Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Young Adult
A delusional, possibly alcoholic, has-been ghost writer (Charliize Theron) for a Young Adult novel series, "Waverly Prep", returns to her hometown to win back her former boyfriend (Patrick Wilson). Throw in Patton Oswald as a crippled geek into this dark comedy of mini high school reunion with sad and pathetic undertones which make it more disappointing than hilarious. Writer Diablo Cody tries to create a grownup version of "Juno", but it is not nearly as funny.
Alien gives it 2 "Nipple Confusion" stars out of 4.
A delusional, possibly alcoholic, has-been ghost writer (Charliize Theron) for a Young Adult novel series, "Waverly Prep", returns to her hometown to win back her former boyfriend (Patrick Wilson). Throw in Patton Oswald as a crippled geek into this dark comedy of mini high school reunion with sad and pathetic undertones which make it more disappointing than hilarious. Writer Diablo Cody tries to create a grownup version of "Juno", but it is not nearly as funny.
Alien gives it 2 "Nipple Confusion" stars out of 4.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
We Bought A Zoo
It's an adventure... with lions, tigers, and bears... oh my!
After a tragic loss, a family makes a big move hoping to help improve their healing process and ends up owning a troubled wildlife park with a motley crew of critter caretakers. Director Cameron Crowe has assembled Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning, an adorable little girl, a moody teenager, and some awesome zoo animals actors in this touching true story that will make you laugh and cry. It's a heartwarming film dealing with grieving and finding 20 seconds of courage.
Alien gives it 3½ "why not" stars out of 4.
It's an adventure... with lions, tigers, and bears... oh my!
After a tragic loss, a family makes a big move hoping to help improve their healing process and ends up owning a troubled wildlife park with a motley crew of critter caretakers. Director Cameron Crowe has assembled Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning, an adorable little girl, a moody teenager, and some awesome zoo animals actors in this touching true story that will make you laugh and cry. It's a heartwarming film dealing with grieving and finding 20 seconds of courage.
Alien gives it 3½ "why not" stars out of 4.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Hugo 3D
When an orphaned boy (Asa Butterfield) who lives in a train station meets the goddaugther (Chloe Grace Moretz) of a toymaker (Ben Kingsley), the adventure begins to solving the mystery of the mechanical man. Director Martin Scorsese is paying homage to the movie magic of the first films. The visuals and the 3D effects are spectacularly stunning. The film is beautifully crafted and acted. Sacha Baron Cohen (as the Station Inspector) always brings his unique characterizations to his performances. Though it looks like a kids film, the plot takes a while to develop in it's 130-minute length and may lose those with short attention spans.
Alien gives it 2½ "tinker in the clock tower" stars out of 4.
When an orphaned boy (Asa Butterfield) who lives in a train station meets the goddaugther (Chloe Grace Moretz) of a toymaker (Ben Kingsley), the adventure begins to solving the mystery of the mechanical man. Director Martin Scorsese is paying homage to the movie magic of the first films. The visuals and the 3D effects are spectacularly stunning. The film is beautifully crafted and acted. Sacha Baron Cohen (as the Station Inspector) always brings his unique characterizations to his performances. Though it looks like a kids film, the plot takes a while to develop in it's 130-minute length and may lose those with short attention spans.
Alien gives it 2½ "tinker in the clock tower" stars out of 4.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Arthur Christmas 3D
It's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" meets "Mission Impossible" meets "Close Encounters" as Santa and his elves try to complete their deliveries. Meet the Claus family in this modern twist to the Santa story. Plenty of action and a creative script make this a charming and delightful holiday favorite for the whole family. The fun and laughs play to the young and the old. Justin Bieber kicks off this 3D holiday treat with a "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" music video preview.
Alien gives it 3 "son of Santa" stars out of 4.
