Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Attack the Block
It's "Boyz from the Hood" meets "Battle: Los Angeles" in South London when junvenile delinquents must defend their turf from alien gorilla-wolf mother f*ckers. This low budget sci-fi thriller proves that you can get more with less. Without big CGI special effects or big named actors, this little British film delivers a more realistic action flick with an inner city edge. The alien creatures are of a simple design, but inspiring fear by featuring only one predominate weapon. For old fashion B movie fun, go check out this mini invasion.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "from hoodlums to heroes" stars out of 4.
It's "Boyz from the Hood" meets "Battle: Los Angeles" in South London when junvenile delinquents must defend their turf from alien gorilla-wolf mother f*ckers. This low budget sci-fi thriller proves that you can get more with less. Without big CGI special effects or big named actors, this little British film delivers a more realistic action flick with an inner city edge. The alien creatures are of a simple design, but inspiring fear by featuring only one predominate weapon. For old fashion B movie fun, go check out this mini invasion.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "from hoodlums to heroes" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Hangover: Part II
Is the wolf pack really back or are we viewing a parallel universe? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is the motto of the first film's creators. They are cleverly bold enough to feed us almost exactly the same story, but substituting Bangkok (exotic & intriguing) for Vegas and a monkey (scene stealer) for a tiger. Seeing the first is not a prerequisite for enjoying this sequel, but it is hecka funnier if you can make those connections. If you thought the original was wildly outrageous, brace yourself as new limits are pushed. Screaming Stu and weird Alan are the standout characters in this hysterically hilarious bachelor party blackout raunchy repeat. If you loved the first, you can't pass on this one. Alien can't imagine where a third story would take us to top this.
Alien gives it 3 "monkey middle man" stars out of 4.
Is the wolf pack really back or are we viewing a parallel universe? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is the motto of the first film's creators. They are cleverly bold enough to feed us almost exactly the same story, but substituting Bangkok (exotic & intriguing) for Vegas and a monkey (scene stealer) for a tiger. Seeing the first is not a prerequisite for enjoying this sequel, but it is hecka funnier if you can make those connections. If you thought the original was wildly outrageous, brace yourself as new limits are pushed. Screaming Stu and weird Alan are the standout characters in this hysterically hilarious bachelor party blackout raunchy repeat. If you loved the first, you can't pass on this one. Alien can't imagine where a third story would take us to top this.
Alien gives it 3 "monkey middle man" stars out of 4.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Kung Fu Panda 2 (3D)
Prepare yourself for another round of awesomeness as the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five return to battle a new villain, an evil peacock with a powerful weapon. Master Po is on a path with destiny that crosses with the secret of his origin. The terrific script and wonderful animation are further enhanced by the 3D effects. Notice that an early fight scene is choreographed to the musical score. Chinese art and culture are incorporated into this delightful family film. Go see Po find his inner peace.
Alien gives it 4 "wings of justice" stars out of 4.
Prepare yourself for another round of awesomeness as the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five return to battle a new villain, an evil peacock with a powerful weapon. Master Po is on a path with destiny that crosses with the secret of his origin. The terrific script and wonderful animation are further enhanced by the 3D effects. Notice that an early fight scene is choreographed to the musical score. Chinese art and culture are incorporated into this delightful family film. Go see Po find his inner peace.
Alien gives it 4 "wings of justice" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Beaver
A man's depression divides a family and stalls his business company until he rescues a beaver hand puppet from a dumpster. The acting is top notch from Mel Gibson, director Jodie Foster and Anton Yelchin However, it's a sad little story about suicidal depression and psychosis. A troubled man adopts an alter ego to cope with his life. A wife tries to reconnect with her husband. One son adores his dad and another son hates his father. This film is not for everyone, but you may want to check it out if you are interested in coping with mental illness.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "talk to the beaver" stars out of 4.
A man's depression divides a family and stalls his business company until he rescues a beaver hand puppet from a dumpster. The acting is top notch from Mel Gibson, director Jodie Foster and Anton Yelchin However, it's a sad little story about suicidal depression and psychosis. A troubled man adopts an alter ego to cope with his life. A wife tries to reconnect with her husband. One son adores his dad and another son hates his father. This film is not for everyone, but you may want to check it out if you are interested in coping with mental illness.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "talk to the beaver" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (3D)
Pirates, zombies, and mermaids, oh my!
