Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Woman in Black
While trying to settle the estate of a deceased woman, a young man (Daniel Radcliffe) appears to be seeing and hearing strange things as the village curse unfolds. This Gothic horror film has all of the right creepy elements; a dark, dilapidated, and dreary house with cobwebs, lit by candle light, and set in the marshlands cut off during high tides. Look for the usual false scares early on, before the the real stuff shows up. The more you believe in ghosts and possession, the bigger the thrill you'll get. See if you can figure out the ending before you get there.
Alien gives it 2 "Eel Marsh Manor" stars out of 4.
While trying to settle the estate of a deceased woman, a young man (Daniel Radcliffe) appears to be seeing and hearing strange things as the village curse unfolds. This Gothic horror film has all of the right creepy elements; a dark, dilapidated, and dreary house with cobwebs, lit by candle light, and set in the marshlands cut off during high tides. Look for the usual false scares early on, before the the real stuff shows up. The more you believe in ghosts and possession, the bigger the thrill you'll get. See if you can figure out the ending before you get there.
Alien gives it 2 "Eel Marsh Manor" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Go For The Money
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl) goes from lingerie saleswoman to amateur bounty hunter when she becomes desperate to pay her bills. This is basically a murder mystery/comedy with a crazy cast of characters and a gumshoe voice-over. The plot is predictable, but it is still funny and entertaining. Even as a brunette, Heigl is still gorgeous and has great screen presence, more noticeably when she is handcuffed naked. For lighthearted fun, watch Heigl track down her man.
Alien gives it 3 "cupcake and retrieval agent" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl) goes from lingerie saleswoman to amateur bounty hunter when she becomes desperate to pay her bills. This is basically a murder mystery/comedy with a crazy cast of characters and a gumshoe voice-over. The plot is predictable, but it is still funny and entertaining. Even as a brunette, Heigl is still gorgeous and has great screen presence, more noticeably when she is handcuffed naked. For lighthearted fun, watch Heigl track down her man.
Alien gives it 3 "cupcake and retrieval agent" stars out of 4.
Albert Nobbs
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Albert Nobbs is a quiet strange little man with a dream and a secret. In this Dublin hotel, a woman has to do what a woman has to do living in a man's world. Glenn Close gives a marvelous performance and transformation. You will grow to care for Mr. Nobbs as his predicament evolves. It's a charming period piece with a couple of twists that will put a smile on your face and a tear in your eye.
Alien gives it 3 "flea bitten surprise" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Albert Nobbs is a quiet strange little man with a dream and a secret. In this Dublin hotel, a woman has to do what a woman has to do living in a man's world. Glenn Close gives a marvelous performance and transformation. You will grow to care for Mr. Nobbs as his predicament evolves. It's a charming period piece with a couple of twists that will put a smile on your face and a tear in your eye.
Alien gives it 3 "flea bitten surprise" stars out of 4.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Extremely loud and Incredibly Close
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A young boy (Thomas Horn) is devastated by the lost of his father during 9-11, but is convinced a key is a clue to one last challenge designed by his dad. Horn's performance is amazing as he takes us on a fabulous journey through New York as seen through a child's eye. Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock are perfect as the loving parents. Max Von Sydow gives an unforgettable performance without uttering a word. Dealing with loss, facing ones fears, and father/son relationships are featured in this moving story that will make you laugh and bring you to tears. Just when you think this touching film can't be any better, you get hit by another surprise.
Alien gives it 4 "in search of the Sixth Borough" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A young boy (Thomas Horn) is devastated by the lost of his father during 9-11, but is convinced a key is a clue to one last challenge designed by his dad. Horn's performance is amazing as he takes us on a fabulous journey through New York as seen through a child's eye. Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock are perfect as the loving parents. Max Von Sydow gives an unforgettable performance without uttering a word. Dealing with loss, facing ones fears, and father/son relationships are featured in this moving story that will make you laugh and bring you to tears. Just when you think this touching film can't be any better, you get hit by another surprise.
Alien gives it 4 "in search of the Sixth Borough" stars out of 4.
The Iron Lady
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
See the story of Margret Thatcher as told through the reminiscent eyes of the aging former Prime Minister. Meryl Streep gives another phenomenal performance detailing the rise and decline of this powerful politician. Alien could not get into this British bio pic.
