it’s still an emotional roller coaster ride that Cyrus/Sparks fans are looking for.
Alien gives it 3 "making mistakes and moving forward" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Oh, the horrors of being stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons. A young boy recounts from his journal, the awkwardness of trying to be cool and fitting in when he isn’t and he doesn’t. It is a cute little movie that everyone can relate to and laugh along with. Remember being terrorized by your older sibling and school bullies, embarrassed by your not-so-cool friends, and taunted by your classmates. This good fun film for the young and old is a look into the future for some and a look back for some. I guess the rest just have to live through it now.
Alien gives it 3 "curse of the cheese touch" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Oh, the horrors of being stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons. A young boy recounts from his journal, the awkwardness of trying to be cool and fitting in when he isn’t and he doesn’t. It is a cute little movie that everyone can relate to and laugh along with. Remember being terrorized by your older sibling and school bullies, embarrassed by your not-so-cool friends, and taunted by your classmates. This good fun film for the young and old is a look into the future for some and a look back for some. I guess the rest just have to live through it now.
Alien gives it 3 "curse of the cheese touch" stars out of 4.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
How to Train Your Dragon (in 3D at the IMAX)
Yep, Alien went to see it again, but this time at the Esquire IMAX and mainly to compare the two 3D experiences. Refer to my original March 8, 2010 review.
It’s tough to beat the 6-story screen and 12,000 watts of digital surround sound at the IMAX. This film is still a winner and soars above most movies in the theaters now.
Alien misses the old sturdy 3D glasses that came in 3 sizes. Too many people walked off with those $40 babies and they were replaced with this flimsy gray over-sized one-size-fits-all type. They are cheap, easy to scratch, smudge, and snap in two. Someone complained they fogged up on them during the show.
Alien also tested a pair of RealD 3D glasses from the non-IMAX screening and they did NOT work at the IMAX screening. Alien also tested a paper pair from the UCDavis Centennial show at the 2008 California State Fair and they worked really well at the IMAX. I prefer those over the IMAX issued ones.
Bottom line: Not all 3D glasses are alike.
Yep, Alien went to see it again, but this time at the Esquire IMAX and mainly to compare the two 3D experiences. Refer to my original March 8, 2010 review.
It’s tough to beat the 6-story screen and 12,000 watts of digital surround sound at the IMAX. This film is still a winner and soars above most movies in the theaters now.
Alien misses the old sturdy 3D glasses that came in 3 sizes. Too many people walked off with those $40 babies and they were replaced with this flimsy gray over-sized one-size-fits-all type. They are cheap, easy to scratch, smudge, and snap in two. Someone complained they fogged up on them during the show.
Alien also tested a pair of RealD 3D glasses from the non-IMAX screening and they did NOT work at the IMAX screening. Alien also tested a paper pair from the UCDavis Centennial show at the 2008 California State Fair and they worked really well at the IMAX. I prefer those over the IMAX issued ones.
Bottom line: Not all 3D glasses are alike.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Bounty Hunter
Ex-cop bounty hunter and ex-husband (Gerard Butler) must bring in his bail-jumping journalist ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston) in this romantic comedy / murder mystery. It’s a glorious game of one-upmanship in this charming, but highly predictable film. Butler and Aniston are fun to watch so if you are a fan of them and romantic comedies, you’ll enjoy this movie.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Bliss in Cupid’s Cabin" stars out of 4.
Ex-cop bounty hunter and ex-husband (Gerard Butler) must bring in his bail-jumping journalist ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston) in this romantic comedy / murder mystery. It’s a glorious game of one-upmanship in this charming, but highly predictable film. Butler and Aniston are fun to watch so if you are a fan of them and romantic comedies, you’ll enjoy this movie.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Bliss in Cupid’s Cabin" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Repo Men
It’s "Minority Report" meets "Logan’s Run" meets "The Running Man" meets "Total Recall" in this "Blade Runner"/"Robo Cop" world. Super mechanical organ transplants are the new wave of the future, but when you can’t keep up with the payments, the Union sends their goons to reclaim their expensive products. It’s also a buddy cop flick with two unlikely action heroes, Jude Law and Forrest Whitaker. It is a bloody gory and ultra violent, not for the squeamish. See if anyone can escape from this senselessly cruel nightmare with a very dark sense of humor. If you like your Sci-Fi extreme, this shocker may be for you.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "What’s New In You?" stars out of 4.
