Saturday, October 30, 2010
Paranormal Activity 2
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Do you believe? This second film of the series captures the feel and the look of the original. Surveillance camera footage is added to the camcorder views. Alien particularly liked the casting of the innocent toddler, the family pet, and the nanny/housekeeper. This unsuspecting suburban family feels real. When the family begins to freak out, so will the audience. Alien recommends viewing the first film so you can fully appreciate the reveal at the end. If you liked the first, you’ll love this one.
Alien gives it 3 "ghost or demon" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Do you believe? This second film of the series captures the feel and the look of the original. Surveillance camera footage is added to the camcorder views. Alien particularly liked the casting of the innocent toddler, the family pet, and the nanny/housekeeper. This unsuspecting suburban family feels real. When the family begins to freak out, so will the audience. Alien recommends viewing the first film so you can fully appreciate the reveal at the end. If you liked the first, you’ll love this one.
Alien gives it 3 "ghost or demon" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Nowhere Boy
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The early days of John Lennon are portrayed in this pre Fab Four bio pic illustrating the influences on his life and music. See how this troubled youth with mommy issues learns to love rock 'n' roll and eventually meet Paul and George. The story is a little slow to develop, but Aaron Johnson (of Kick Ass fame) is quite convincing as the iconic Lennon. Alien was disappointed the film did not continue through the Hamburg tour and play some early Beatle tunes. Some very nice vintage photos play at the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "5 quid guitar" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The early days of John Lennon are portrayed in this pre Fab Four bio pic illustrating the influences on his life and music. See how this troubled youth with mommy issues learns to love rock 'n' roll and eventually meet Paul and George. The story is a little slow to develop, but Aaron Johnson (of Kick Ass fame) is quite convincing as the iconic Lennon. Alien was disappointed the film did not continue through the Hamburg tour and play some early Beatle tunes. Some very nice vintage photos play at the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "5 quid guitar" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
For Colored Girls
The sorrows and pains of 8 women of color are explored in Tyler Perry’s heaviest film thus far. The lives of these women are cross connected in stories of abuse, betrayal, abortion, rape, and infidelity. The performances are powerful and outstanding. See these women use their inner strength to overcome their adversities. This is not a cheery film and may be hard to watch at times, but it is hopeful. Although the movie features women of color, its message transcends to all women. Perhaps Perry tries to tackle too many story lines in one film. Bring your hankies.
Alien gives it 3 "poetic soliloquy" stars out of 4.
The sorrows and pains of 8 women of color are explored in Tyler Perry’s heaviest film thus far. The lives of these women are cross connected in stories of abuse, betrayal, abortion, rape, and infidelity. The performances are powerful and outstanding. See these women use their inner strength to overcome their adversities. This is not a cheery film and may be hard to watch at times, but it is hopeful. Although the movie features women of color, its message transcends to all women. Perhaps Perry tries to tackle too many story lines in one film. Bring your hankies.
Alien gives it 3 "poetic soliloquy" stars out of 4.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Love and Other Drugs
A pharmaceutical rep (Jake Gyllenhaal) and a pharmaceutical slut (Anne Hathaway) star in a modern day "Love Story" with a message. This movie about falling in love and pushing pills is very funny and touching. These two leads give outstanding performances. The film and Hathaway will surprise you. This adult humor movie is rated "R" for language, nudity (yes, Jake & Anne), and sexual content. You will laugh a lot and cry a bit.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "hilarious, sexy, and sobering" stars out of 4.
A pharmaceutical rep (Jake Gyllenhaal) and a pharmaceutical slut (Anne Hathaway) star in a modern day "Love Story" with a message. This movie about falling in love and pushing pills is very funny and touching. These two leads give outstanding performances. The film and Hathaway will surprise you. This adult humor movie is rated "R" for language, nudity (yes, Jake & Anne), and sexual content. You will laugh a lot and cry a bit.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "hilarious, sexy, and sobering" stars out of 4.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Megamind
DreamWorks puts a mega-spin on the "Superman" story in this new 3D animated movie. There just isn’t enough room in Metrocity for two super-powered individuals as Megamind and Metroman battle for control of the city. It is hilarious mega-fun for the whole family. Look for one final scene in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "what makes a hero" stars out of 4.
DreamWorks puts a mega-spin on the "Superman" story in this new 3D animated movie. There just isn’t enough room in Metrocity for two super-powered individuals as Megamind and Metroman battle for control of the city. It is hilarious mega-fun for the whole family. Look for one final scene in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "what makes a hero" stars out of 4.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Paranormal Activity 2
Do a bigger budget and a bigger cast bring bigger scares in the sequel to the highly successful low budget original?
Alien can’t give a first hand report because I only caught the first 5 minutes. However, fellow movie fans have told me their comments on the film.
Not disappointed. 3 ½ stars out of 4.
Gave me the chills. Scary. There is a connection to the first.
Loved it.
Didn’t care for it.
You’ll either love it or hate it. There is no in between.
If you liked the first one, you’ll like the second.
Do a bigger budget and a bigger cast bring bigger scares in the sequel to the highly successful low budget original?
Alien can’t give a first hand report because I only caught the first 5 minutes. However, fellow movie fans have told me their comments on the film.
Not disappointed. 3 ½ stars out of 4.
Gave me the chills. Scary. There is a connection to the first.
