Thursday, September 30, 2010
Life As We Know It
It’s the classic romantic comedy formula with an orphaned baby added to the mix. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel play the perfect attractive couple thrown together by each of their best friends. However, they are constantly at odds with each other until... the end, of course. This predictable but funny film is mostly about dealing with all of those baby issues for the first time and finally becoming a family.
Alien gives it 3 "girl + guy + baby = family" stars out of 4.
It’s the classic romantic comedy formula with an orphaned baby added to the mix. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel play the perfect attractive couple thrown together by each of their best friends. However, they are constantly at odds with each other until... the end, of course. This predictable but funny film is mostly about dealing with all of those baby issues for the first time and finally becoming a family.
Alien gives it 3 "girl + guy + baby = family" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Let Me In
It’s "A Little Romance" with a blood thirst twist meets "My Bodyguard" meets "Rear Window" in this remake of the 2008 Swedish film "Let The Right One In". The 12 year-old Owen is a bullied loner. He gets more than he bargains for when he befriends a new girl, Abby (Chloe Moretz aka Hit Girl), in his apartment complex. Horror fans may be a bit disappointed. This deadly innocence story leans more towards issues of bullying and friendship while questioning what is evil. Suspense and tension are created through music and sound effects. Alien liked this different perspective of the famed creatures of the night. The movie is predictable, more simple and artsy than special effects.
Alien gives it 3 "barefoot in the snow" stars out of 4.
It’s "A Little Romance" with a blood thirst twist meets "My Bodyguard" meets "Rear Window" in this remake of the 2008 Swedish film "Let The Right One In". The 12 year-old Owen is a bullied loner. He gets more than he bargains for when he befriends a new girl, Abby (Chloe Moretz aka Hit Girl), in his apartment complex. Horror fans may be a bit disappointed. This deadly innocence story leans more towards issues of bullying and friendship while questioning what is evil. Suspense and tension are created through music and sound effects. Alien liked this different perspective of the famed creatures of the night. The movie is predictable, more simple and artsy than special effects.
Alien gives it 3 "barefoot in the snow" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Piranha 3D
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A seismic event releases thousands of prehistoric man-eaters into Lake Victoria, just in time for spring break. A wonderful cast plays it straight up in this wickedly dark comedy poking fun at the teen horror genre. It’s an odd combination of gruesomeness and naked titillation which makes this film eerily funny. It is so wrong and over the top. You’ll laugh and groan at the same time. Teenage boys will love this exploitive film which features a blood bath of bouncy bikini babes in boobilicious 3D.
Alien gives it 3 "guys & girls gone wild" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A seismic event releases thousands of prehistoric man-eaters into Lake Victoria, just in time for spring break. A wonderful cast plays it straight up in this wickedly dark comedy poking fun at the teen horror genre. It’s an odd combination of gruesomeness and naked titillation which makes this film eerily funny. It is so wrong and over the top. You’ll laugh and groan at the same time. Teenage boys will love this exploitive film which features a blood bath of bouncy bikini babes in boobilicious 3D.
Alien gives it 3 "guys & girls gone wild" stars out of 4.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
It’s "Happy Feet" meets "Lord of the Rings" as a young fledgling owl learns to fly and saves the day in this thrilling 3D adventure. You know things are going right when you can animate water, fire, and feathers. In a battle between good and evil, you got to have faith in the myths and your heroes. If you pay attention, you can get a good education on owls. Parents, if your very little ones are easily frighten by danger and peril, you may want to preview this one first. It’s owls, crows, and bats, oh my.
Alien gives it 3 "trust your gizzard" stars out of 4.
It’s "Happy Feet" meets "Lord of the Rings" as a young fledgling owl learns to fly and saves the day in this thrilling 3D adventure. You know things are going right when you can animate water, fire, and feathers. In a battle between good and evil, you got to have faith in the myths and your heroes. If you pay attention, you can get a good education on owls. Parents, if your very little ones are easily frighten by danger and peril, you may want to preview this one first. It’s owls, crows, and bats, oh my.
