Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Debt
Three Israeli Mossad agents' plans to bring a Nazi war criminal to justice go awry in this psychological spy thriller. Two sets of actors play these agents 30 years apart in a struggle over truths and lies. Helen Mirren is once again excellent as well as Jessica Chastain. They play the older and younger versions of the Rachel character. Chastain is Alien's new favorite actress to watch and can also be seen in "The Help". This film asks at what price are you willing to pay for patriotism and what would you do if you were face to face with pure evil.
Alien gives it 3 "The Surgeon of Birkenau" stars out of 4.
Three Israeli Mossad agents' plans to bring a Nazi war criminal to justice go awry in this psychological spy thriller. Two sets of actors play these agents 30 years apart in a struggle over truths and lies. Helen Mirren is once again excellent as well as Jessica Chastain. They play the older and younger versions of the Rachel character. Chastain is Alien's new favorite actress to watch and can also be seen in "The Help". This film asks at what price are you willing to pay for patriotism and what would you do if you were face to face with pure evil.
Alien gives it 3 "The Surgeon of Birkenau" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Seven Days in Utopia
Golf and a Sunday sermon share the stage when a talented pro golfer (Lucas Black) with a demanding father and "Anger Management" issues has a lone star meltdown and takes a "Doc Hollywood" detour in Utopia, Texas. Stranded, this "Luke" meets his Yoda mentor in an old rancher (Robert Duvall) who teaches him golf lessons through fly fishing, painting, and washer tossing. God is the spiritual "Force" in this motivating movie about being reborn as a better person. Alien expects the ending will take most by surprise.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "see it, feel it, and trust it" stars out of 4.
Golf and a Sunday sermon share the stage when a talented pro golfer (Lucas Black) with a demanding father and "Anger Management" issues has a lone star meltdown and takes a "Doc Hollywood" detour in Utopia, Texas. Stranded, this "Luke" meets his Yoda mentor in an old rancher (Robert Duvall) who teaches him golf lessons through fly fishing, painting, and washer tossing. God is the spiritual "Force" in this motivating movie about being reborn as a better person. Alien expects the ending will take most by surprise.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "see it, feel it, and trust it" stars out of 4.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Lion King (Special 3D Edition)
Disney has enhanced their classic 1994 circle of life story about a young boy lion learning life's lessons and remembering who he is. The story, the songs, and the animation are still excellent, but the 3D effects add a glorious richness to the images on the big screen. This sparkling gem has been cleaned and polished for a re-introduction to a new generation of film goers.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the pride of Pride Rock" stars out of 4.
Disney has enhanced their classic 1994 circle of life story about a young boy lion learning life's lessons and remembering who he is. The story, the songs, and the animation are still excellent, but the 3D effects add a glorious richness to the images on the big screen. This sparkling gem has been cleaned and polished for a re-introduction to a new generation of film goers.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the pride of Pride Rock" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Colombiana
A young girl suffers from "Dark Knight" syndrome when her parents are murdered by a Colombian drug lord. Thus she gives up her dreams of becoming Xena, Warrior Princess, and decides to become a killer. It is a very thin and obvious plot of vengeance strung together by a series of slick action scenes. If you have seen "The Professional", "Transporter", and "Taken" you may recognize Luc Besson's handy work, but this weak script reeks more of "Transporter 2" with many Mission: Implausible situations. However, who cares if Zoe Saldana is prancing around scantily clad and with machine guns blazing. One sequence of her slinking around in a tight lycra outfit has Alien questioning the choice of Anne Hatheway as Catwoman in the next Batman movie. Too bad, Saldana can only stay two steps ahead of the police, the FBI, the CIA, and the Cartel because Besson wrote it that way. You'll probably enjoy this one more if you don't take it seriously and chuckle at the ridiculous moments like the bathroom brawl featuring a towel and toothbrushes as weapons.
Alien gives it 2 "coincidental orchid" stars out of 4.
A young girl suffers from "Dark Knight" syndrome when her parents are murdered by a Colombian drug lord. Thus she gives up her dreams of becoming Xena, Warrior Princess, and decides to become a killer. It is a very thin and obvious plot of vengeance strung together by a series of slick action scenes. If you have seen "The Professional", "Transporter", and "Taken" you may recognize Luc Besson's handy work, but this weak script reeks more of "Transporter 2" with many Mission: Implausible situations. However, who cares if Zoe Saldana is prancing around scantily clad and with machine guns blazing. One sequence of her slinking around in a tight lycra outfit has Alien questioning the choice of Anne Hatheway as Catwoman in the next Batman movie. Too bad, Saldana can only stay two steps ahead of the police, the FBI, the CIA, and the Cartel because Besson wrote it that way. You'll probably enjoy this one more if you don't take it seriously and chuckle at the ridiculous moments like the bathroom brawl featuring a towel and toothbrushes as weapons.
