Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thor (3D)
Another Marvel superhero is introduced as a set-up for the Avengers movie. Through an act of arrogance and recklessness, the god of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) loses his powers and is banished to earth. There, he meets a storm chasing scientist (Natalie Portman) and must reclaim his hammer in order to defend the planet. Upon his return to Asgard, Thor battles the Frost Giants and the evil Loki. Marvel Comic fans will get a rise from the inside jokes, such as playing "Where is Stan Lee?" and spotting a new Avenger character cameo. S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Coulson returns as the tie-in from the "Iron Man" series. There is just enough special effects action to keep fans interested in this transitional film to the Avengers. Stay through the credits for another Nick Fury moment giving more hints to a future film.
Alien gives it 3 "where science and magic meet" stars out of 4.
Another Marvel superhero is introduced as a set-up for the Avengers movie. Through an act of arrogance and recklessness, the god of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) loses his powers and is banished to earth. There, he meets a storm chasing scientist (Natalie Portman) and must reclaim his hammer in order to defend the planet. Upon his return to Asgard, Thor battles the Frost Giants and the evil Loki. Marvel Comic fans will get a rise from the inside jokes, such as playing "Where is Stan Lee?" and spotting a new Avenger character cameo. S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Coulson returns as the tie-in from the "Iron Man" series. There is just enough special effects action to keep fans interested in this transitional film to the Avengers. Stay through the credits for another Nick Fury moment giving more hints to a future film.
Alien gives it 3 "where science and magic meet" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Prom
It's "High School Musical" without the singing. Teenage hopes, dreams, disappointments, and heartbreaks are explored in Disney's latest romantic comedy poking fun at the whole prom process. It's predictable squeaky clean fun that you'd expect to be lifted right off the Disney Channel. The target audience would be those preteen girls already anticipating high school, dating, and preparing for their prom. Hip teens will probably find this film too sugary sweet and unrealistic.
Alien gives it 2 "don't judge a book by it's cover" stars out of 4.
It's "High School Musical" without the singing. Teenage hopes, dreams, disappointments, and heartbreaks are explored in Disney's latest romantic comedy poking fun at the whole prom process. It's predictable squeaky clean fun that you'd expect to be lifted right off the Disney Channel. The target audience would be those preteen girls already anticipating high school, dating, and preparing for their prom. Hip teens will probably find this film too sugary sweet and unrealistic.
Alien gives it 2 "don't judge a book by it's cover" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Fast Five
It's the "Fugitive" meets the "Italian Job" in the "City of God" when a modern day Butch and Sundance escape with their Etta Place to South America and reassemble their hole-in-the wall gang for one last big heist. Fast cars, street racing, massive destruction, and testosterone fuel this fun and fabulous fifth film. Returning director Justin Lin does not disappoint the "Fast and Furious" fans with some insanely spectacular stunts. See two battling brutes, Diesel versus the Rock, go toe-to-toe, mano-a-mano. Buckle up for this wild new adventure with some old friends that may trigger some fond franchise memories. If you stay seated during the credits, you'll see a shocking surprise reveal that may indicate a new plot line for a sixth show. Can it get any bigger and better?
Alien gives it 3 ½ "muscle car madness" stars out of 4.
It's the "Fugitive" meets the "Italian Job" in the "City of God" when a modern day Butch and Sundance escape with their Etta Place to South America and reassemble their hole-in-the wall gang for one last big heist. Fast cars, street racing, massive destruction, and testosterone fuel this fun and fabulous fifth film. Returning director Justin Lin does not disappoint the "Fast and Furious" fans with some insanely spectacular stunts. See two battling brutes, Diesel versus the Rock, go toe-to-toe, mano-a-mano. Buckle up for this wild new adventure with some old friends that may trigger some fond franchise memories. If you stay seated during the credits, you'll see a shocking surprise reveal that may indicate a new plot line for a sixth show. Can it get any bigger and better?
