Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Last Airbender (in 3D)
Alien has never seen the cartoon series "Avatar" upon which this movie is based. Despite the impressive special effects and terrific demonstrations of martial arts, this dark looking film seems muddled and rather dull. Alien senses that the original storyline has been so compressed that any newbie will find it hard to fully enjoy. The visuals are great, but the characters and the story lack the depth to make the movie more entertaining. It is another disappointment from M. Night Shyamalan. It’s the first book of a bigger story than may not be continued.
Alien gives it 2 "without sacrifice, there is no love" stars out of 4.
Alien has never seen the cartoon series "Avatar" upon which this movie is based. Despite the impressive special effects and terrific demonstrations of martial arts, this dark looking film seems muddled and rather dull. Alien senses that the original storyline has been so compressed that any newbie will find it hard to fully enjoy. The visuals are great, but the characters and the story lack the depth to make the movie more entertaining. It is another disappointment from M. Night Shyamalan. It’s the first book of a bigger story than may not be continued.
Alien gives it 2 "without sacrifice, there is no love" stars out of 4.
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The Cullen Clan and the Wolf Pack are back to protect Bella against the new borns. Teenage hormones continue to rage on as Edward and Jacob compete for Bella’s affections. High school graduation brings big decisions for a bad-ass and befuddled Bella. This third film of the series is the best of the bunch so far. It’s packed with vamp-on-wolfie and vamp-on-vamp action. Alien enjoyed the historical back stories and was surprised by the small humorous moments. Human and not-so-human relations are tested as emotions and action build to an intense climax leaving the audience craving for more and longing for "Breaking Dawn". It’s a great date flick for romantics and thrill seekers.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "who do you love" stars out of 4.
The Cullen Clan and the Wolf Pack are back to protect Bella against the new borns. Teenage hormones continue to rage on as Edward and Jacob compete for Bella’s affections. High school graduation brings big decisions for a bad-ass and befuddled Bella. This third film of the series is the best of the bunch so far. It’s packed with vamp-on-wolfie and vamp-on-vamp action. Alien enjoyed the historical back stories and was surprised by the small humorous moments. Human and not-so-human relations are tested as emotions and action build to an intense climax leaving the audience craving for more and longing for "Breaking Dawn". It’s a great date flick for romantics and thrill seekers.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "who do you love" stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Knight and Day
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A chance meeting teams up an unlikely couple, one focused and the other scattered. It’s a funny, action-packed romantic comedy involving a rogue agent, a missing scientist with a revolutionary invention, and international intrigue. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are two of the most charming and charismatic actors to watch on the big screen. They take us on quite a thrill ride with some spectacular stunts and lots of laughs. This is a classic summer blockbuster with big stars, big action, and big fun.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "who are you and you got skills" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A chance meeting teams up an unlikely couple, one focused and the other scattered. It’s a funny, action-packed romantic comedy involving a rogue agent, a missing scientist with a revolutionary invention, and international intrigue. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are two of the most charming and charismatic actors to watch on the big screen. They take us on quite a thrill ride with some spectacular stunts and lots of laughs. This is a classic summer blockbuster with big stars, big action, and big fun.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "who are you and you got skills" stars out of 4.
Grownups
It’s "The Big Chill" for juveniles when a championship junior high basketball team reunites 30 years later for their coach’s funeral. These old buddies (Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James, and Rob Schneider) are men behaving badly as they try to recapture some fond childhood memories at a lakeside cabin with their families. If you are familiar with these comedians, you know exactly what type of humor to expect. It’s funny, gross, and slapstick; guys talking like guys and making fun of each other. This film about friends and family illustrates growing up and not growing up. Look for some cameos.
Alien gives it 3 "bank shot" stars out of 4.
It’s "The Big Chill" for juveniles when a championship junior high basketball team reunites 30 years later for their coach’s funeral. These old buddies (Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James, and Rob Schneider) are men behaving badly as they try to recapture some fond childhood memories at a lakeside cabin with their families. If you are familiar with these comedians, you know exactly what type of humor to expect. It’s funny, gross, and slapstick; guys talking like guys and making fun of each other. This film about friends and family illustrates growing up and not growing up. Look for some cameos.