It’s "Minority Report" meets "Logan’s Run" meets "The Running Man" meets "Total Recall" in this "Blade Runner"/"Robo Cop" world. Super mechanical organ transplants are the new wave of the future, but when you can’t keep up with the payments, the Union sends their goons to reclaim their expensive products. It’s also a buddy cop flick with two unlikely action heroes, Jude Law and Forrest Whitaker. It is a bloody gory and ultra violent, not for the squeamish. See if anyone can escape from this senselessly cruel nightmare with a very dark sense of humor. If you like your Sci-Fi extreme, this shocker may be for you.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "What’s New In You?" stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Our Family Wedding
Expect a major culture clash when a Hispanic family and an African American one come together for a wedding. The jokes are sometimes borrowed and not so new, often tired, but always true. It is stereotypically predictable, but funny enough to keep the audience laughing. The patriarchs of each family try to competitively one up each other constantly. If you like your comedy heavy of the slapstick side, this film will be a winner for you. America Ferrera, Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, and Regina King headline this movie.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Viagra and the goat" stars out of 4.
Expect a major culture clash when a Hispanic family and an African American one come together for a wedding. The jokes are sometimes borrowed and not so new, often tired, but always true. It is stereotypically predictable, but funny enough to keep the audience laughing. The patriarchs of each family try to competitively one up each other constantly. If you like your comedy heavy of the slapstick side, this film will be a winner for you. America Ferrera, Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, and Regina King headline this movie.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Viagra and the goat" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Remember Me
This love story starts off with a tragedy and may surprise you at the end. Robert "Twilight" Pattinson plays a brooding young man with anger issues. He is a lost soul who smokes and drinks too much, but he adores his little sister. He does cheer up when he meets a girl from his school. Then the playful flirtation starts and blossoms into much more. Even though all of the characters are very watchable, the slow-to-evolve story seems to be spinning its wheels until they suddenly grab the pavement. It can be a real tear jerker, so don’t let anyone spoil the ending for you. Bring your hankies.
Alien gives it 3 "unforgettable" stars out of 4.
This love story starts off with a tragedy and may surprise you at the end. Robert "Twilight" Pattinson plays a brooding young man with anger issues. He is a lost soul who smokes and drinks too much, but he adores his little sister. He does cheer up when he meets a girl from his school. Then the playful flirtation starts and blossoms into much more. Even though all of the characters are very watchable, the slow-to-evolve story seems to be spinning its wheels until they suddenly grab the pavement. It can be a real tear jerker, so don’t let anyone spoil the ending for you. Bring your hankies.
Alien gives it 3 "unforgettable" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Green Zone
A U.S. soldier (Matt Damon), searching for Weapons of Mass Destruction, gets mixed up in a deadly hunt for the truth in Iraq. Is someone playing dirty for democracy? Who is Magellan? Is it a WMD wild goose chase? This film is a good political intrigue/action thriller. The trailers imply that the film will be another Jason Bourne type movie, but it is not.
Alien gives it 3 "battling in Bagdad" stars out of 4.
A U.S. soldier (Matt Damon), searching for Weapons of Mass Destruction, gets mixed up in a deadly hunt for the truth in Iraq. Is someone playing dirty for democracy? Who is Magellan? Is it a WMD wild goose chase? This film is a good political intrigue/action thriller. The trailers imply that the film will be another Jason Bourne type movie, but it is not.
Alien gives it 3 "battling in Bagdad" stars out of 4.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Brooklyn’s Finest
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Follow the lives of three cops as they struggle in their gritty and violent world of hookers and drug dealers. The film questions right and wrong as the main characters succumbs to the stresses of their dangerous, desperate, and lonely lives. Director Antoine Fuqua skillfully dramatizes street life and the toll it takes on our men in blue. The excellent cast includes Ethan Hawke, Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, and Wesley Snipes. Each cop is on his own mission, but see if their paths are destined to cross.
Alien gives it 3 "badges, bullets, and bad guys" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Follow the lives of three cops as they struggle in their gritty and violent world of hookers and drug dealers. The film questions right and wrong as the main characters succumbs to the stresses of their dangerous, desperate, and lonely lives. Director Antoine Fuqua skillfully dramatizes street life and the toll it takes on our men in blue. The excellent cast includes Ethan Hawke, Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, and Wesley Snipes. Each cop is on his own mission, but see if their paths are destined to cross.
Alien gives it 3 "badges, bullets, and bad guys" stars out of 4.
