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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Anonymous

Do you like conspiracy theories?

This marvel film proposes that William Shakespeare was a fraud and didn't actually write those famous plays and sonnets. Excellent actors, costumes, and sets give a stunning visual to what Elizabethan life would have looked like. This intriguing film recounts tales of betrayal and tragedy in the royal and the literary worlds. Alien wishes he would have conducted some research of English history prior to the screening to better understand who was who. The flashbacks further contributed to the ID confusion. The film skillfully manipulates an alternate version of the past.

Alien gives it 3 "ink stained fingers" stars out of 4.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

The Rum Diary

Set in 1960, a writer/journalist (Johnny Depp) takes a new job with a local newspaper and becomes involved with a shady businessman's (Aaron Eckhart) land development scheme. This quirky dramedy is beautifully shot in Puerto Rico. While the features Carnival, the sexy Amber Heard, some cock fighting, a voodoo spell, fire-breathing acts, and some crazy car scenes, the plot doesn't really go anywhere. The movie mostly follows this trio of odd characters, but strangely enough, Depp's portrayal seems to be the more normal of the bunch. Most may feel it's a waste of time watching these actors getting wasted on screen.

Alien gives it 1½ "some rum dumb days" stars out of 4.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

In Time

Imagine an alternate universe where no one is supposed to live more than 25 years. There, time is money, literally, and no one can afford to waste it. It's "Robin Hood" meets "Bonnie and Clyde" as a couple of time bandits try to change their world while evading the "time keeper", a time cop. The film creates a fascinating, but depressing society which obsesses over time instead of money. Issues of immortality, greed, and segregation are brought up. Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried star as a couple brought together by circumstance and forced to live day by day.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "give so you can live" stars out of 4.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Puss in Boots 3D

Fairy tale fans, cat lovers, and Zorro zealots will enjoy this 3D animated feature detailing Puss' origin and background before meeting up with Shrek. Joining him on his misadventures is Kitty Softpaws, Humpty Dumpty, and Jack & Jill. Brace yourself for cat and egg jokes in this tale of revenge. It's a cute kiddie film that adults can enjoy too.

Alien gives it 3 "magic beans" stars out of 4.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Three Musketeers

It's Alexander Dumas' famed trio trapped in the blended world of "The Matrix", The Wild, Wild West, and "Master and Commander". The filmmakers have taken great liberties to amp up and supercharge this literary classic for today's younger generation. The special effects are amazing and the 3D effects are eye-popping. Toss in Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) as the young brash hero and Resident Evil's Alice (Milla Jovovich) as the double-crossing femme fatale for good measure. Orlando Bloom seems to be miscast as the English foe and talentedly evil Christoph Waltz is underutilized. The costumes and sets are elaborate and stunning. The insane action is over-the-top. The film is mindless fun and not meant to be taken seriously. Alien thought is was better than expected after viewing the trailer. At the end, don't leave too soon or you may miss the segue to the possible sequel.

Alien gives it 3 "warships and airships" stars out of 4.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Paranormal Activity 3

Remember the sisters from the first two Paranormal Activity films? Well, they are back as little girls and will spook audiences again. The crafty filmmakers are following their famous fright formula because it works. It works because the families feel real and natural, and everyone has heard those things that go bump in the night and wonder what was that. The film pits believers against non-believers. The special effects are relatively small, but immensely powerful and eerily startling. It takes normal scenes and puts a supernatural twist to them. Do you believe it ghosts and witches? Are your kids' imaginary friends real? If you liked the first two, you'll probably love this one and wonder where the next one will take you. Alien liked the oscillating cam shots and the filmmakers fright tactics. It's the best of the bunch.

Alien gives it 3 "beware of Toby" stars out of 4.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Margin Call

Inspired by the 2008 financial crisis, an investment firm begins a corporate fire sale when it gets caught in a sh*t storm. Although this 24-hour behind-the-scenes story runs a bit dry with lots of financial speak, Alien did like the interesting characters caught in this stressful situation. The all-star cast includes Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Simon Baker, Zachery Quinto, Stanley Tucci, and Demi Moore who all must face some tough financial and moral decisions. It is a sad and scary tale that may make you angry enough to occupy Wall Street or a city park in protest. This is a timely stock market horror film that probably hardly anyone will see. This film is rated "R" for all of the F-bombs dropped.

Alien gives it 2 "our loss is your gain" stars out of 4.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Johnny English Reborn

It's Mr. Bean plays James Bond in Rowan Atkinson's second portrayal of his bumbling spy spoof character. A disgraced MI7 secret agent gets called back to service to stop an assassination attempt by Vortex members. If you like silly comedies, the French has Clouseau and the British have English. Atkinson is pretty much a one note act, but if you can stand him, you may be entertained. Alien finds his brand of humor very obvious and predictable (therefore, more amusing than hilarious), but many in the audience were were laughing heartily at his inane antics. Stay for the credits for Atkinson's most clever bit, conducting a cooking concerto. At least he finishes on a positive note.

Alien gives it 2 "with age, you gain wisdom" stars out of 4.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Tower Heist

It's "The Hot Rock" meets "Ocean's 11" when a wealthy securities defrauder (Alan Alda) tries to avoid prison and a building manager (Ben Stiller) seeks justice for his co-workers. The casting is genius with the assemblage of Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Téa Leoni, and "Precious" little Gabourey Sidibe who steals her scenes. The clever script with its twists and turns will keep you guessing and laughing. Audiences will be treated to a view of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade that they'll never forget. The film just gets funnier and funnier as this crazy caper hysterically escalates and the plot thickens.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "the Marshall Swindle and Checkmate" stars out of 4.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Thing

It starts off with a dirty Norwegian joke and the discovery of a structure & a specimen that sends a team of scientists to the arctic. Unfortunately, they dig up more than they bargain for and must find the enemy hiding among them. This sci-fi horror film has the usual implausibilities, but there are enough frights, scares, and special effects to keep the fans interested. A better film would have paid more attention to its script than focusing on the effects. Alien would recommend seeing or reviewing the two previous movies of the same name to fully appreciate this film. This one is Alien's least favorite. Be sure to stay through the credits for some key scenes.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "trust no one" stars out of 4.

Monday, October 10, 2011

The Big Year

Three obsessed birders (Owen Wilson, Jack Black, and Steve Martin) strive for the "Big Year" and the Audubon Society's title of Best Birdwatcher of the Year. Wilson, Black, and Martin each bring their unique comic stylings to this silly throw-back to the "Great Race"/"Cannonball Run" days. There is no raunchy humor, but Alien was surprised by the one obscene hand gesture. Look for a lot of familiar faces in cameo situations. Enjoy the great outdoors while spotting the featured birds, bird names, and bird sounds. It's a light hearted romp with a family message about the cost of winning. This film is better than it sounds.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "carpe annum" stars out of 4.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

The Ides of March

George Clooney writes, directs,and stars in a behind the scenes look at a political campaign for the presidency. As the March 15th Ohio Democratic Primary approaches, out comes the dirty politics, extortion, and back stabbing as individuals (involving a governor, campaign managers, an intern, and a reporter) jockey for position to get the upper hand. The all star cast of Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Ryan Gosling, Evan Rachel Wood, and Marissa Tomei play their roles perfectly. See if you can predict the winners and losers in this political race.

Alien gives it 3 "spin city" stars out of 4.

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