Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Green Hornet
It’s "The Pink Panther" meets "Kick-Ass". Spoiled and useless playboy son Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) inherits his father’s newspaper business and turns his life around by becoming a crime fighter, the Green Hornet. Film makers wisely choose the campier route to broaden the appeal beyond just those comic book hero fans. The film is loaded with high impact action scenes, but audiences will be surprised by the constant barrage of humor. Black Beauty has more tricks and gadgets than 007’s Aston Martin. Kato totally kicks butt. The movie does pay tribute to the 60’s TV series and Bruce Lee. Though this early screening was only in 2D, Alien anticipates the 3D version will be even more awesome. Be sure to buckle up for this thrill ride to prevent yourself from rolling in the aisles from laughter.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "gas gun gag" stars out of 4.
It’s "The Pink Panther" meets "Kick-Ass". Spoiled and useless playboy son Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) inherits his father’s newspaper business and turns his life around by becoming a crime fighter, the Green Hornet. Film makers wisely choose the campier route to broaden the appeal beyond just those comic book hero fans. The film is loaded with high impact action scenes, but audiences will be surprised by the constant barrage of humor. Black Beauty has more tricks and gadgets than 007’s Aston Martin. Kato totally kicks butt. The movie does pay tribute to the 60’s TV series and Bruce Lee. Though this early screening was only in 2D, Alien anticipates the 3D version will be even more awesome. Be sure to buckle up for this thrill ride to prevent yourself from rolling in the aisles from laughter.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "gas gun gag" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Gulliver’s Travels
This is Jack Black’s modern retelling of the Jonathan Swift classic. However, Black has gutted out the political satire and replaced it with his usual over-the-top silliness. In this double romance story, Gulliver is a New York Tribune mail room clerk who takes an unexpected adventure because he is trying to impress a girl. If you are a Jack Black fan, you’ll love his antics as he spoofs "Star Wars", "Titanic", "Transformers", and rock and roll songs. Alien wasn’t greatly impressed, but was more entertained than when it was a required high school reading assignment. The Scrat(of Ice Age fame)short shown as a preview was the highlight.
Alien gives it 2 "big wedgie" stars out of 4.
This is Jack Black’s modern retelling of the Jonathan Swift classic. However, Black has gutted out the political satire and replaced it with his usual over-the-top silliness. In this double romance story, Gulliver is a New York Tribune mail room clerk who takes an unexpected adventure because he is trying to impress a girl. If you are a Jack Black fan, you’ll love his antics as he spoofs "Star Wars", "Titanic", "Transformers", and rock and roll songs. Alien wasn’t greatly impressed, but was more entertained than when it was a required high school reading assignment. The Scrat(of Ice Age fame)short shown as a preview was the highlight.
Alien gives it 2 "big wedgie" stars out of 4.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tron: Legacy
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s "Game On" and back on The Grid as Disney revisits its 1982 digital world creation. It’s like father, like son, when Sam Flynn also gets sucked into cyberspace and must fight for survival. The 3D special effects are stunning on the IMAX screen. But the storyline is generic world domination themed with shades of "Gladiator" and "Star Wars". If the original film is Pong, then this sequel is Call of Duty: Black Ops. This movie’s action sequences were designed to sell a video game version (Corporate Disney mind set of placing the appropriate gift shop merchandising at the exits of their rides).
Alien gives it 2 ½ "the new digitized frontier" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s "Game On" and back on The Grid as Disney revisits its 1982 digital world creation. It’s like father, like son, when Sam Flynn also gets sucked into cyberspace and must fight for survival. The 3D special effects are stunning on the IMAX screen. But the storyline is generic world domination themed with shades of "Gladiator" and "Star Wars". If the original film is Pong, then this sequel is Call of Duty: Black Ops. This movie’s action sequences were designed to sell a video game version (Corporate Disney mind set of placing the appropriate gift shop merchandising at the exits of their rides).
Alien gives it 2 ½ "the new digitized frontier" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Little Fockers
This is the third installment of family craziness and misinterpretations. This adult comedy mostly revolves around poking fun at the family name and exploiting jokes of the sexual nature. The regulars (Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Robert DeNiro, Blythe Danner, Dustin Hoffman, and Barbara Streisand) are all back. Owen Wilson and Jessica Alba are added to spice up the hilarious hijinks. Two of the many funny moments are accompanied by memorable music from other movies. This film mainly relies on the silly antics of Stiller and DeNiro. The remix at the end is a crackup.