Alien gives it 2 "fight for the Falklands" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
See the story of Margret Thatcher as told through the reminiscent eyes of the aging former Prime Minister. Meryl Streep gives another phenomenal performance detailing the rise and decline of this powerful politician. Alien could not get into this British bio pic.
Alien gives it 2 "fight for the Falklands" stars out of 4.
Big Miracle
When three whales become trapped in Alaskan waters, adversaries (including native Eskimos, Greenpeace, an oil company, the Coast Guard, governments, and the media) must come together to try and rescue these magnificent creatures. Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Ted Danson, and Kristen Bell star in this heartwarming story inspired by true events. Look for photos and film footage of the real life counterparts during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "media blitz in Barrow" stars out of 4.
When three whales become trapped in Alaskan waters, adversaries (including native Eskimos, Greenpeace, an oil company, the Coast Guard, governments, and the media) must come together to try and rescue these magnificent creatures. Drew Barrymore, John Krasinski, Ted Danson, and Kristen Bell star in this heartwarming story inspired by true events. Look for photos and film footage of the real life counterparts during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "media blitz in Barrow" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Vow
It's "Samantha Who" meets "Love Story" when a gorgeous gal (Rachel McAdams) and a hunky hunk (Channing Tatum) meet, fall in love, marry, and then tragedy strikes and memories are lost. He is such a sweetheart trying to win her love back. She is always adorable, even with a head injury. She tries to figure out who she is as her past and present compete for her affections. This inspired-by-true-events (family revealed in credits) lost love story is a classic chick flick for romantics, people in love, and those who are looking for love. Alien thinks this is the perfect pick for a Valentines Day dinner-and-a-movie date.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "moments of impact" stars out of 4.
It's "Samantha Who" meets "Love Story" when a gorgeous gal (Rachel McAdams) and a hunky hunk (Channing Tatum) meet, fall in love, marry, and then tragedy strikes and memories are lost. He is such a sweetheart trying to win her love back. She is always adorable, even with a head injury. She tries to figure out who she is as her past and present compete for her affections. This inspired-by-true-events (family revealed in credits) lost love story is a classic chick flick for romantics, people in love, and those who are looking for love. Alien thinks this is the perfect pick for a Valentines Day dinner-and-a-movie date.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "moments of impact" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Underworld: Awakening (3D)
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Vampire warrioress Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is back for the fourth installment and has a rude awakening to a future world she doesn't know, where humans are hunting down Vampires and Lycans in the "Great Purge". Producer/writer/husband Len Wiseman likes to see his beautiful wife hotly dressed and undressed as well as always kicking butt. It's a homage to the series with 3D depth and a scientific twist to shift the saga toward a new direction. Lycans are no long men in latex werewolf suits nor mere animatronics, but are savage CGI creatures. The third Underworld was a Beckinsale-less bust so filmmakers wisely center the action around Death Dealer Selene and her new friends and foes, both pint-sized and super-sized. It's an action-packed shoot 'em up guilty pleasure about bloodlines and blood memories.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Antigen" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Vampire warrioress Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is back for the fourth installment and has a rude awakening to a future world she doesn't know, where humans are hunting down Vampires and Lycans in the "Great Purge". Producer/writer/husband Len Wiseman likes to see his beautiful wife hotly dressed and undressed as well as always kicking butt. It's a homage to the series with 3D depth and a scientific twist to shift the saga toward a new direction. Lycans are no long men in latex werewolf suits nor mere animatronics, but are savage CGI creatures. The third Underworld was a Beckinsale-less bust so filmmakers wisely center the action around Death Dealer Selene and her new friends and foes, both pint-sized and super-sized. It's an action-packed shoot 'em up guilty pleasure about bloodlines and blood memories.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Antigen" stars out of 4.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Red Tails
It's "Top Gun" meets "The Help" meets "Saving Private Ryan" meets "Stalag 17" when George Lucas dramatizes the amazing story of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Follow the exploits of "Easy", "Joker", "Lightning", and "Ray Gun" under the "experimental" command of Terence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. You will care and cheer for these talented pilots and their camaraderie. These terrific characters drive this fascinating story of racism and heroism. You will be treated to some spectacular aerial dogfights, but what else would you expect from the man who brought you x-wings versus tie fighters, the Millennium Falcon, and bombing runs on death stars. The film plays a little heavy handed at the beginning, but you'll be swelling with patriotic pride by the end. Nicely done, Lucas. Alien salutes you.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "red tails and black wings trying to gain some respect" stars out of 4.