It's "Treasure Island" meets "Indiana Jones" meets "Little Mermaid" as the misadventures of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) continue. All of your favorites are back including Bruckheimer's trademark wild chase scenes, Depp's irresistible character antics, Disney magic, and lots of pirate swashbuckling. The Disney Imagineers applied just the right amount of 3D effects to enhance the film. Jack finally meets his match with the cunning Angelica (Penelope Cruz). The enchanting mermaids with shades of "Twilight" and "Spiderman" may surprise you. Alien like the first film, felt lost as the next two movies wandered aimlessly, and loved this fourth installment as it gets back on course with a three-way race for the Fountain of Youth. Look for another homage to the famed Disney ride and a final clip at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "don't cry for me, Serena" stars out of 4.
Pirates, zombies, and mermaids, oh my!
It's "Treasure Island" meets "Indiana Jones" meets "Little Mermaid" as the misadventures of Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) continue. All of your favorites are back including Bruckheimer's trademark wild chase scenes, Depp's irresistible character antics, Disney magic, and lots of pirate swashbuckling. The Disney Imagineers applied just the right amount of 3D effects to enhance the film. Jack finally meets his match with the cunning Angelica (Penelope Cruz). The enchanting mermaids with shades of "Twilight" and "Spiderman" may surprise you. Alien like the first film, felt lost as the next two movies wandered aimlessly, and loved this fourth installment as it gets back on course with a three-way race for the Fountain of Youth. Look for another homage to the famed Disney ride and a final clip at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "don't cry for me, Serena" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Priest (3D)
It's "Legion" meets "Underworld" meets "Descent" in this graphic novel based horror/action flick. A terrific animated short tells the back story of this post-apocalyptic world of humans versus vampires. The priests are the post Clone Wars Jedi Knights in this religious ruled world and one priest (Paul Bettany) must break away from the clergy when someone dear to his heart is kidnapped. This is basically a Western with a deadly vampire twist. Alien liked the look and feel of this make believe environment reminiscent of "Mad Max" and "Blade Runner". There are plenty of great action sequences, but the 3D effects are hardly noticeable. The filmmakers get a lot of bang for their buck in this seemingly moderately budgeted film. By the end of this thrill ride, you'll wonder what's next for the Priest and will you see Black Hat and the Queen again.
Alien gives it 3 "Faith, Work, Security" stars out of 4.
It's "Legion" meets "Underworld" meets "Descent" in this graphic novel based horror/action flick. A terrific animated short tells the back story of this post-apocalyptic world of humans versus vampires. The priests are the post Clone Wars Jedi Knights in this religious ruled world and one priest (Paul Bettany) must break away from the clergy when someone dear to his heart is kidnapped. This is basically a Western with a deadly vampire twist. Alien liked the look and feel of this make believe environment reminiscent of "Mad Max" and "Blade Runner". There are plenty of great action sequences, but the 3D effects are hardly noticeable. The filmmakers get a lot of bang for their buck in this seemingly moderately budgeted film. By the end of this thrill ride, you'll wonder what's next for the Priest and will you see Black Hat and the Queen again.
Alien gives it 3 "Faith, Work, Security" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Something Borrowed
It's "Friends" meets "My Best Friend's Wedding" as beautiful people work in beautiful New York and play in beautiful South Hampton. Life is complicated when Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) realizes that she is in love with her best friend's fiancé. Goodwin is the darling of the movie and audiences will be rooting for her all the way. a terrific cast play their roles to a tee, but, once again, John Kazinski manages to steal all of his scenes. This romantic comedy is a delightful surprise that goes that extra mile to put a smile on your face and laughter in your heart. If you are a true romantic, you'll want to see this one. In the middle of the credits, you'll fine one more scene that hints to a continuing story line.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "when good people do bad things" stars out of 4.
It's "Friends" meets "My Best Friend's Wedding" as beautiful people work in beautiful New York and play in beautiful South Hampton. Life is complicated when Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) realizes that she is in love with her best friend's fiancé. Goodwin is the darling of the movie and audiences will be rooting for her all the way. a terrific cast play their roles to a tee, but, once again, John Kazinski manages to steal all of his scenes. This romantic comedy is a delightful surprise that goes that extra mile to put a smile on your face and laughter in your heart. If you are a true romantic, you'll want to see this one. In the middle of the credits, you'll fine one more scene that hints to a continuing story line.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "when good people do bad things" stars out of 4.