Alien gives it 3 "the family patriarch" stars out of 4.
This is the third installment of family craziness and misinterpretations. This adult comedy mostly revolves around poking fun at the family name and exploiting jokes of the sexual nature. The regulars (Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Robert DeNiro, Blythe Danner, Dustin Hoffman, and Barbara Streisand) are all back. Owen Wilson and Jessica Alba are added to spice up the hilarious hijinks. Two of the many funny moments are accompanied by memorable music from other movies. This film mainly relies on the silly antics of Stiller and DeNiro. The remix at the end is a crackup.
Alien gives it 3 "the family patriarch" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
True Grit
The Coen brothers take us back to the Old West with their version of a John Wayne classic. Alien never saw the original, but heard there were many similarities. After the death of her father, a determined 14-year-old girl joins up with a U.S. Marshal (Jeff Bridges) and a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) to track down the killer (Josh Brolin). Bridges is terrific as the cantankerous one-eyed codger with a disposition for whiskey. The most fascinating character is the smart-talking girl who’s able to stand toe-to-toe with these lawmen and the outlaws. The good storyline and dialogue peppered with some violence and a touch of humor make this vengeance film work.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "angel of vengeance" stars out of 4.
The Coen brothers take us back to the Old West with their version of a John Wayne classic. Alien never saw the original, but heard there were many similarities. After the death of her father, a determined 14-year-old girl joins up with a U.S. Marshal (Jeff Bridges) and a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) to track down the killer (Josh Brolin). Bridges is terrific as the cantankerous one-eyed codger with a disposition for whiskey. The most fascinating character is the smart-talking girl who’s able to stand toe-to-toe with these lawmen and the outlaws. The good storyline and dialogue peppered with some violence and a touch of humor make this vengeance film work.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "angel of vengeance" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Black Swan
Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman, and Wynona Ryder show us the beauty and the ugliness inside the ballet world with an all access backstage pass. It is a complex play-within-a-play type story about the pressures and the paranoia that occur when you seek perfection for your passion. Portman is extraordinary as the rising star. Alien loved the dynamic camera work during the dance sequences. As the movie progresses, you’ll question, what you are seeing before your eyes. The film critics will probably rave over this one, but not so much the general public. This dark movie is more eclectic than mainstream. Alien won’t ruin it with any spoilers here. You’ll just have to see it and judge for yourself.
Alien gives it 3 "disturbing artsy erotic psychological horror thriller" stars out of 4.
Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman, and Wynona Ryder show us the beauty and the ugliness inside the ballet world with an all access backstage pass. It is a complex play-within-a-play type story about the pressures and the paranoia that occur when you seek perfection for your passion. Portman is extraordinary as the rising star. Alien loved the dynamic camera work during the dance sequences. As the movie progresses, you’ll question, what you are seeing before your eyes. The film critics will probably rave over this one, but not so much the general public. This dark movie is more eclectic than mainstream. Alien won’t ruin it with any spoilers here. You’ll just have to see it and judge for yourself.
Alien gives it 3 "disturbing artsy erotic psychological horror thriller" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Fighter
See how real life Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) struggles with his boxing matches and his unbelievable family. Wahlberg, Amy Adams (girlfriend/bartender), and Melissa Leo (mother/manager) are all excellent in this film, but Christian Bale (brother/trainer) is phenomenal. He had Alien in the first 30 seconds of his performance. Don’t fret if you are not a boxing fan because it is only the backdrop for this fantastic human interest story. Footage of the real brothers at the end will prove what an amazing job Bale has done. Alien loved the true to life characters and the local feel of the film. This is a real winner.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "The Pride of Lowell" stars out of 4.
See how real life Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) struggles with his boxing matches and his unbelievable family. Wahlberg, Amy Adams (girlfriend/bartender), and Melissa Leo (mother/manager) are all excellent in this film, but Christian Bale (brother/trainer) is phenomenal. He had Alien in the first 30 seconds of his performance. Don’t fret if you are not a boxing fan because it is only the backdrop for this fantastic human interest story. Footage of the real brothers at the end will prove what an amazing job Bale has done. Alien loved the true to life characters and the local feel of the film. This is a real winner.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "The Pride of Lowell" stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Yogi Bear
If you know the phrases "Jellystone Park", "pik-a-nik basket", and "smarter than the average bear", then you’ll know which Hanna-Barbera character is back and he is in 3D. This film is a bit corny for adults, but the little ones will like this simple story about the mischievous bear’s crazy antics while trying to save the park from the greedy politician. Warner Brothers must be counting on the grandparents taking their grandkids or Justin Timberlake shaking his Boo Boo behind to bring in the younger crowd.
