Thursday, July 28, 2011
The Help (Revisited)
Like Miss Hilly, Alien couldn't resist but to have a second slice of this delicious treat. The major characters (Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spenser) are fantastic and the minor ones are terrific too especially the adorable little girl. Their performances will make you laugh, make you cry, make you angry, and make you proud. The costumes, the hairdos, the sets, the props, the music, the TV footages will transport you back in time to 1963 in the South. It will turn your stomach and warm your heart. It is an unforgettable story of courage and women's empowerment. Once you have seen the film, you will want to see it again, or read the book, or recommend to everyone to see.
Alien still gives it 4 "this didn't happen in Jackson" stars out of 4.
See 6/21/11 for Alien's original review.
Like Miss Hilly, Alien couldn't resist but to have a second slice of this delicious treat. The major characters (Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spenser) are fantastic and the minor ones are terrific too especially the adorable little girl. Their performances will make you laugh, make you cry, make you angry, and make you proud. The costumes, the hairdos, the sets, the props, the music, the TV footages will transport you back in time to 1963 in the South. It will turn your stomach and warm your heart. It is an unforgettable story of courage and women's empowerment. Once you have seen the film, you will want to see it again, or read the book, or recommend to everyone to see.
Alien still gives it 4 "this didn't happen in Jackson" stars out of 4.
See 6/21/11 for Alien's original review.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
30 Minutes or Less
A pizza delivery guy (thus the title; Jesse Eisenberg) gets blackmailed into a bank robbery scheme involving a vest bomb. It's a double buddy film with bad guy idiots versus good guy idiots. With Danny McBride ("Your Highness" and "Pineapple Express") at the helm, you pretty much know what to expect. This predictable script is loaded with F-bombs, implied and referenced sexual acts, and the obligatory titty bar scene. If you like low brow humor, this might be right up your alley for mindless fun. Eisenberg and the wild car driving scenes are the highlights. After the credits, look for a special tanning salon advertisement.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "dumb and dumber take the money and run" stars out of 4.
A pizza delivery guy (thus the title; Jesse Eisenberg) gets blackmailed into a bank robbery scheme involving a vest bomb. It's a double buddy film with bad guy idiots versus good guy idiots. With Danny McBride ("Your Highness" and "Pineapple Express") at the helm, you pretty much know what to expect. This predictable script is loaded with F-bombs, implied and referenced sexual acts, and the obligatory titty bar scene. If you like low brow humor, this might be right up your alley for mindless fun. Eisenberg and the wild car driving scenes are the highlights. After the credits, look for a special tanning salon advertisement.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "dumb and dumber take the money and run" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Cowboys & Aliens
Based on a graphic novel, it's Jason Bourne meets "Outlander" meets "War of the Worlds" in the Wild, (Olivia) Wilde West. An amnesiactic outlaw (Daniel Craig) and a tough s.o.b. (Harrison Ford) team up and lead a posse on a search and rescue mission in this story of redemption. Director Jon Favreau takes the classic Western genre and puts a Sci-Fi twist to it. If you love these genres, you'll have a marvelous time at the movies. Craig and Ford are outstanding and supported by a terrific colorful cast of characters. The demons from space are just what you want for your terrifying villains. They are fast, powerful, and deadly. Yippy kai-yay.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "beware when the bracelet blaster blinks" stars out of 4.
Based on a graphic novel, it's Jason Bourne meets "Outlander" meets "War of the Worlds" in the Wild, (Olivia) Wilde West. An amnesiactic outlaw (Daniel Craig) and a tough s.o.b. (Harrison Ford) team up and lead a posse on a search and rescue mission in this story of redemption. Director Jon Favreau takes the classic Western genre and puts a Sci-Fi twist to it. If you love these genres, you'll have a marvelous time at the movies. Craig and Ford are outstanding and supported by a terrific colorful cast of characters. The demons from space are just what you want for your terrifying villains. They are fast, powerful, and deadly. Yippy kai-yay.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "beware when the bracelet blaster blinks" stars out of 4.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Smurfs
It's "Enchantment" meets "Alvin and the Chipmunks" when the blue moon portal transports the little blue beings from their enchanted village to the Big Apple. This is good clean family fun for the kiddies and Smurf lovers. Animated animal antics and "blue" jokes abound. Alien liked the movie's Smurfy sense of humor as it even pokes fun at the Smurf concept. It is a Smurf-erific experience for all. Some Smurf & newborn baby pictures as well as a final word from Garamel run during the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "little blue bundles of cuteness" stars out of 4.