How To Train Your Dragon 3D
A young Viking boy struggles to please his father, takes Dragon Slaying 101, and becomes a dragon whisperer. This coming of age tale features a good story line and great visuals. Who can resist soaring with fire-breathing dragons of all shapes and sizes? It is an exhilarating adventure for the young and the old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Night Fury" stars out of 4.
A young Viking boy struggles to please his father, takes Dragon Slaying 101, and becomes a dragon whisperer. This coming of age tale features a good story line and great visuals. Who can resist soaring with fire-breathing dragons of all shapes and sizes? It is an exhilarating adventure for the young and the old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Night Fury" stars out of 4.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Oceans
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already been released.
Whales, dolphins, and manatees... oh my! See how these cetaceans communicate, feed, and behave. This movie is educational and entertaining. It is a rare look at these endangered sea creatures of the deep. It feels like you can reach out and touch them.
Alien gives it 3 "big bait ball bite" stars out of 4.
ps Alien didn't care for the "new" flimsy, oversized, one-size-fits-all 3D glasses and preferred the old, heavy duty ones that came in 3 sizes.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already been released.
Whales, dolphins, and manatees... oh my! See how these cetaceans communicate, feed, and behave. This movie is educational and entertaining. It is a rare look at these endangered sea creatures of the deep. It feels like you can reach out and touch them.
Alien gives it 3 "big bait ball bite" stars out of 4.
ps Alien didn't care for the "new" flimsy, oversized, one-size-fits-all 3D glasses and preferred the old, heavy duty ones that came in 3 sizes.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
The Ghost Writer
A former Prime Minister, a dead body washed ashore, war crime accusations, the CIA, and a memoir manuscript are involved in Roman Polanski’s murder mystery/political intrigue movie. Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Cattral, Tom Wilkinson, and Eli Wallach highlight a fine cast. Alien basically liked the film, but the story dragged along ever so slowly before it got to the punch line.
Alien gives it 2 "the beginnings" stars out of 4.
A former Prime Minister, a dead body washed ashore, war crime accusations, the CIA, and a memoir manuscript are involved in Roman Polanski’s murder mystery/political intrigue movie. Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Kim Cattral, Tom Wilkinson, and Eli Wallach highlight a fine cast. Alien basically liked the film, but the story dragged along ever so slowly before it got to the punch line.
Alien gives it 2 "the beginnings" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Hot Tub Time Machine
It’s "Back to the Future" for middle-agers who have traded in their DeLorean for a hot tub. Four guys jump into a magical time portal and end up in 1986. While trying to find their way back, they must deal with their destiny and the butterfly effect. It is rather predictable, but if you love a raunchy screwball comedy, this might tickle your fancy. It’s a guys’ film with lots of drinking, drugs, swearing, sexual references, and naked bodies.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Russian Red Bull in Kodiak Valley" stars out of 4.
It’s "Back to the Future" for middle-agers who have traded in their DeLorean for a hot tub. Four guys jump into a magical time portal and end up in 1986. While trying to find their way back, they must deal with their destiny and the butterfly effect. It is rather predictable, but if you love a raunchy screwball comedy, this might tickle your fancy. It’s a guys’ film with lots of drinking, drugs, swearing, sexual references, and naked bodies.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Russian Red Bull in Kodiak Valley" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Alice in Wonderland in Amazing 3D
Alice returns to Wonderland in Tim Burton’s retelling of the Disney classic. All of your favorite characters and scenes are portrayed, but they are skewed and odd in that dark
Burton-esque fashion. Tim recreates some marvelous visuals. Johnny Depp is always entertaining, but Helena Bonham Carter steals the show with her queenly attitude. She is a riot. It’s rated 'PG", but parents might want to preview it for their under 8 year olds. This is truly a wondrous world wear size and proportions are disturbingly distorted. See if you can spot the little Disney inside joke at the end of the movie. I’m sure real Disney fans will get it.
Alien gives it 3 "blood of the Jabberwocky" stars out of 4.
Alice returns to Wonderland in Tim Burton’s retelling of the Disney classic. All of your favorite characters and scenes are portrayed, but they are skewed and odd in that dark
Burton-esque fashion. Tim recreates some marvelous visuals. Johnny Depp is always entertaining, but Helena Bonham Carter steals the show with her queenly attitude. She is a riot. It’s rated 'PG", but parents might want to preview it for their under 8 year olds. This is truly a wondrous world wear size and proportions are disturbingly distorted. See if you can spot the little Disney inside joke at the end of the movie. I’m sure real Disney fans will get it.
Alien gives it 3 "blood of the Jabberwocky" stars out of 4.