It's "Top Gun" meets "The Help" meets "Saving Private Ryan" meets "Stalag 17" when George Lucas dramatizes the amazing story of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Follow the exploits of "Easy", "Joker", "Lightning", and "Ray Gun" under the "experimental" command of Terence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. You will care and cheer for these talented pilots and their camaraderie. These terrific characters drive this fascinating story of racism and heroism. You will be treated to some spectacular aerial dogfights, but what else would you expect from the man who brought you x-wings versus tie fighters, the Millennium Falcon, and bombing runs on death stars. The film plays a little heavy handed at the beginning, but you'll be swelling with patriotic pride by the end. Nicely done, Lucas. Alien salutes you.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "red tails and black wings trying to gain some respect" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Grey
It's "Alive" meets "Alpha & Omega" meets "Survivor" when a wolf expert (Liam Neeson) must pit his skill and knowledge against an alpha male and his vicious wolf pack. Manly men from a work camp crash land in a snowy wilderness and must fight for survival struggling against human nature and mother nature. It's "life and death" and "man against beast" in director Joe Carnahan's guy's guy film filled with guy talk, guy humor, and guy attitude. The film has a raw look and feel that runs hot and cold as the men trudge through the white desperation and grey terror. However, the movie is played more for the drama rather than the realism. If you stay through the credits, you'll see a glimpse at a possible answer to the film's abrupt ending.
Alien gives it 2 "live and die on this day" stars out of 4.
It's "Alive" meets "Alpha & Omega" meets "Survivor" when a wolf expert (Liam Neeson) must pit his skill and knowledge against an alpha male and his vicious wolf pack. Manly men from a work camp crash land in a snowy wilderness and must fight for survival struggling against human nature and mother nature. It's "life and death" and "man against beast" in director Joe Carnahan's guy's guy film filled with guy talk, guy humor, and guy attitude. The film has a raw look and feel that runs hot and cold as the men trudge through the white desperation and grey terror. However, the movie is played more for the drama rather than the realism. If you stay through the credits, you'll see a glimpse at a possible answer to the film's abrupt ending.
Alien gives it 2 "live and die on this day" stars out of 4.
Haywire
While Alien was hunting down Underworld Vamps & Lycans, his two cub reporters filed these reports:
"Had all the ingredients of an A+ movie, but turned out to be a C-" says SuzyQ
Cast: Gina Carano, Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor, Bill Paxton, Channing Tatum, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas
Although the cast is full of bigger names, Gina Carano stars in this flashback-filled movie about spies and assassins. Carano is presented as the beautiful and completely competent operative Mallory Kane. She works for a private contracting company, and is sent on a mission to rescue a hostage. She is double crossed, hence the haywire, but she continues to strut and pose and is always in control like a female James Bond. She wears a sultry stare or scowl while she kicks ass. The movie is stylized, with limited dialogue and an ever-present musical score as Mallory’s personal soundtrack. With all the martial arts, the movie played like a video game brought to life. It felt silly when scenes end on statements such as, "I don’t like loose ends" or "He better run". says LeezaJayee
While Alien was hunting down Underworld Vamps & Lycans, his two cub reporters filed these reports:
"Had all the ingredients of an A+ movie, but turned out to be a C-" says SuzyQ
Cast: Gina Carano, Michael Fassbender, Ewan McGregor, Bill Paxton, Channing Tatum, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas
Although the cast is full of bigger names, Gina Carano stars in this flashback-filled movie about spies and assassins. Carano is presented as the beautiful and completely competent operative Mallory Kane. She works for a private contracting company, and is sent on a mission to rescue a hostage. She is double crossed, hence the haywire, but she continues to strut and pose and is always in control like a female James Bond. She wears a sultry stare or scowl while she kicks ass. The movie is stylized, with limited dialogue and an ever-present musical score as Mallory’s personal soundtrack. With all the martial arts, the movie played like a video game brought to life. It felt silly when scenes end on statements such as, "I don’t like loose ends" or "He better run". says LeezaJayee
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Contraband
A former smuggler (Mark Wahlberg), trying to go legit, gets pulled back into the business when his brother-in-law screws up and his family is threatened. This paper caper takes us from New Orleans to Panama City in a shell game where everything goes wrong and plenty of bad guys crawl out of the woodwork. A good cast of characters (Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribsis, J.K. Simmons, and the beautiful Kate Beckinsale) fill out the line up, but don't live up to their past potential. The plot is rather run of the mill and implausible, but it has enough entertainment value to get the audience going with a big payoff at the end to put a smile on their faces.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "the art of smuggling funny money" stars out of 4.