It's "Enchantment" meets "Alvin and the Chipmunks" when the blue moon portal transports the little blue beings from their enchanted village to the Big Apple. This is good clean family fun for the kiddies and Smurf lovers. Animated animal antics and "blue" jokes abound. Alien liked the movie's Smurfy sense of humor as it even pokes fun at the Smurf concept. It is a Smurf-erific experience for all. Some Smurf & newborn baby pictures as well as a final word from Garamel run during the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "little blue bundles of cuteness" stars out of 4.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Crazy, Stupid, Love
This comedy about love relationships involves an office romance, a suave womanizer, a couple of crushes, finding your soul mate, and some dating advice. Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, and Marissa Tomei are just some of the talented cast in this intricate story that takes a funny look at love proving it will make your crazy and stupid. Carell has got his inept Sad Sack routine down pat, but it is starting to wear a little thin with Alien. Stone and Tomei are the film's bright spots. Much of the film isn't as funny as it tries to be, but there are a few really hilarious scenes and a couple of surprises.
Alien gives it 2 "follow your heart" stars out of 4.
This comedy about love relationships involves an office romance, a suave womanizer, a couple of crushes, finding your soul mate, and some dating advice. Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, and Marissa Tomei are just some of the talented cast in this intricate story that takes a funny look at love proving it will make your crazy and stupid. Carell has got his inept Sad Sack routine down pat, but it is starting to wear a little thin with Alien. Stone and Tomei are the film's bright spots. Much of the film isn't as funny as it tries to be, but there are a few really hilarious scenes and a couple of surprises.
Alien gives it 2 "follow your heart" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Captain America: The First Avenger (3D)
Discover the origin of Marvel Comic's Captain America character who was born out of patriotic duty during World War II. In 1943, a skinny kid from Brooklyn gets his change to join the army, but he wants to be more than a lab rat and a dancing monkey. He goes behind enemy lines to face an evil worse than Hitler and his Nazis, the super villain Red Skull and his HYDRA army. Paramount and Marvel Studios capture the spirit of comic book action and fun with a 40's retro look, a smart sense of humor, and a little slice of cheese. The movie follows the main Captain America story line with a special forces tribute to the unnamed "Howling Commandos". Bullets, blasters, an energy cube, a red faced crazed villain, and a somersaulting shield flinging super hero drive this incredible action flick with 3D depth. Add in Nick Fury and some Stark Industries; now we are set up for next year's Avengers movie. No final scenes after the credits this time.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Vita ray" stars out of 4.
Discover the origin of Marvel Comic's Captain America character who was born out of patriotic duty during World War II. In 1943, a skinny kid from Brooklyn gets his change to join the army, but he wants to be more than a lab rat and a dancing monkey. He goes behind enemy lines to face an evil worse than Hitler and his Nazis, the super villain Red Skull and his HYDRA army. Paramount and Marvel Studios capture the spirit of comic book action and fun with a 40's retro look, a smart sense of humor, and a little slice of cheese. The movie follows the main Captain America story line with a special forces tribute to the unnamed "Howling Commandos". Bullets, blasters, an energy cube, a red faced crazed villain, and a somersaulting shield flinging super hero drive this incredible action flick with 3D depth. Add in Nick Fury and some Stark Industries; now we are set up for next year's Avengers movie. No final scenes after the credits this time.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Vita ray" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Change-Up
Two long-time buddies have a "Freaky Friday" experience when they wish for each other's life and get it. One is a lawyer (Justin Bateman), married with three kids and a demanding job. The other is an aspiring actor, single with an addiction to pot smoking and loose women. Following the lead of other raunchy comedy hits like "The Hangover", "Bridesmaids", and "Bad Teacher", it pushes the limits of good taste trying to be funny with shockingly wrong behavior. This will still get plenty of laughs, but Alien feels it crosses the line. The wonderful cast also includes Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, and Alan Arkin; what a waste of talent. Bateman and Reynolds are terrific comedic actors, but they don't even try to take on the other's mannerisms when they switch. Gratuitous nudity, gross visual acts, and f-bombs are inserted for cheap humor. Supposedly, this was an early working copy that was complete but unfinished. Ironically, Alien can't see how any change-ups can fix "The Change-Up". Even if the filmmakers could clean it up to a PG-13 rating, it would just be a mediocre comedy at best.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "shock and awe" stars out of 4.
