Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Karate Kid
This misnomered movie closely follows the original’s blueprint with 3 major differences... Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, and China. These are the very reasons Alien recommends viewing this retread. If you have seen the first, there are no surprises so just sit back and enjoy this charming classic underdog story. A stranger in a strange land gets bullied and learns how to fight back with the help of a wise old mentor. It's a visual trip to China and Chinese culture.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "face your fears" stars out of 4.
This misnomered movie closely follows the original’s blueprint with 3 major differences... Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, and China. These are the very reasons Alien recommends viewing this retread. If you have seen the first, there are no surprises so just sit back and enjoy this charming classic underdog story. A stranger in a strange land gets bullied and learns how to fight back with the help of a wise old mentor. It's a visual trip to China and Chinese culture.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "face your fears" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
It’s feels like "Pirates of the Caribbean" in the desert because Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer have teamed up again. Adapted from a video game, this tale of betrayal features an adopted son (a beefed-up Jake Gyllenhaal) of a ruler trying to keep a magical dagger from falling into the wrong hands. Lots swords, knives, arrows, sand, and acrobatics fill this CGI special effects spectacular. You get a lot of thrilling action with a little romance and some time traveling. It may not be historically authentic, but it's sure fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 "Lion of Persia" stars out of 4.
It’s feels like "Pirates of the Caribbean" in the desert because Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer have teamed up again. Adapted from a video game, this tale of betrayal features an adopted son (a beefed-up Jake Gyllenhaal) of a ruler trying to keep a magical dagger from falling into the wrong hands. Lots swords, knives, arrows, sand, and acrobatics fill this CGI special effects spectacular. You get a lot of thrilling action with a little romance and some time traveling. It may not be historically authentic, but it's sure fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 "Lion of Persia" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sex and the City 2
For a rousing fun girls' night out, join Carrie and company as they continue to bond and support each other through each of their individual troubles. It's living high, fashion chic, girl talk, glamour, and cocktails in an exotic land. The girls have really loosened up and are enjoying themselves more in round two. It's hilarious woman power as female insecurities and hormones run amok. Fans will get exactly what they are expecting, light-hearted fun and laughs with their favorite female foursome. Look for some surprise cameos.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Heart of the Desert" stars out of 4.
For a rousing fun girls' night out, join Carrie and company as they continue to bond and support each other through each of their individual troubles. It's living high, fashion chic, girl talk, glamour, and cocktails in an exotic land. The girls have really loosened up and are enjoying themselves more in round two. It's hilarious woman power as female insecurities and hormones run amok. Fans will get exactly what they are expecting, light-hearted fun and laughs with their favorite female foursome. Look for some surprise cameos.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Heart of the Desert" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
MacGruber
MacGruber, the popular 2-3 minute Saturday Night Live skit, explodes on to the big screen. This silly film is a parody of the "MacGyver" TV series as well as any macho action movie. Will Forte is a man with no shame who do anything for a laugh. The movie relies too heavily on crude and repetitive jokes to get laughs disguising the fact that the script isn’t that funny. The lines are intentionally cheesy. It’s SNL humor without the TV censors. Too bad there wasn't a hero to diffuse this bomb.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "celery stalk diversion" stars out of 4.
MacGruber, the popular 2-3 minute Saturday Night Live skit, explodes on to the big screen. This silly film is a parody of the "MacGyver" TV series as well as any macho action movie. Will Forte is a man with no shame who do anything for a laugh. The movie relies too heavily on crude and repetitive jokes to get laughs disguising the fact that the script isn’t that funny. The lines are intentionally cheesy. It’s SNL humor without the TV censors. Too bad there wasn't a hero to diffuse this bomb.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "celery stalk diversion" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Get Him to the Greek
Judd Apatow and Jason Segel, once again, bring their special brand of humor to the big screen. With Russell Brand and Jonah Hill, they poke fun at drugs, sex, and rock'n'roll. Not only do they push the limits of good taste, they often tip toe past that line. At times, it’s so wrong, that it’s hilarious. Hill is the perfect stooge for dragging the outrageous has-been rock star (Brand) to the Greek Theater for a big anniversary concert. Many surprise cameos and effing words pepper this lewd and crude movie. Alien liked this funny film more than he would have expected. Stay through the credits for a final special message from the floating head.
Alien gives it 3 "furry wall" stars out of 4.