Alien gives it 3 "trust your gizzard" stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Investors beware, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) is back. He’s out of prison and up to his old ways as Wall Street heads on a downward spiral. It’s a long drawn out story of greed, revenge, and retribution. Things get complicated when a young stockbroker (Shia LaBeouf) links up with Gekko and Gekko’s estranged daughter (Carey Mulligan). Director Oliver Stone throws in veteran actors Frank Langella and Eli Wallach into the mix. Even Gekko’s protégé Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) pops up in a brief tête-à-tête. Fans of the original (Alien never saw it) will probably love this sequel.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Is Greed Good" stars out of 4.
Investors beware, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) is back. He’s out of prison and up to his old ways as Wall Street heads on a downward spiral. It’s a long drawn out story of greed, revenge, and retribution. Things get complicated when a young stockbroker (Shia LaBeouf) links up with Gekko and Gekko’s estranged daughter (Carey Mulligan). Director Oliver Stone throws in veteran actors Frank Langella and Eli Wallach into the mix. Even Gekko’s protégé Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen) pops up in a brief tête-à-tête. Fans of the original (Alien never saw it) will probably love this sequel.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Is Greed Good" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Catfish
A couple of filmmakers begin to document the relationship between a 24-year-old photographer (Nev) in New York and a 8-year-old painter (Abby) in Michigan. You won’t believe where a twist in the story will take you. Alien found the characters interesting, but the film felt like watching someone’s home movies. By the end, you may feel deceived and that Red Herring may have been a more fitting than Catfish. This artsy low budget film is truly unique, but it does not have mass market appeal.
Alien gives it 2 "beware of Facebook" stars out of 4.
A couple of filmmakers begin to document the relationship between a 24-year-old photographer (Nev) in New York and a 8-year-old painter (Abby) in Michigan. You won’t believe where a twist in the story will take you. Alien found the characters interesting, but the film felt like watching someone’s home movies. By the end, you may feel deceived and that Red Herring may have been a more fitting than Catfish. This artsy low budget film is truly unique, but it does not have mass market appeal.
Alien gives it 2 "beware of Facebook" stars out of 4.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Town
The town is Charleston, Mass., the Bank Robbery Capital of America. There you’ll meet the townies in this blue collar version of the "Takers". However, this film does not glorify the criminals, though you may sympathize with the leader (Ben Affleck). Once again director Affleck is in his element using the Boston area as his backdrop (remember Gone Baby Gone). It’s a big heist story, love story, and a guy caught in a squeeze play story. Local color, terrific acting, a great script, big shootouts, and the tension of impending doom make this movie a winner.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the hostage" stars out of 4.
The town is Charleston, Mass., the Bank Robbery Capital of America. There you’ll meet the townies in this blue collar version of the "Takers". However, this film does not glorify the criminals, though you may sympathize with the leader (Ben Affleck). Once again director Affleck is in his element using the Boston area as his backdrop (remember Gone Baby Gone). It’s a big heist story, love story, and a guy caught in a squeeze play story. Local color, terrific acting, a great script, big shootouts, and the tension of impending doom make this movie a winner.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the hostage" stars out of 4.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Alpha & Omega
"Alpha & Omega" is a charming little kiddie’s film in 3D that’s actually a romantic comedy in disguise. A pre-arranged marriage between two competitive wolf packs gets interrupted by an animal repopulation program. The issue of social class status also plays apart in the storyline. The animation is not up to the Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks caliber, but it’s a worthy effort. There are not lyrics to the featured songs, just melodic howling. It’s a fun family film for the little ones.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "homeward bound" stars out of 4.