Two long-time buddies have a "Freaky Friday" experience when they wish for each other's life and get it. One is a lawyer (Justin Bateman), married with three kids and a demanding job. The other is an aspiring actor, single with an addiction to pot smoking and loose women. Following the lead of other raunchy comedy hits like "The Hangover", "Bridesmaids", and "Bad Teacher", it pushes the limits of good taste trying to be funny with shockingly wrong behavior. This will still get plenty of laughs, but Alien feels it crosses the line. The wonderful cast also includes Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, and Alan Arkin; what a waste of talent. Bateman and Reynolds are terrific comedic actors, but they don't even try to take on the other's mannerisms when they switch. Gratuitous nudity, gross visual acts, and f-bombs are inserted for cheap humor. Supposedly, this was an early working copy that was complete but unfinished. Ironically, Alien can't see how any change-ups can fix "The Change-Up". Even if the filmmakers could clean it up to a PG-13 rating, it would just be a mediocre comedy at best.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "shock and awe" stars out of 4.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II (3D)
The final chapter has finally arrived and the Harry Potter movie fans will now get their closure. Lord Voldemort's army of of sinister henchmen battle the wizard rebel resistance who make their last stand at Hogwarts. There is a lot to handle here as bits and pieces from the whole series flash before us as the gang continues their search for horcruxes and heads for that inevitable duel to the death. Audiences will get some crowd pleasing kissing and killing moments with some Hogwarts humor. The 3D effects add depth to this dark, dark film and dollars to the box office take. The Harry Potter shaped 3D spectacles are a neat souvenir, but they did not fit very well over regular glasses. Alien thinks fans will get their money's worth with this fitting finale to this remarkable long running series.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Harry Potter: The Next Generation" stars out of 4.
The final chapter has finally arrived and the Harry Potter movie fans will now get their closure. Lord Voldemort's army of of sinister henchmen battle the wizard rebel resistance who make their last stand at Hogwarts. There is a lot to handle here as bits and pieces from the whole series flash before us as the gang continues their search for horcruxes and heads for that inevitable duel to the death. Audiences will get some crowd pleasing kissing and killing moments with some Hogwarts humor. The 3D effects add depth to this dark, dark film and dollars to the box office take. The Harry Potter shaped 3D spectacles are a neat souvenir, but they did not fit very well over regular glasses. Alien thinks fans will get their money's worth with this fitting finale to this remarkable long running series.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Harry Potter: The Next Generation" stars out of 4.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Winnie the Pooh
Your favorite stuffed bear and gang pop right off the story book page and on to the big screen, It's the tale of Eeyore's missing tail and the search for Christopher Robin. This sweet, charming movie will delight the kiddies and Pooh fans. Among the clever gags, you'll find an update to the classic "who's on first" routine. Stay through the credits for a Back Soon surprise. For the short attention-span ones, this film only runs about 65 minutes.
Alien gives it 3 "honey hunger hallucinations" stars out of 4.
Your favorite stuffed bear and gang pop right off the story book page and on to the big screen, It's the tale of Eeyore's missing tail and the search for Christopher Robin. This sweet, charming movie will delight the kiddies and Pooh fans. Among the clever gags, you'll find an update to the classic "who's on first" routine. Stay through the credits for a Back Soon surprise. For the short attention-span ones, this film only runs about 65 minutes.
Alien gives it 3 "honey hunger hallucinations" stars out of 4.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Zookeeper
It's "Madagascar" meets "A Night at the Museum" when the "King of Queens" meets the "King of the Jungle" at New England's Franklin Park Zoo. Griffin's (Kevin James) zookeeper outfit looks a lot like Doug Hefferman's delivery guy uniform except for the logo and this character pretty much behaves the same. This zany zoo romantic comedy involves a guy (James)trying to win back his girl (Leslie Bibb) by following advice from a menagerie of friends who only talk to him. The two intentionally unlikeable characters are irritatingly over played. The lovely Rosario Dawson is always a joy to watch. Hangover's Ken Jeong is unfortunately underutilized. Columbia Pictures must have made a sweet deal for two of CBS's "Blue Bloods" finest to appear as zoo employees. This fabulous family film features pure silliness for the kids, but adults will also be entertained by the animals with attitude (they steal the show). The CGI work is so seamless that Alien can't tell the real critters from the animated ones. Stay seated during the credits for outtakes, a CGI secret, and a round of animal karaoke.