A former smuggler (Mark Wahlberg), trying to go legit, gets pulled back into the business when his brother-in-law screws up and his family is threatened. This paper caper takes us from New Orleans to Panama City in a shell game where everything goes wrong and plenty of bad guys crawl out of the woodwork. A good cast of characters (Ben Foster, Giovanni Ribsis, J.K. Simmons, and the beautiful Kate Beckinsale) fill out the line up, but don't live up to their past potential. The plot is rather run of the mill and implausible, but it has enough entertainment value to get the audience going with a big payoff at the end to put a smile on their faces.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "the art of smuggling funny money" stars out of 4.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Joyful Noise
It's "The Fighting Temptations" meets "Glee" meets "Romeo and Juliet" as two rivals (Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton) compete to take their church choir to the Joyful Noise National Finals Competition in LA. Parton dishes out homespun country wisdom and pokes fun at her own physical enhancements. The ever-charming Queen Latifah demonstrates her blue collar, street-wise, over-protective parental skills. However, the young generation (Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan) drives this film about faith and family featuring tunes of gospel and rock 'n' roll. The story is more cleverly complex than one would expect. For a feel good gospel fun time, Alien highly recommends this "feel the music" film.
Alien gives it 3 "takes you higher" stars out of 4.
It's "The Fighting Temptations" meets "Glee" meets "Romeo and Juliet" as two rivals (Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton) compete to take their church choir to the Joyful Noise National Finals Competition in LA. Parton dishes out homespun country wisdom and pokes fun at her own physical enhancements. The ever-charming Queen Latifah demonstrates her blue collar, street-wise, over-protective parental skills. However, the young generation (Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan) drives this film about faith and family featuring tunes of gospel and rock 'n' roll. The story is more cleverly complex than one would expect. For a feel good gospel fun time, Alien highly recommends this "feel the music" film.
Alien gives it 3 "takes you higher" stars out of 4.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Beauty and the Beast (Special 3D Edition)
Disney's classic fairy tale about the lovely Belle and the curse of the Beast and his enchanted castle still stands up against the test of time. More than a moral about beauty not being only skin deep, it is a sweet and tender story of love and sacrifice with some great memorable songs. Alien was delighted and surprised how well this older animation lends itself to the 3D process. The effect adds a wonderful depth to the old flat animation style. The film is still excellent entertainment for young and old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "classic beauty enhanced" stars out of 4.
A very funny short on Tangled's wedding rings fiasco preceded B&tB. Hilarious.
Disney's classic fairy tale about the lovely Belle and the curse of the Beast and his enchanted castle still stands up against the test of time. More than a moral about beauty not being only skin deep, it is a sweet and tender story of love and sacrifice with some great memorable songs. Alien was delighted and surprised how well this older animation lends itself to the 3D process. The effect adds a wonderful depth to the old flat animation style. The film is still excellent entertainment for young and old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "classic beauty enhanced" stars out of 4.
A very funny short on Tangled's wedding rings fiasco preceded B&tB. Hilarious.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
The Devil Inside
It's "The Exorcist" meets "Paranormal Activity" meets "Ghostbusters" when a daughter searches for answers in a triple homicide involving her mother. Filmed documentary style, this adventure takes us to Italy where we get a crash course on exorcism. The movie is not that scary, but there are some great scenes featuring a contortionist double named Pixie Le Knot. It was better than I anticipated and a good effort considering the small budget. The ending was disappointing, but Alien didn't think it was unexpected given the nature of the genre.
Alien gives it 2 "transference and multiple demonic possession" stars out of 4.
It's "The Exorcist" meets "Paranormal Activity" meets "Ghostbusters" when a daughter searches for answers in a triple homicide involving her mother. Filmed documentary style, this adventure takes us to Italy where we get a crash course on exorcism. The movie is not that scary, but there are some great scenes featuring a contortionist double named Pixie Le Knot. It was better than I anticipated and a good effort considering the small budget. The ending was disappointing, but Alien didn't think it was unexpected given the nature of the genre.