Judd Apatow and Jason Segel, once again, bring their special brand of humor to the big screen. With Russell Brand and Jonah Hill, they poke fun at drugs, sex, and rock'n'roll. Not only do they push the limits of good taste, they often tip toe past that line. At times, it’s so wrong, that it’s hilarious. Hill is the perfect stooge for dragging the outrageous has-been rock star (Brand) to the Greek Theater for a big anniversary concert. Many surprise cameos and effing words pepper this lewd and crude movie. Alien liked this funny film more than he would have expected. Stay through the credits for a final special message from the floating head.
Alien gives it 3 "furry wall" stars out of 4.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Shrek: The Final Chapter 3D
Your favorite ogre is back for another fractured fairy tale adventure with his familiar friends. It’s the classic case of "the ogre’s life is greener on the other side" or "be careful of what you wish for" when Shrek makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin. There are kid jokes and adult jokes throughout this film to keep everyone in the family entertained. There is action as the freedom fighter ogres battle the henchmen witches. And there is lots of 3D soaring.
Alien gives it 3 "the power of true love’s kiss" stars out of 4.
Your favorite ogre is back for another fractured fairy tale adventure with his familiar friends. It’s the classic case of "the ogre’s life is greener on the other side" or "be careful of what you wish for" when Shrek makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin. There are kid jokes and adult jokes throughout this film to keep everyone in the family entertained. There is action as the freedom fighter ogres battle the henchmen witches. And there is lots of 3D soaring.
Alien gives it 3 "the power of true love’s kiss" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Just Wright
A physical therapist/New Jersey Nets fan (Queen Latifah) becomes involved with a basketball all-star player, both professionally and romantically. This film plot is pretty typical romantic comedy material. However, the Queen reigns supreme on this court. She is a very watchable and likable underdog that you will be rooting to win her man. The message here is believe in yourself.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "physical therapy vs. retail therapy" stars out of 4.
A physical therapist/New Jersey Nets fan (Queen Latifah) becomes involved with a basketball all-star player, both professionally and romantically. This film plot is pretty typical romantic comedy material. However, the Queen reigns supreme on this court. She is a very watchable and likable underdog that you will be rooting to win her man. The message here is believe in yourself.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "physical therapy vs. retail therapy" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Babies
Follow the early lives of four babies from around the world... Namibia, Mongolia, Tokyo, and San Francisco. Contrast and compare their experiences as they interact with parents, siblings, pets, and livestock. Cultures may be different, but babies are so much alike. The infants are so cute and adorable in this documentary.
Alien gives it 3 "precious little ones" stars out of 4.
Follow the early lives of four babies from around the world... Namibia, Mongolia, Tokyo, and San Francisco. Contrast and compare their experiences as they interact with parents, siblings, pets, and livestock. Cultures may be different, but babies are so much alike. The infants are so cute and adorable in this documentary.
Alien gives it 3 "precious little ones" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Iron Man 2
"Iron Man 2" will double your pleasure and double your fun with two heroes, two villains, and 2 hot ladies. A criminal genius battles an engineering genius. A first rate script with great characters and a sly sense of humor drives this slick special effects spectacular. Beware of the beautiful, but deadly, Black Widow. Director Jon Favreau shares in on the fun by once again casting himself as the bodyguard/chauffer. This sequel ratchets it up another notch. It’s a blast with a high wow factor. Stay seated for a clue to a future film at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 4 "military drones" stars out of 4.
ps... Alien just had to see it again three days later at the IMAX. It is still a rousing rock'em-sock'em robot show.
"Iron Man 2" will double your pleasure and double your fun with two heroes, two villains, and 2 hot ladies. A criminal genius battles an engineering genius. A first rate script with great characters and a sly sense of humor drives this slick special effects spectacular. Beware of the beautiful, but deadly, Black Widow. Director Jon Favreau shares in on the fun by once again casting himself as the bodyguard/chauffer. This sequel ratchets it up another notch. It’s a blast with a high wow factor. Stay seated for a clue to a future film at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 4 "military drones" stars out of 4.
ps... Alien just had to see it again three days later at the IMAX. It is still a rousing rock'em-sock'em robot show.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Hubble 3D
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Travel with the astronauts as they attempt to make repairs on the Hubble telescope. Feel the roar of the booster engines as they lift the space shuttle off the launching pad. It’s a tremendous view from space. This unique journey looks stunning in IMAX 3D. See the stars as only the Hubble could have captured their images.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "unlocking the secrets of the universe" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Travel with the astronauts as they attempt to make repairs on the Hubble telescope. Feel the roar of the booster engines as they lift the space shuttle off the launching pad. It’s a tremendous view from space. This unique journey looks stunning in IMAX 3D. See the stars as only the Hubble could have captured their images.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "unlocking the secrets of the universe" stars out of 4.