Alien gives it 3 "awesome animal antics" stars out of 4.
It's "Madagascar" meets "A Night at the Museum" when the "King of Queens" meets the "King of the Jungle" at New England's Franklin Park Zoo. Griffin's (Kevin James) zookeeper outfit looks a lot like Doug Hefferman's delivery guy uniform except for the logo and this character pretty much behaves the same. This zany zoo romantic comedy involves a guy (James)trying to win back his girl (Leslie Bibb) by following advice from a menagerie of friends who only talk to him. The two intentionally unlikeable characters are irritatingly over played. The lovely Rosario Dawson is always a joy to watch. Hangover's Ken Jeong is unfortunately underutilized. Columbia Pictures must have made a sweet deal for two of CBS's "Blue Bloods" finest to appear as zoo employees. This fabulous family film features pure silliness for the kids, but adults will also be entertained by the animals with attitude (they steal the show). The CGI work is so seamless that Alien can't tell the real critters from the animated ones. Stay seated during the credits for outtakes, a CGI secret, and a round of animal karaoke.
Alien gives it 3 "awesome animal antics" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Beginners
A graphics artist (Ewan McGregor)struggles with his 75-year-old father's (Christopher Plummer) announcement that he is gay, his father's terminal illness, and his own non-committal issues with his latest girlfriend. McGregor and Plummer both give strong emotional performances. This movie is a quirky artsy film festival type favorite that probably will not be popular with the general public. For example, it includes subtitled thoughts from Arthur, a Jack Russell terrier. Some may not like the non-linear story telling style as the film jumps back and forth in time. a sense of sadness and loneliness permeates throughout this autobiographical plot which features two romances.
Alien gives it 2 "what my dog is really thinking" stars out of 4.
A graphics artist (Ewan McGregor)struggles with his 75-year-old father's (Christopher Plummer) announcement that he is gay, his father's terminal illness, and his own non-committal issues with his latest girlfriend. McGregor and Plummer both give strong emotional performances. This movie is a quirky artsy film festival type favorite that probably will not be popular with the general public. For example, it includes subtitled thoughts from Arthur, a Jack Russell terrier. Some may not like the non-linear story telling style as the film jumps back and forth in time. a sense of sadness and loneliness permeates throughout this autobiographical plot which features two romances.
Alien gives it 2 "what my dog is really thinking" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Horrible Bosses
Does your boss make your angry? If so, Alien recommends this movie for you to channel your pent up aggressions!
It's "The Three Stooges" meets "Strangers on a Train" as three idiots get tortured by their bad bosses. Colin Farrel is the sleazy tool, Kevin Spacey is the slave driving psycho, and Jennifer Aniston is the sex crazy man eater. They all play their roles hysterically perfect. Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day are the patsy employees planning to get rid of their evil bosses. Jamie Foxx is hired to help out these desperate guys. Look for a few more familiar faces joining this all star cast of characters for zany, mad capped comedy and fun as the victims bungle their was through some unexpected twists and turns. The film starts out a bit slow and raunchy, but stick around as the hilarity builds up momentum. This could be a fun safe work environment training film that workers may enjoy.
Alien gives it 3 "searching for wet work" stars out of 4.
Does your boss make your angry? If so, Alien recommends this movie for you to channel your pent up aggressions!
It's "The Three Stooges" meets "Strangers on a Train" as three idiots get tortured by their bad bosses. Colin Farrel is the sleazy tool, Kevin Spacey is the slave driving psycho, and Jennifer Aniston is the sex crazy man eater. They all play their roles hysterically perfect. Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day are the patsy employees planning to get rid of their evil bosses. Jamie Foxx is hired to help out these desperate guys. Look for a few more familiar faces joining this all star cast of characters for zany, mad capped comedy and fun as the victims bungle their was through some unexpected twists and turns. The film starts out a bit slow and raunchy, but stick around as the hilarity builds up momentum. This could be a fun safe work environment training film that workers may enjoy.
Alien gives it 3 "searching for wet work" stars out of 4.