Alien gives it 2 "transference and multiple demonic possession" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Man on a Ledge
It's "Prison Break" meets "The Hot Rock" meets "Tower Heist" meets "Phone Booth" as a man with a plan masterminds a scheme to prove his innocence from a building's ledge. With a cast of familiar faces playing their stereotypical roles and an amateur mission improbable team, the script is fairly predictable, but mindlessly entertaining. It is the kind of film that finds an excuse to strip the pretty girl down to her underwear when you least expect it. If you have a fear of heights, you may want to avoid this guilty pleasure which amounts to a poor man's "Mission Impossible" (escaping from prison, scaling outside of a tall building, bypassing high security, and the framed proving their innocence).
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Jewel Thief Has City on Edge" stars out of 4.
It's "Prison Break" meets "The Hot Rock" meets "Tower Heist" meets "Phone Booth" as a man with a plan masterminds a scheme to prove his innocence from a building's ledge. With a cast of familiar faces playing their stereotypical roles and an amateur mission improbable team, the script is fairly predictable, but mindlessly entertaining. It is the kind of film that finds an excuse to strip the pretty girl down to her underwear when you least expect it. If you have a fear of heights, you may want to avoid this guilty pleasure which amounts to a poor man's "Mission Impossible" (escaping from prison, scaling outside of a tall building, bypassing high security, and the framed proving their innocence).
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Jewel Thief Has City on Edge" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
It's James Bond without the glamor, gadgets, and gorgeous girls or the spy who lost me. Based on John Le Carre's famed espionage novel, this movie centers around a bloody mess of a botched Budapest mission and the search to smoke out a mole in the British Secret Intelligence Service. Alien's first faux pas was not studying the Studio's dossier handed out before the screening (maybe it's supposed to be a prerequisite for understanding this film). This spy mystery felt realistic, but seemed rather dull, dragging, dark, and down right confusing as the scenes jumped back and forth in the timeline. Lost in the spy jargon, Alien probably missed the key clues that would have helped in tracking what and why things were actually happening. This is more of a thinking man's spy thriller than an action packed stunt show.
Alien gives it 1 "stinker, failure, so jeer, why?" stars out of 4.
BTW, the dossier was more informtive and entertaining than the movie.
It's James Bond without the glamor, gadgets, and gorgeous girls or the spy who lost me. Based on John Le Carre's famed espionage novel, this movie centers around a bloody mess of a botched Budapest mission and the search to smoke out a mole in the British Secret Intelligence Service. Alien's first faux pas was not studying the Studio's dossier handed out before the screening (maybe it's supposed to be a prerequisite for understanding this film). This spy mystery felt realistic, but seemed rather dull, dragging, dark, and down right confusing as the scenes jumped back and forth in the timeline. Lost in the spy jargon, Alien probably missed the key clues that would have helped in tracking what and why things were actually happening. This is more of a thinking man's spy thriller than an action packed stunt show.
Alien gives it 1 "stinker, failure, so jeer, why?" stars out of 4.
BTW, the dossier was more informtive and entertaining than the movie.
Monday, January 02, 2012
The Artist
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A fading film star and a rising new comer cross paths as Kinograph Studios transitions from silent films to the talkies. Who would have thunk in today's era of high tech special effects and motion capture movies that film makers would dare attempt a black-and-white silent film release with an old fashion story line. It's a throwback homage to the golden age of silent films featuring lighting, shadows, nostalgic mood music, and mugging to the camera. The film as a great look and feel with a sense of humor and a very cute and clever dog. This great gimmick is entertaining, but will probably work just once.
Alien gives it 3 "Tears of Love" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A fading film star and a rising new comer cross paths as Kinograph Studios transitions from silent films to the talkies. Who would have thunk in today's era of high tech special effects and motion capture movies that film makers would dare attempt a black-and-white silent film release with an old fashion story line. It's a throwback homage to the golden age of silent films featuring lighting, shadows, nostalgic mood music, and mugging to the camera. The film as a great look and feel with a sense of humor and a very cute and clever dog. This great gimmick is entertaining, but will probably work just once.
Alien gives it 3 "Tears of Love" stars out of 4.