Alien gives it 3 "bank shot" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Jonah Hex
It’s the "Wild, Wild West" meets "Pushing Daisies" when a near-death experience allows a post-Civil War bounty hunter (Josh Brolin) to talk to the dead as he seeks vengeance for the death of his family. Based a not-so-famous DC comic book character, Jonah Hex brings a supernatural twist to the western genre loaded with lots of fire power and explosive action. Bolin is partnered up with the very pretty Megan Fox, who is a terrific shot, but too bad she can’t act. John Malkovich plays his usual bad guy role as the ex-Confederate general bent on destroying the nation’s Capitol. Like a quick draw, don’t blink because the show is over in a mere 80 minutes.
Alien gives it 2 "twin Gatling gun" stars out of 4.
It’s the "Wild, Wild West" meets "Pushing Daisies" when a near-death experience allows a post-Civil War bounty hunter (Josh Brolin) to talk to the dead as he seeks vengeance for the death of his family. Based a not-so-famous DC comic book character, Jonah Hex brings a supernatural twist to the western genre loaded with lots of fire power and explosive action. Bolin is partnered up with the very pretty Megan Fox, who is a terrific shot, but too bad she can’t act. John Malkovich plays his usual bad guy role as the ex-Confederate general bent on destroying the nation’s Capitol. Like a quick draw, don’t blink because the show is over in a mere 80 minutes.
Alien gives it 2 "twin Gatling gun" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Toy Story 3
Once again Pixar recreates the sense of childhood play and fun as Woody and his posse head out on another wild "Great Escape" escapade. This time, Andy’s toys accidently end up at the Sunnyside Day Care and they must find their way home. It’s hilarious fun with high adventure and touching moments for young and old. For the kids, it’s a marvelous imaginary playtime and for the adults, it’s a nostalgic look at some of your favorite playthings. This terrific 3D film explores the themes of growing up and belonging. Buzz and company will take you to infinity and beyond. This is a must see for families to enjoy, experience, and laugh together.
Alien gives it 4 "more fun than a barrel of monkeys" stars out of 4.
Once again Pixar recreates the sense of childhood play and fun as Woody and his posse head out on another wild "Great Escape" escapade. This time, Andy’s toys accidently end up at the Sunnyside Day Care and they must find their way home. It’s hilarious fun with high adventure and touching moments for young and old. For the kids, it’s a marvelous imaginary playtime and for the adults, it’s a nostalgic look at some of your favorite playthings. This terrific 3D film explores the themes of growing up and belonging. Buzz and company will take you to infinity and beyond. This is a must see for families to enjoy, experience, and laugh together.
Alien gives it 4 "more fun than a barrel of monkeys" stars out of 4.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Killers
This is not a preview. This film has already released.
It’s "True Lies" meets "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" when a just dumped woman (Katherine Heigl) on vacation with her parents (Catherine O’Hare & Tom Selleck) falls in love with a professional assassin (Ashton Kutcher) who wants to quit the business and settle down. Married life in suburbia is wonderful and then there goes the neighborhood when bullets start to fly and knock-down drag-out fights erupt. High energy action is tempered with friendly marital bickering as the couple learns to trust no one. Look for a surprise cameo. It’s a fun romp watching to gorgeous people play in front of the camera.
Alien gives it 3 "circle of trust" stars out of 4.
This is not a preview. This film has already released.
It’s "True Lies" meets "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" when a just dumped woman (Katherine Heigl) on vacation with her parents (Catherine O’Hare & Tom Selleck) falls in love with a professional assassin (Ashton Kutcher) who wants to quit the business and settle down. Married life in suburbia is wonderful and then there goes the neighborhood when bullets start to fly and knock-down drag-out fights erupt. High energy action is tempered with friendly marital bickering as the couple learns to trust no one. Look for a surprise cameo. It’s a fun romp watching to gorgeous people play in front of the camera.
Alien gives it 3 "circle of trust" stars out of 4.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Despicable Me!
It's "Dr. No" meets "Spy vs. Spy" meets "Little Orphan Annie" when three cute little girls get involved in two super villains' schemes of thievery. This 3D animated film is a great time for the kiddies (RealD now makes tiny glasses for the wee small tots). The girls and the multitude of minions are just adorable. It’s a fun show with some touching moments. If you stay through the credits, you can play reach for the minion.