It's "Twas the Night Before Christmas" meets "Mission Impossible" meets "Close Encounters" as Santa and his elves try to complete their deliveries. Meet the Claus family in this modern twist to the Santa story. Plenty of action and a creative script make this a charming and delightful holiday favorite for the whole family. The fun and laughs play to the young and the old. Justin Bieber kicks off this 3D holiday treat with a "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" music video preview.
Alien gives it 3 "son of Santa" stars out of 4.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Muppets
Two brothers and a girlfriend, Gary (Jason Segel), Walter (another Muppet), and Mary (Amy Adams) try to raise money to save the old Muppet Studios. It's art imitating life in this reunion of yesteryear's classic Muppet characters gathered to perform some of their famous bits. Like the original Muppet Show, the movie features old fashion musical numbers and corny jokes from human and silly puppet creatures. Also, expect a cavalcade of cameo appearances. It's a fun family film for the little kiddies and a nostalgic amusement for some adults. For Alien's tastes, the film needed more Swedish Chef, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and Beaker. The best part of the screening was Pixar's Toy Story Toon opener starring a small fry Buzz Lightyear guy in a spoof of Happy Meal toys and the fast food franchises.
Alien gives it 2 "Telethon" stars out of 4.
Two brothers and a girlfriend, Gary (Jason Segel), Walter (another Muppet), and Mary (Amy Adams) try to raise money to save the old Muppet Studios. It's art imitating life in this reunion of yesteryear's classic Muppet characters gathered to perform some of their famous bits. Like the original Muppet Show, the movie features old fashion musical numbers and corny jokes from human and silly puppet creatures. Also, expect a cavalcade of cameo appearances. It's a fun family film for the little kiddies and a nostalgic amusement for some adults. For Alien's tastes, the film needed more Swedish Chef, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and Beaker. The best part of the screening was Pixar's Toy Story Toon opener starring a small fry Buzz Lightyear guy in a spoof of Happy Meal toys and the fast food franchises.
Alien gives it 2 "Telethon" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1
This chapter of the Twilight Saga opens with every girl's dream of a beautiful wedding (in "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" style), a wonderful honeymoon, and a night of passion. Then things get darker when Bella develops medical complications which threaten her life. Film fans of the series won't be disappointed as this romance novel seems to get better and better. It's a lighthearted look at human events with a vampiry and wolfy twist. Alien was surprised at the humor infused into the storyline. Emotions and drama build to a peak with another wolf pack/Cullen clan clash. The movie will have you mesmerized from the Jacob's shirtless start to Bella's eye opening ending. Stick around for the credits for one more foretelling saga scene.
Alien gives it 3½ "hybrid cutie" stars out of 4.
This chapter of the Twilight Saga opens with every girl's dream of a beautiful wedding (in "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" style), a wonderful honeymoon, and a night of passion. Then things get darker when Bella develops medical complications which threaten her life. Film fans of the series won't be disappointed as this romance novel seems to get better and better. It's a lighthearted look at human events with a vampiry and wolfy twist. Alien was surprised at the humor infused into the storyline. Emotions and drama build to a peak with another wolf pack/Cullen clan clash. The movie will have you mesmerized from the Jacob's shirtless start to Bella's eye opening ending. Stick around for the credits for one more foretelling saga scene.
Alien gives it 3½ "hybrid cutie" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Like Crazy
It's a bittersweet love story between an American boy (Anton Yelchin) and an English girl (Felicity Jones) who fall in love at college and struggle to keep up a long distance relationship. The unscripted dialogue gives the movie a feeling of being unguided. This slow moving film did not work for alien because these two never felt like a real couple in love. As the lovers try to deal with their on and off again relationship, their togetherness seemed more and more awkward and uncomfortable. By the end, the couple gets what they want... or do they?
Alien gives it 1 "if you are not with the one you love, love the one you are with" stars out of 4.