"Alpha & Omega" is a charming little kiddie’s film in 3D that’s actually a romantic comedy in disguise. A pre-arranged marriage between two competitive wolf packs gets interrupted by an animal repopulation program. The issue of social class status also plays apart in the storyline. The animation is not up to the Disney, Pixar, or DreamWorks caliber, but it’s a worthy effort. There are not lyrics to the featured songs, just melodic howling. It’s a fun family film for the little ones.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "homeward bound" stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Resident Evil: Afterlife in 3D
It’s the "Matrix" meets "Blade II" meets "I Am Legend" meets "Children of Men" as Alice (Milla Jovovich) and company (Ali Larter) return for another romp in Zombie World. Blades, bullets, and blood splatters bode better battle dramatics in 3D. This continuing war against the mutant zombies and the Umbrella Corporation is a mindless thrill ride headed toward a senseless cliffhanger. It’s all visuals like the giant ax man, the split face creatures, and the rolls of quarters that drive this film. There is very little substance to the simple plot of kill or be killed. By the time the next installment screens, Alien will surely have forgotten any details as I did with the previous episodes. Stay through the credits to see the attack squadron leader addressing the troops and for a final voiceover.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Arcadian salvation" stars out of 4.
It’s the "Matrix" meets "Blade II" meets "I Am Legend" meets "Children of Men" as Alice (Milla Jovovich) and company (Ali Larter) return for another romp in Zombie World. Blades, bullets, and blood splatters bode better battle dramatics in 3D. This continuing war against the mutant zombies and the Umbrella Corporation is a mindless thrill ride headed toward a senseless cliffhanger. It’s all visuals like the giant ax man, the split face creatures, and the rolls of quarters that drive this film. There is very little substance to the simple plot of kill or be killed. By the time the next installment screens, Alien will surely have forgotten any details as I did with the previous episodes. Stay through the credits to see the attack squadron leader addressing the troops and for a final voiceover.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Arcadian salvation" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
The Social Network
Have your ever wondered how Facebook got started? See how a Harvard computer geek genius (Jesse Eisenberg) creates a super cool social networking site while alienating a few people along the way. Things really take off after Mr. Facebook teams up with Mr. Napster (Justin Timberlake). Writer Aaron Sorkin’s handy work shines through the smart dialogue and script. Judge for yourself about the good and evils of Facebook and its inventor in this fascinating story with a sense of humor. Alien wonders how many more friends will join the Facebook craze after seeing this intriguing picture.
Alien gives it 4 "facemash.com" stars out of 4.
Have your ever wondered how Facebook got started? See how a Harvard computer geek genius (Jesse Eisenberg) creates a super cool social networking site while alienating a few people along the way. Things really take off after Mr. Facebook teams up with Mr. Napster (Justin Timberlake). Writer Aaron Sorkin’s handy work shines through the smart dialogue and script. Judge for yourself about the good and evils of Facebook and its inventor in this fascinating story with a sense of humor. Alien wonders how many more friends will join the Facebook craze after seeing this intriguing picture.
Alien gives it 4 "facemash.com" stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Machete
Alien first saw the fake trailer for "Machete" during the "Grindhouse" screening way back in April of 2007. I said then, I’d love to see them make this into a real movie. Well, Robert Rodriguez has created another exploitation film doozie. This ‘70s low budget style movie about immigration issues is chocked full of senseless violence and gratuitous nudity and sexuality. An ex-Federale/daylaborer (Danny Trejo) gets framed in an assassination plot and then sets out for revenge. The film has quite an interesting cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Steven Seagal, Lindsay Lohan, Don Johnson, Jessica Alba, Robert De Niro, and Cheech Marin. This one is played for laughs. And oh yes, Lohan and Alba get NAKED! Alien admired the attempt, but wasn’t thrilled by the film. If you really like this genre, you may have a great time.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Mexploitation explosion" stars out of 4.
Alien first saw the fake trailer for "Machete" during the "Grindhouse" screening way back in April of 2007. I said then, I’d love to see them make this into a real movie. Well, Robert Rodriguez has created another exploitation film doozie. This ‘70s low budget style movie about immigration issues is chocked full of senseless violence and gratuitous nudity and sexuality. An ex-Federale/daylaborer (Danny Trejo) gets framed in an assassination plot and then sets out for revenge. The film has quite an interesting cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Steven Seagal, Lindsay Lohan, Don Johnson, Jessica Alba, Robert De Niro, and Cheech Marin. This one is played for laughs. And oh yes, Lohan and Alba get NAKED! Alien admired the attempt, but wasn’t thrilled by the film. If you really like this genre, you may have a great time.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Mexploitation explosion" stars out of 4.