Alien gives it 2 "coincidental orchid" stars out of 4.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Dolphin Tale (3D)
It's "Flipper" meets "How to Train Your Dragon" in an inspirational story about dealing with disabilities. An underachieving social misfit loner finally becomes engaged when he takes an interest in an injured dolphin who washes ashore. This touching family film is about rescue and rehab as well as friendship and family. Kids will have a fun time relating to the on screen antics. The best 3D shots are of the underwater scenes. Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., and Morgan Freeman star in this film. Stay for the credits to see real life footage of Winter, the star and inspiration of the film. The film doesn't open until September 23, so check out Winter's story at www.seewinter.com.
Alien gives it 3 "swimming with the dolphins" stars out of 4.
It's "Flipper" meets "How to Train Your Dragon" in an inspirational story about dealing with disabilities. An underachieving social misfit loner finally becomes engaged when he takes an interest in an injured dolphin who washes ashore. This touching family film is about rescue and rehab as well as friendship and family. Kids will have a fun time relating to the on screen antics. The best 3D shots are of the underwater scenes. Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr., and Morgan Freeman star in this film. Stay for the credits to see real life footage of Winter, the star and inspiration of the film. The film doesn't open until September 23, so check out Winter's story at www.seewinter.com.
Alien gives it 3 "swimming with the dolphins" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
It's "Gremlins" meets "The Bogey Man" meets "Pandora's Box" when a child's worst nightmare comes true in this remake of a 1973 made-for-TV movie. An unwanted child looking for a friend, an old house with a secret past, and an ancient folklore combine for a creepy suspense thriller. Bailee Madison is adorable as the misunderstood daughter. Katie Holmes is likable as the caring stepmother figure. Guy Pearce is irritating as the dad who ignores his daughter. If you view this film through a child's eyes, you'll have a good enough fright from the classic scare tactics. But if your adult brain takes over, you'll realize some of the plot flaws. The movie isn't terrorizing, but if you jump at things that go bump in the night and fear what lurks in the shadows, you'll may want to sleep with the lights on.
Alien gives it 2 "old school night terrors" stars out of 4.
It's "Gremlins" meets "The Bogey Man" meets "Pandora's Box" when a child's worst nightmare comes true in this remake of a 1973 made-for-TV movie. An unwanted child looking for a friend, an old house with a secret past, and an ancient folklore combine for a creepy suspense thriller. Bailee Madison is adorable as the misunderstood daughter. Katie Holmes is likable as the caring stepmother figure. Guy Pearce is irritating as the dad who ignores his daughter. If you view this film through a child's eyes, you'll have a good enough fright from the classic scare tactics. But if your adult brain takes over, you'll realize some of the plot flaws. The movie isn't terrorizing, but if you jump at things that go bump in the night and fear what lurks in the shadows, you'll may want to sleep with the lights on.
Alien gives it 2 "old school night terrors" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Fright Night (3D) Revisited
Alien has discovered how to enhance a second viewing of this frightfully fun film. By wisely choosing your movie mates, you too can have a 4D experience during this delightful 3D vampire film. Select somewhat vocal, moderately animated, and slightly skittish friends to sit next to you and you'll enjoy their fright, their tension build up, and general jumpiness as they react, shriek, and lean into you. It's better than surround sound. I thank my special movie friend for adding another half star to tonight's screening experience.
Alien gives this repeat performance 3 ½ "special fourth dimensional" stars out of 4.
Alien has discovered how to enhance a second viewing of this frightfully fun film. By wisely choosing your movie mates, you too can have a 4D experience during this delightful 3D vampire film. Select somewhat vocal, moderately animated, and slightly skittish friends to sit next to you and you'll enjoy their fright, their tension build up, and general jumpiness as they react, shriek, and lean into you. It's better than surround sound. I thank my special movie friend for adding another half star to tonight's screening experience.
Alien gives this repeat performance 3 ½ "special fourth dimensional" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Conan the Barbarian (3D)
It's "300" without the stylistic killings meets "Sinbad" meets a hunky hero without the Arnold accent. A warrior woman's battle bred son, Conan, is born by combat Cesarean and thus the bloody legend begins. Big battle scenes and good villains are the high points. The lack of 3D effects in a 3D film are the low points (the only noticeable 3D effects are of the opening studio logo and the ending film credits). An evil tyrant with a Freddy Kruger armed voodoo daughter searches for bone shards of a power mask and the pretty "Polly" pureblood so he can regain his mate and become a god. At least 3 CGI expert teams (Bulgarian, Chinese, and Indian) drive this special effects spectacular. Alien found the sandmen particularly interesting. Don't be surprised by the nubile nakedness on this ride through Barbarian World where macho men grunt and howl in their victories.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "forged in Sumerian steel" stars out of 4.