It's a bittersweet love story between an American boy (Anton Yelchin) and an English girl (Felicity Jones) who fall in love at college and struggle to keep up a long distance relationship. The unscripted dialogue gives the movie a feeling of being unguided. This slow moving film did not work for alien because these two never felt like a real couple in love. As the lovers try to deal with their on and off again relationship, their togetherness seemed more and more awkward and uncomfortable. By the end, the couple gets what they want... or do they?
Alien gives it 1 "if you are not with the one you love, love the one you are with" stars out of 4.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Happy Feet Two 3D
It's "Parenthood" meets "Stomp" as Mumbles Junior sets off own his own adventures across the frozen tundra. This 3D sequel uses a little less song and dance and a lot more story to deliver a fabulous family film. Most of your favorites are back, but two new characters, Will and Bill the Krills, steal their scenes with their subtle adult humor. Everyone can enjoy this crowd pleaser with terrific family values like "where there is a will, there is a way" and "it takes a village". Audiences will have an avalanche of fun. If you stay for the credits, you can play pop the 3D bubbles.
Alien gives it 3½ "global warming" stars out of 4.
It's "Parenthood" meets "Stomp" as Mumbles Junior sets off own his own adventures across the frozen tundra. This 3D sequel uses a little less song and dance and a lot more story to deliver a fabulous family film. Most of your favorites are back, but two new characters, Will and Bill the Krills, steal their scenes with their subtle adult humor. Everyone can enjoy this crowd pleaser with terrific family values like "where there is a will, there is a way" and "it takes a village". Audiences will have an avalanche of fun. If you stay for the credits, you can play pop the 3D bubbles.
Alien gives it 3½ "global warming" stars out of 4.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Immortals 3D
Gods, titans, and a virginal oracle... oh my!
It's the "300" meets "Clash of the Titans" when a peasant must stop a ruthless king from releasing the titans. This CGI extravaganza is a visual feast for the eyes, but oddly, the epic backdrops look both realistic and artificial at the same time. Audiences will be treated to battle scenes galore; man vs man, man vs gods, and gods vs titans. It's a slo-mo, blood splattering, killing spree. These filmmakers have a unique interpretation and visualization of Greek mythology. It's a tale of fate and faith that hints at a possible storyline for a sequel.
Alien gives it 3 "Zeus' Law" stars out of 4.
Gods, titans, and a virginal oracle... oh my!
It's the "300" meets "Clash of the Titans" when a peasant must stop a ruthless king from releasing the titans. This CGI extravaganza is a visual feast for the eyes, but oddly, the epic backdrops look both realistic and artificial at the same time. Audiences will be treated to battle scenes galore; man vs man, man vs gods, and gods vs titans. It's a slo-mo, blood splattering, killing spree. These filmmakers have a unique interpretation and visualization of Greek mythology. It's a tale of fate and faith that hints at a possible storyline for a sequel.
Alien gives it 3 "Zeus' Law" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Martha Marcy May Marlene
The title is a mouthful and represents the names used by a confused young girl (Elizabeth Olsen) who returns home to her sister after escaping from a cult commune. It's a disturbing and depressing cry for help. Olsen, the younger sibling of those famous twins, gives an outstanding performance and proves that there is some real acting talent in the family. Frequent flashbacks document the brainwashing process of the young influential mind. alien was puzzled by the ending, but was glad the film was finally over.
Alien gives it 1 "parents' nightmare" star out of 4.
The title is a mouthful and represents the names used by a confused young girl (Elizabeth Olsen) who returns home to her sister after escaping from a cult commune. It's a disturbing and depressing cry for help. Olsen, the younger sibling of those famous twins, gives an outstanding performance and proves that there is some real acting talent in the family. Frequent flashbacks document the brainwashing process of the young influential mind. alien was puzzled by the ending, but was glad the film was finally over.
Alien gives it 1 "parents' nightmare" star out of 4.