Alien gives it 3 ½ "muscle car madness" stars out of 4.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Hoodwinked 2 (3D)
It's "Shrek" meets "G-Force" meets "Kung Fu Panda" meets the "Food Channel" as fairy tale book characters try to protect the secret formula and prevent world domination. The animation is just fair, but the action is almost non-stop and at times dizzying. It's sight gags and slapstick for the kids and quick one-liners for the adults. This sequel has a low cuteness quotient and may be a bit overwhelming for the very young ones. Cartoon violence drives this silly plot.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "sisters in the hood" stars out of 4.
It's "Shrek" meets "G-Force" meets "Kung Fu Panda" meets the "Food Channel" as fairy tale book characters try to protect the secret formula and prevent world domination. The animation is just fair, but the action is almost non-stop and at times dizzying. It's sight gags and slapstick for the kids and quick one-liners for the adults. This sequel has a low cuteness quotient and may be a bit overwhelming for the very young ones. Cartoon violence drives this silly plot.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "sisters in the hood" stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Jumping the Broom
It's "Meet the Parents" meets "Father of the Bride" as a short engagement brings humor and drama to the big wedding day when the Brooklyn hood clashes with Martha's Vineyard high society. This very funny film has a great ensemble cast of characters, but seemingly the only person missing is Tyler Perry. If you tend to cry at weddings, you may want to bring a hanky as family secrets are revealed. Of course it's stereotypical and predictible, but it's still entertaining and enjoyable.
Alien gives it 3 "black people's hokey pokey" stars out of 4.
It's "Meet the Parents" meets "Father of the Bride" as a short engagement brings humor and drama to the big wedding day when the Brooklyn hood clashes with Martha's Vineyard high society. This very funny film has a great ensemble cast of characters, but seemingly the only person missing is Tyler Perry. If you tend to cry at weddings, you may want to bring a hanky as family secrets are revealed. Of course it's stereotypical and predictible, but it's still entertaining and enjoyable.
Alien gives it 3 "black people's hokey pokey" stars out of 4.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Rio (3D)
The opening scene starts out like Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room show as the rain forest comes alive with birds and song. This animated love story between pet and wild Blue Macaws is cute and colorful. It's mostly a search and rescue mission for humans and critters in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. The kids will love this fun family film full of song and comedy.
Alien gives it 3 "endangered species" stars out of 4.
The opening scene starts out like Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room show as the rain forest comes alive with birds and song. This animated love story between pet and wild Blue Macaws is cute and colorful. It's mostly a search and rescue mission for humans and critters in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. The kids will love this fun family film full of song and comedy.
Alien gives it 3 "endangered species" stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Hanna
Let the hunt begin.
It's Jason Bourne meets Alice in Wonderland as a shroud of mystery cloaks this spy vs. spy thriller. Eric Bana and Saoirse Ronan have a Big Daddy/Hit Girl relationship in a how-to-survive-in-the-real-world training session where you adapt or die. The always amazing Cate Blanchett plays the evil Queen of Hearts with a southern drawl. Alien liked this on-the-road cat-and-mouse kill-or-be-killed game between these kick ass heroes and deadly villains. The visuals are great. Though, some of the stunts seemed implausible, but still were enjoyable.
Alien gives it 3 "Galinka Deadly Naive Assassin" stars out of 4.
Let the hunt begin.
It's Jason Bourne meets Alice in Wonderland as a shroud of mystery cloaks this spy vs. spy thriller. Eric Bana and Saoirse Ronan have a Big Daddy/Hit Girl relationship in a how-to-survive-in-the-real-world training session where you adapt or die. The always amazing Cate Blanchett plays the evil Queen of Hearts with a southern drawl. Alien liked this on-the-road cat-and-mouse kill-or-be-killed game between these kick ass heroes and deadly villains. The visuals are great. Though, some of the stunts seemed implausible, but still were enjoyable.
Alien gives it 3 "Galinka Deadly Naive Assassin" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Bridesmaids
What looks like a female version of "The Hangover" should be more accurately called "Maid of Honor". SNL's talented Kristen Wiig finally gets her big starring role break, she had to co-write and co-produce this gem to get it. Wiig proves she can get down and dirty with her sense of humor about female jealousies and insecurities causing wedding party diasters. This very funny film does get a little gross at times. The competition between Wiig's and Rose Byrne's characters is hilarious, but Melissa McCarthy is the big scene stealer.