Alien gives it 2 "Pik-Nik Baskit Nabber 2000" stars out of 4.
If you know the phrases "Jellystone Park", "pik-a-nik basket", and "smarter than the average bear", then you’ll know which Hanna-Barbera character is back and he is in 3D. This film is a bit corny for adults, but the little ones will like this simple story about the mischievous bear’s crazy antics while trying to save the park from the greedy politician. Warner Brothers must be counting on the grandparents taking their grandkids or Justin Timberlake shaking his Boo Boo behind to bring in the younger crowd.
Alien gives it 2 "Pik-Nik Baskit Nabber 2000" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
The Tourist
When a mysterious femme fatale (Angelina Joie) meets an American math teacher/tourist (Johnny Depp) on a train from Paris to Venice, the stage for a game of deceit and intrigue is set. This James Bond-ish looking film involves a case of mistaken identity, stolen money, gangsters, and Scotland Yard. Jolie is drop dead gorgeous and Depp is the most ordinary that Alien has ever seen him. These two leads cast in this silly thriller/love story should give you a hint of what to expect. By the end, you might want to see it again. It is more glitz and glamour than substance, but it is still fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 "Where in the world is Alexander Pearce?" stars out of 4.
When a mysterious femme fatale (Angelina Joie) meets an American math teacher/tourist (Johnny Depp) on a train from Paris to Venice, the stage for a game of deceit and intrigue is set. This James Bond-ish looking film involves a case of mistaken identity, stolen money, gangsters, and Scotland Yard. Jolie is drop dead gorgeous and Depp is the most ordinary that Alien has ever seen him. These two leads cast in this silly thriller/love story should give you a hint of what to expect. By the end, you might want to see it again. It is more glitz and glamour than substance, but it is still fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 "Where in the world is Alexander Pearce?" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
How Do You Know
Two lost souls in crises meet unexpectedly and the audience witnesses how long it takes before they know they are in love. This romantic comedy tries to be less predictable by playing the awkward friendship scenario. Paul Rudd (lovable loser), Own Wilson (self-centered loser), and Jack Nicholson (selfish boss/dad) portray their usual character types. Reese Witherspoon is adorable and carries the show. This film runs a bit long (about 2 hours), but is kind of cute. If you like romantic comedies, Rudd, Nicholson, Wilson, and Witherspoon, you’ll probably love this movie. It has its funny moments, but it is not hilarious.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Play Doh" stars out of 4.
Two lost souls in crises meet unexpectedly and the audience witnesses how long it takes before they know they are in love. This romantic comedy tries to be less predictable by playing the awkward friendship scenario. Paul Rudd (lovable loser), Own Wilson (self-centered loser), and Jack Nicholson (selfish boss/dad) portray their usual character types. Reese Witherspoon is adorable and carries the show. This film runs a bit long (about 2 hours), but is kind of cute. If you like romantic comedies, Rudd, Nicholson, Wilson, and Witherspoon, you’ll probably love this movie. It has its funny moments, but it is not hilarious.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Play Doh" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
This third Narnia installment is the first in 3D and reminds Alien of "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad". The two younger Pevensies are transported back to Narnia for another swashbuckling adventure in fantasyland. Their search for seven swords of the lost lords will involve an unbeliever, a green mist, a blue star, the Book of Incantations, a fire-breathing dragon, a sea serpent, and a dark island. Great action and special effects drive this spectacular thrill ride. It’s a tale about being strong, avoiding temptation, and believing in yourself. This new quest is the best of the series yet.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Eustace, the Useless" stars out of 4.
This third Narnia installment is the first in 3D and reminds Alien of "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad". The two younger Pevensies are transported back to Narnia for another swashbuckling adventure in fantasyland. Their search for seven swords of the lost lords will involve an unbeliever, a green mist, a blue star, the Book of Incantations, a fire-breathing dragon, a sea serpent, and a dark island. Great action and special effects drive this spectacular thrill ride. It’s a tale about being strong, avoiding temptation, and believing in yourself. This new quest is the best of the series yet.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Eustace, the Useless" stars out of 4.