Alien gives it 3 "sleepy cats" stars out of 4.
It's "Dr. No" meets "Spy vs. Spy" meets "Little Orphan Annie" when three cute little girls get involved in two super villains' schemes of thievery. This 3D animated film is a great time for the kiddies (RealD now makes tiny glasses for the wee small tots). The girls and the multitude of minions are just adorable. It’s a fun show with some touching moments. If you stay through the credits, you can play reach for the minion.
Alien gives it 3 "sleepy cats" stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
The Way
It’s the little film that could. A California eye doctor (Martin Sheen) travels to France to claim the body of his dead son (Emilio Estevez), but ends up on a journey he never planned to take. He begins the pilgrimage that his son never finished. It’s a moving and touching tale using this road as a metaphor for life. This seemingly simple story about traveling from point A to point B is actually filled with a complexity of human emotions. Filmed in France and Spain, this fascinating film explores why people walk the Camino de Santiago and will inspire an interest in many to walk this walk. The characters are terrific and the scenery is wonderful in this well crafted film. This theatrical trek won’t disappoint and well worth the journey.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "walking stick and backpack" stars out of 4.
ps The highlight of the evening was the question and answer session with writer/director Emilio Estevez. He gave insights to the making of his film. He was on a grassroots campaign to promote his film and is still searching for studio support.
It’s the little film that could. A California eye doctor (Martin Sheen) travels to France to claim the body of his dead son (Emilio Estevez), but ends up on a journey he never planned to take. He begins the pilgrimage that his son never finished. It’s a moving and touching tale using this road as a metaphor for life. This seemingly simple story about traveling from point A to point B is actually filled with a complexity of human emotions. Filmed in France and Spain, this fascinating film explores why people walk the Camino de Santiago and will inspire an interest in many to walk this walk. The characters are terrific and the scenery is wonderful in this well crafted film. This theatrical trek won’t disappoint and well worth the journey.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "walking stick and backpack" stars out of 4.
ps The highlight of the evening was the question and answer session with writer/director Emilio Estevez. He gave insights to the making of his film. He was on a grassroots campaign to promote his film and is still searching for studio support.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Splice
It’s "Frankenstein" meets "Species" meets "Jurassic Park" meets "Parenthood" when two mad scientist nerds create a Franken-chicken with a stinger, whom they name Dren. These unprofessional professionals let their little science experiment get out of control. Alien found this sci-fi flick more of a thriller than a horror show. Although parts were highly predictable, there were some disturbing surprises. This scary, and sometimes laughable, movie is rated "R" for language and some hybrid nudity.
Alien gives it 3 "splice masters with their designer genes" stars out of 4.
It’s "Frankenstein" meets "Species" meets "Jurassic Park" meets "Parenthood" when two mad scientist nerds create a Franken-chicken with a stinger, whom they name Dren. These unprofessional professionals let their little science experiment get out of control. Alien found this sci-fi flick more of a thriller than a horror show. Although parts were highly predictable, there were some disturbing surprises. This scary, and sometimes laughable, movie is rated "R" for language and some hybrid nudity.
Alien gives it 3 "splice masters with their designer genes" stars out of 4.
The Backup Plan
This is not a preview. This film has already released.
Unable to find Mr. Right, a woman (Jennifer Lopez) decides on sperm donor insemination as her biological clock ticks. Then she meets a hunky guy with all the right stuff. It’s your typical romantic comedy except most of the jokes revolve around babies, pregnancy, and child birth. Lopez and the handicapped dog are very cute and good for a few laughs.
Alien give it 2 "stolen cab" stars out of 4.
This is not a preview. This film has already released.
Unable to find Mr. Right, a woman (Jennifer Lopez) decides on sperm donor insemination as her biological clock ticks. Then she meets a hunky guy with all the right stuff. It’s your typical romantic comedy except most of the jokes revolve around babies, pregnancy, and child birth. Lopez and the handicapped dog are very cute and good for a few laughs.
Alien give it 2 "stolen cab" stars out of 4.