It's "300" without the stylistic killings meets "Sinbad" meets a hunky hero without the Arnold accent. A warrior woman's battle bred son, Conan, is born by combat Cesarean and thus the bloody legend begins. Big battle scenes and good villains are the high points. The lack of 3D effects in a 3D film are the low points (the only noticeable 3D effects are of the opening studio logo and the ending film credits). An evil tyrant with a Freddy Kruger armed voodoo daughter searches for bone shards of a power mask and the pretty "Polly" pureblood so he can regain his mate and become a god. At least 3 CGI expert teams (Bulgarian, Chinese, and Indian) drive this special effects spectacular. Alien found the sandmen particularly interesting. Don't be surprised by the nubile nakedness on this ride through Barbarian World where macho men grunt and howl in their victories.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "forged in Sumerian steel" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Final Destination 5 (3D)
There is nothing final in this movie series about how you can't cheat death. Alien knows he has seen one of the previous film. He's just not sure which one, but it doesn't really matter because they are all the same. In the latest film, a premonition seems to spare 8 people, headed for an office retreat, from certain disaster; only to fall victim to some freakish accidents later. This may sound repetitiously boring, but it's not because each "accident" is set up to keep you guessing exactly when and how it is going to happen. Each one is spectacularly heighten with 3D grizzly gore goodness. Audiences will groan with glee at each one. It's not a great film by any means; it's just a fun guilty pleasure for some.
Alien gives it 3 "wrinkle in reality" stars out of 4.
Final Destination 5 (Revisited)
Alien has just viewed an over night marathon of all five films and now I get this homage to the original and its successors. Be sure to watch the first film if you want to fully appreciate number five. This latest release is the best of the bunch. Parts are the earlier films are laughable which was extremely evident by the annoying audience who were constantly talking to the screen and making rude comments. This kind of killed the experience that those filmmakers were trying to convey.
There is nothing final in this movie series about how you can't cheat death. Alien knows he has seen one of the previous film. He's just not sure which one, but it doesn't really matter because they are all the same. In the latest film, a premonition seems to spare 8 people, headed for an office retreat, from certain disaster; only to fall victim to some freakish accidents later. This may sound repetitiously boring, but it's not because each "accident" is set up to keep you guessing exactly when and how it is going to happen. Each one is spectacularly heighten with 3D grizzly gore goodness. Audiences will groan with glee at each one. It's not a great film by any means; it's just a fun guilty pleasure for some.
Alien gives it 3 "wrinkle in reality" stars out of 4.
Final Destination 5 (Revisited)
Alien has just viewed an over night marathon of all five films and now I get this homage to the original and its successors. Be sure to watch the first film if you want to fully appreciate number five. This latest release is the best of the bunch. Parts are the earlier films are laughable which was extremely evident by the annoying audience who were constantly talking to the screen and making rude comments. This kind of killed the experience that those filmmakers were trying to convey.
Monday, August 08, 2011
The Help (Alien just can't quit you)
Alien couldn't resist seeing this sure winner just one more time.
Imagine the "Mean Girls" as Southern belles and all grown up with babies living in Jackson, Mississippi, during 1963. This touching, heartfelt drama is not a comedy, but there is a great deal of hilarious humor laced into the wonderful script where secrets are revealed and the truth will set you free. Step back in time on an emotional journey that will bring you tears of laughter, anger, sadness, and joy. It is a powerful and inspirational film highlighting strong women with the courage to stand up for what is right in an isolated world that is so wrong. The colorful cast of characters will pull you in with their intriguing stories. The entire cast brings their "A" game to the table. This is hands down the best movie that Alien has seen this year so far.
Alien reconfirms it's 4 "the terrible awful" stars out of 4.
Alien couldn't resist seeing this sure winner just one more time.
Imagine the "Mean Girls" as Southern belles and all grown up with babies living in Jackson, Mississippi, during 1963. This touching, heartfelt drama is not a comedy, but there is a great deal of hilarious humor laced into the wonderful script where secrets are revealed and the truth will set you free. Step back in time on an emotional journey that will bring you tears of laughter, anger, sadness, and joy. It is a powerful and inspirational film highlighting strong women with the courage to stand up for what is right in an isolated world that is so wrong. The colorful cast of characters will pull you in with their intriguing stories. The entire cast brings their "A" game to the table. This is hands down the best movie that Alien has seen this year so far.