Loved it.
Didn’t care for it.
You’ll either love it or hate it. There is no in between.
If you liked the first one, you’ll like the second.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Hereafter
Tsunamis, bullies, and spiritual connections... oh my!
Director Clint Eastwood wants to know if you believe in the hereafter, psychics, and fate. An investigative reporter from France, a twin boy from England, and an ex-psychic from San Francisco are involved in a provocative story that will keep the audience guessing as to how these three individuals are connected. Great acting and interesting characters will hold your attention during this slow paced, beautifully shot film with a Dickens interwoven plot. Alien didn’t suspect where this movie was taking me until the instant before the big reveal.
Alien gives it 3 "London Book Fair" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Jackass 3D
Tasers, bulls, and vomit... oh my!
It’s "The Three Stooges" on steroids meets "Men Behaving Badly" as frat boy pranks escalates to unimaginable levels of idiocy. If you enjoy watching outrageous and dangerous stunts, you will probably love this disturbing piece of reality nonsense. Like watching a train wreck, no matter how ugly the scene, you just can’t look away. Oh sh*t, at times, it is just revolting and gross. Alien was surprised that no one died or was maimed while making this film. Ironically, the credits feature childhood pictures of this cast of boys that never grew up.
Alien gives it 2 "pain is funny?" stars out of 4.
Tasers, bulls, and vomit... oh my!
It’s "The Three Stooges" on steroids meets "Men Behaving Badly" as frat boy pranks escalates to unimaginable levels of idiocy. If you enjoy watching outrageous and dangerous stunts, you will probably love this disturbing piece of reality nonsense. Like watching a train wreck, no matter how ugly the scene, you just can’t look away. Oh sh*t, at times, it is just revolting and gross. Alien was surprised that no one died or was maimed while making this film. Ironically, the credits feature childhood pictures of this cast of boys that never grew up.
Alien gives it 2 "pain is funny?" stars out of 4.
Conviction
A strong sibling bond compels a sister (Hilary Swank) to study law so she can free her brother (Sam Rockwell) from prison. Since it’s based on a true story, it is very predictable and thus anticlimactic. Despite their great performances, Swank and Rockwell portray unsympathetic characters. The story feels rather dated and pales in comparison to today’s TV CSI crime dramas. The movie is flat without much highs or lows.
Alien gives it 2 "digging for the evidence" stars out of 4.
A strong sibling bond compels a sister (Hilary Swank) to study law so she can free her brother (Sam Rockwell) from prison. Since it’s based on a true story, it is very predictable and thus anticlimactic. Despite their great performances, Swank and Rockwell portray unsympathetic characters. The story feels rather dated and pales in comparison to today’s TV CSI crime dramas. The movie is flat without much highs or lows.
Alien gives it 2 "digging for the evidence" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
RED
Yippy-ki-yay, Bruce Willis blasts back onto the big screen as retired CIA black ops agent Frank Moses. He may be older, but he hasn’t lost a step. Someone has Frank on their hit list and he has to find out whom. Veteran actors, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren are fellow retirees who join in on the hunt. Mary-Louise Parker is hilarious as the innocent bystander caught up in the mix. Malkovich creates another insane character. There’s always a guy with the big gun in this genre and this time it’s Mirren. These quirky old-timers will treat you to a ridiculously fun time. Alien expected the high energy big action, but was surprised by the constant big laughs. It’s an over-the-top action flick with a lot of humor and a little romance.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Retired Extremely Dangerous" stars out of 4.
Yippy-ki-yay, Bruce Willis blasts back onto the big screen as retired CIA black ops agent Frank Moses. He may be older, but he hasn’t lost a step. Someone has Frank on their hit list and he has to find out whom. Veteran actors, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren are fellow retirees who join in on the hunt. Mary-Louise Parker is hilarious as the innocent bystander caught up in the mix. Malkovich creates another insane character. There’s always a guy with the big gun in this genre and this time it’s Mirren. These quirky old-timers will treat you to a ridiculously fun time. Alien expected the high energy big action, but was surprised by the constant big laughs. It’s an over-the-top action flick with a lot of humor and a little romance.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Retired Extremely Dangerous" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Never Let Me Go
Three young and sheltered kids bond together at a "special" school where good health is emphasized and strict rules are enforced. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley play their adult versions in this bleak story about love, jealousy, regret, frustration, and hope. This retro "Brave New World" of socialized medicine is slow moving, depressing, and not for everyone. It is a powerful and intelligent movie that contrasts beauty and ugliness as it explores the worth of human life. Mulligan is excellent and carries the film. It is a thought provoking view from the lab animal perspective. Alien was surprised that he liked this hard to watch film and suspects many may walk out before the end.
Alien gives it 3 "carers and donors" stars out of 4.
Three young and sheltered kids bond together at a "special" school where good health is emphasized and strict rules are enforced. Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley play their adult versions in this bleak story about love, jealousy, regret, frustration, and hope. This retro "Brave New World" of socialized medicine is slow moving, depressing, and not for everyone. It is a powerful and intelligent movie that contrasts beauty and ugliness as it explores the worth of human life. Mulligan is excellent and carries the film. It is a thought provoking view from the lab animal perspective. Alien was surprised that he liked this hard to watch film and suspects many may walk out before the end.
Alien gives it 3 "carers and donors" stars out of 4.