Monday, November 07, 2011
J. Edgar
It's the man behind the FBI meets "Brokeback Mountain" in director Clint Eastwood's Hoover exposé. Whether it's fact or fiction, Eastwood creates a fascinating biography of one of America's most powerful and feared man in government. To keep is potential enemies at bay, Hoover kept confidential files of dirty secrets, while yet he may have been hiding one dark secret of his own. Filmed in muted colors, this movie captures the look of this historical period while giving us glimpses of such names as Kennedy, King, Lindbergh, and Temple. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is phenomenal as he carries the audience through a slow-paced 140 minutes. The movie is a terrific character study on what this remarkable man may have been like.
Alien gives it 3 "information is power" stars out of 4.
It's the man behind the FBI meets "Brokeback Mountain" in director Clint Eastwood's Hoover exposé. Whether it's fact or fiction, Eastwood creates a fascinating biography of one of America's most powerful and feared man in government. To keep is potential enemies at bay, Hoover kept confidential files of dirty secrets, while yet he may have been hiding one dark secret of his own. Filmed in muted colors, this movie captures the look of this historical period while giving us glimpses of such names as Kennedy, King, Lindbergh, and Temple. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is phenomenal as he carries the audience through a slow-paced 140 minutes. The movie is a terrific character study on what this remarkable man may have been like.
Alien gives it 3 "information is power" stars out of 4.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
War Horse
Not scheduled to open until Christmas Day.
While Alien was having a high holiday time with Harold and Kumar, my assistant reporter SW filed this review:
This movie is a great adventure for everyone. The movie is set in rural England and Europe during the first World War where England is at war with Germany. A horse named Joey is raised by a boy to be a farmhand until Joey is sold to the British Army. The boy tells the horse that someday they will be back together. This is a tale that describes how a horse touches the lives of many people, including children, family, British and German soldiers. Steven Spielberg makes you feel that the horse is telling the tale, using many short stories with humor and emotions. Definitely a magnificent movie with many touching scenes. There were teary eye movie goers during and at the end of the movie. It's a 4+ out of five for me.
Another viewer's comment:
WAR HORSE reminds me of GONE WITH THE WIND! Amazing horse!!!
Not scheduled to open until Christmas Day.
While Alien was having a high holiday time with Harold and Kumar, my assistant reporter SW filed this review:
This movie is a great adventure for everyone. The movie is set in rural England and Europe during the first World War where England is at war with Germany. A horse named Joey is raised by a boy to be a farmhand until Joey is sold to the British Army. The boy tells the horse that someday they will be back together. This is a tale that describes how a horse touches the lives of many people, including children, family, British and German soldiers. Steven Spielberg makes you feel that the horse is telling the tale, using many short stories with humor and emotions. Definitely a magnificent movie with many touching scenes. There were teary eye movie goers during and at the end of the movie. It's a 4+ out of five for me.
Another viewer's comment:
WAR HORSE reminds me of GONE WITH THE WIND! Amazing horse!!!
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas
The title pretty much explains exactly what you are going to get in this third outrageous misadventures of those stoner boys. Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) are now estranged with their own personal problems, but fate has brought them back together in search for the perfect Christmas tree. The film is absolutely hilarious as it pokes fun at the Christmas themes, its own stars, and this franchise while exploiting 3D effects to the max. It is the most inappropriate fun that pushes the limits of common decency, so leave the kids at home for this adult humor. It's "R" rated for nudity, language, and drug abuse. Harold and Kumar fans will be delighted with this twisted holiday special.
Alien gives it 3 "wafflebot" stars out of 4.
The title pretty much explains exactly what you are going to get in this third outrageous misadventures of those stoner boys. Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) are now estranged with their own personal problems, but fate has brought them back together in search for the perfect Christmas tree. The film is absolutely hilarious as it pokes fun at the Christmas themes, its own stars, and this franchise while exploiting 3D effects to the max. It is the most inappropriate fun that pushes the limits of common decency, so leave the kids at home for this adult humor. It's "R" rated for nudity, language, and drug abuse. Harold and Kumar fans will be delighted with this twisted holiday special.
Alien gives it 3 "wafflebot" stars out of 4.