Alien reconfirms it's 4 "the terrible awful" stars out of 4.
Friday, August 05, 2011
Rise of the Planet of Apes
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This prequel to "The Planet of the Apes" explains how the apes got so smart. A scientist (James Franco), whose father (John Lithgow) has Alzheimer's, is researching for a cure through lab tests with chimps. Of course, thing go very wrong when one ape, Caesar, starts to outwit the humans and leads a simian revolt. The motion capture technique is amazing and especially effective in conveying the facial expressions. The apes are the stars of this film. It's a good start to a possible series of films. Just don't leave your seat too soon or you'll miss the hint to what may happen next.
Alien gives it 3 "Muir Woods" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This prequel to "The Planet of the Apes" explains how the apes got so smart. A scientist (James Franco), whose father (John Lithgow) has Alzheimer's, is researching for a cure through lab tests with chimps. Of course, thing go very wrong when one ape, Caesar, starts to outwit the humans and leads a simian revolt. The motion capture technique is amazing and especially effective in conveying the facial expressions. The apes are the stars of this film. It's a good start to a possible series of films. Just don't leave your seat too soon or you'll miss the hint to what may happen next.
Alien gives it 3 "Muir Woods" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Fright Night (3D)
It's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" meets "Disturbia" when a high school dweeb (Anton Yelchin)and his nerdy buddy (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) suspect the new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) as the cause for people disappearing in their Las Vegas suburb. Alien never saw the 1985 original, but this version is a hoot. It's a fresh update to the age old vampire theme where the dweeb gets a crash course in blood sucker termination from a big Vegas illustionist. Alien loves it when a film pokes fun at its own genre. Farrell has a deliciously fun time playing his role with relish. Toni Collette and Imogen Poots play the damsels in distress. Look for 3D blood splatters and floating embers to enhance the action scenes. This may be a guilty pleasure that you can sink your teeth into.
Alien gives it 3 "snackers" stars out of 4.
It's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" meets "Disturbia" when a high school dweeb (Anton Yelchin)and his nerdy buddy (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) suspect the new neighbor Jerry (Colin Farrell) as the cause for people disappearing in their Las Vegas suburb. Alien never saw the 1985 original, but this version is a hoot. It's a fresh update to the age old vampire theme where the dweeb gets a crash course in blood sucker termination from a big Vegas illustionist. Alien loves it when a film pokes fun at its own genre. Farrell has a deliciously fun time playing his role with relish. Toni Collette and Imogen Poots play the damsels in distress. Look for 3D blood splatters and floating embers to enhance the action scenes. This may be a guilty pleasure that you can sink your teeth into.
Alien gives it 3 "snackers" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
50/50
A young man (Joseph Gordon-Levit) struggles with his cancer diagnosis, friends, and family in this very funny look at a very serious subject. Gordon-Levit is absolutely perfect for the part and will move you to tears and laughter. He is surrounded by a top-notched cast including Seth Rogen, Anna Hendricks, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Anjelica Houston. The ladies all shine and Rogen is his usual vulgar funny self. It is a powerful and touching story showing everything you wanted to know about the cancer experience but were afraid to ask. The clever script manages to effectively slip in its little jokes time and time again as it walks a fine line between tragedy and comedy. Just like with the disease, this film needs a sense of humor to get through it. Will this cancer patient survive? Well, his odds are 50/50. This movie is a must see if you want to understand more about dealing with the Big C, but it does not open until late September.
Alien gives it 3 "medicinal marijuana" stars out of 4.
A young man (Joseph Gordon-Levit) struggles with his cancer diagnosis, friends, and family in this very funny look at a very serious subject. Gordon-Levit is absolutely perfect for the part and will move you to tears and laughter. He is surrounded by a top-notched cast including Seth Rogen, Anna Hendricks, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Anjelica Houston. The ladies all shine and Rogen is his usual vulgar funny self. It is a powerful and touching story showing everything you wanted to know about the cancer experience but were afraid to ask. The clever script manages to effectively slip in its little jokes time and time again as it walks a fine line between tragedy and comedy. Just like with the disease, this film needs a sense of humor to get through it. Will this cancer patient survive? Well, his odds are 50/50. This movie is a must see if you want to understand more about dealing with the Big C, but it does not open until late September.
Alien gives it 3 "medicinal marijuana" stars out of 4.