Alien gives it 3 "best friends forever" stars out of 4.
What looks like a female version of "The Hangover" should be more accurately called "Maid of Honor". SNL's talented Kristen Wiig finally gets her big starring role break, she had to co-write and co-produce this gem to get it. Wiig proves she can get down and dirty with her sense of humor about female jealousies and insecurities causing wedding party diasters. This very funny film does get a little gross at times. The competition between Wiig's and Rose Byrne's characters is hilarious, but Melissa McCarthy is the big scene stealer.
Alien gives it 3 "best friends forever" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Your Highness
This spoof of the valiant knight’s quest is the brainchild of Danny McBride. Unfortunately, his medieval jokes are mostly rude, crude, and lewd. The rest of his unclever script seems to have been lifted from the "Clash of the Titans" concept. The acting is played way of the top and should be an embarrassment for Natalie Portman, James Franco, and Zooey Deschanel. It’s also a waste of great sets, costumes, and special effects. This uninspired movie is rated "R" for ribaldly raunchy with some nubile nudity and f-bombs exploding everywhere. Alien was mostly bored and could hardly wait for the end. However, if you like your humor scraped from the gutter, you may have a roaring filthy nasty time.
Alien gives it 1 "eclipse of the two moons" star out of 4.
This spoof of the valiant knight’s quest is the brainchild of Danny McBride. Unfortunately, his medieval jokes are mostly rude, crude, and lewd. The rest of his unclever script seems to have been lifted from the "Clash of the Titans" concept. The acting is played way of the top and should be an embarrassment for Natalie Portman, James Franco, and Zooey Deschanel. It’s also a waste of great sets, costumes, and special effects. This uninspired movie is rated "R" for ribaldly raunchy with some nubile nudity and f-bombs exploding everywhere. Alien was mostly bored and could hardly wait for the end. However, if you like your humor scraped from the gutter, you may have a roaring filthy nasty time.
Alien gives it 1 "eclipse of the two moons" star out of 4.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Arthur
The movie opens with a spoiled irresponsible billionaire son dressed as a costumed crime fighter with his trusty manservant as his sidekick. However, this isn’t the "Green Hornet", but a remake of the 1981 Dudley Moore classic. Alien never cared for the original because being constantly drunk never seemed funny. Russell Brand’s version of Arthur Bach is played with more childish innocence than drunken stupidity. Brand is perfect for the role as is Helen Mirren as the caring nanny and Greta Gerwig as the love interest. This is a sweet, charming, and very funny romantic comedy about finding love and growing up. Look for surprise cameos as well as some vehicular ones too.
Alien gives it 3 "pop-up storybook" stars out of 4.
The movie opens with a spoiled irresponsible billionaire son dressed as a costumed crime fighter with his trusty manservant as his sidekick. However, this isn’t the "Green Hornet", but a remake of the 1981 Dudley Moore classic. Alien never cared for the original because being constantly drunk never seemed funny. Russell Brand’s version of Arthur Bach is played with more childish innocence than drunken stupidity. Brand is perfect for the role as is Helen Mirren as the caring nanny and Greta Gerwig as the love interest. This is a sweet, charming, and very funny romantic comedy about finding love and growing up. Look for surprise cameos as well as some vehicular ones too.
Alien gives it 3 "pop-up storybook" stars out of 4.
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Born to Be Wild (3D)
See how rescue rangers save baby elephants in Kenya and baby orangutans in Borneo orphaned by poachers. These are some of the cutest creatures that have to be nourished back to health and trained to survive when returned back to the wild. These scenes shot in 3D and projected on the huge IMAX screen are spectacular. You’ll applaud the dedicated people trying to preserve these species.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "precious preservation" stars out of 4.
See how rescue rangers save baby elephants in Kenya and baby orangutans in Borneo orphaned by poachers. These are some of the cutest creatures that have to be nourished back to health and trained to survive when returned back to the wild. These scenes shot in 3D and projected on the huge IMAX screen are spectacular. You’ll applaud the dedicated people trying to preserve these species.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "precious preservation" stars out of 4.
