Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Project X
Four loser teens conspire to throw an epic 17th birthday bash that will make them cool and get them hot girls. Of course, things explode way out of control. This party gone wild is outrageously hilarious because it's just so wrong. You won't believe what's happening right before your eyes as the stunts escalate to absolute absurdity. Their crack security team is a crazy crackup. This modern day "Animal House" (lame & tame by comparison) is a blueprint for teens and a warning to their parents. This over-the-top film was actually a lot better than Alien expected. Once again, hand held video cam recording realistic (but extremely dumb) behavior seems to work here. This movie was actually inspired by an Australian teen who caused $20,000 in damages to his neighborhood. Rated "R" for nudity, language, sexual content, drug and alcohol use.
Alien gives it 3 "shock and awe comedy attack" stars out of 4.
Four loser teens conspire to throw an epic 17th birthday bash that will make them cool and get them hot girls. Of course, things explode way out of control. This party gone wild is outrageously hilarious because it's just so wrong. You won't believe what's happening right before your eyes as the stunts escalate to absolute absurdity. Their crack security team is a crazy crackup. This modern day "Animal House" (lame & tame by comparison) is a blueprint for teens and a warning to their parents. This over-the-top film was actually a lot better than Alien expected. Once again, hand held video cam recording realistic (but extremely dumb) behavior seems to work here. This movie was actually inspired by an Australian teen who caused $20,000 in damages to his neighborhood. Rated "R" for nudity, language, sexual content, drug and alcohol use.
Alien gives it 3 "shock and awe comedy attack" stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Lorax
Dr. Suesss fans will be delighted with this charming film about a boy trying to impress a girt with a tree, something practically unknown in the plastic city of Thneedville. The animation is terrific. Alien loved the Suessian creatures, poetic verse, and the song & dance numbers. The movie runs a bit long and slow to hold the attention span of the wee little ones for long. It is also heavy handed on its environmental message.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "let it grow" stars out of 4.
Dr. Suesss fans will be delighted with this charming film about a boy trying to impress a girt with a tree, something practically unknown in the plastic city of Thneedville. The animation is terrific. Alien loved the Suessian creatures, poetic verse, and the song & dance numbers. The movie runs a bit long and slow to hold the attention span of the wee little ones for long. It is also heavy handed on its environmental message.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "let it grow" stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Gone
It's "The Brave One" meets "The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf" when a young woman (Amanda Seyfried) is convinced her sister has been kidnapped and the cops don't believe her. This psychological thriller will keep you as paranoid as the heroine suspecting everyone as she follows the trail of clues racing against time and eluding the authorities. Is she just crazy? Will she get justice? Will there be a disappointing ending? The suspense is decent, but not spectacular in this one person performance vehicle. This story of a serial killer and bones buried in a deep hole echoes of a recent local news item.
Alien gives it 3 "Digger with the rapy eyes in the Royal Hotel" stars out of 4.
It's "The Brave One" meets "The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf" when a young woman (Amanda Seyfried) is convinced her sister has been kidnapped and the cops don't believe her. This psychological thriller will keep you as paranoid as the heroine suspecting everyone as she follows the trail of clues racing against time and eluding the authorities. Is she just crazy? Will she get justice? Will there be a disappointing ending? The suspense is decent, but not spectacular in this one person performance vehicle. This story of a serial killer and bones buried in a deep hole echoes of a recent local news item.
Alien gives it 3 "Digger with the rapy eyes in the Royal Hotel" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wanderlust
Take a trip back to those hippy-dippy days of the late 60's when yuppie New Yorkers (Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd) fall on hard times and end up getting the full commune experience. It's lots of laughs in this Judd Apatow production featuring free spirits, hallucinogenic drugs, nudists, sharing everything lifestyle, and free love. This film is a one note song that quickly feels over played. It is rated "R" for the many F-bombs dropped, sexual content, and the full frontal nudity, but not the kind you'd want to look at. Look for some gag reel goofs at the beginning of the credits and a Real Housewives of Atlanta joke at the end.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "topless Norma Rae at Elysium" stars out of 4.
Take a trip back to those hippy-dippy days of the late 60's when yuppie New Yorkers (Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd) fall on hard times and end up getting the full commune experience. It's lots of laughs in this Judd Apatow production featuring free spirits, hallucinogenic drugs, nudists, sharing everything lifestyle, and free love. This film is a one note song that quickly feels over played. It is rated "R" for the many F-bombs dropped, sexual content, and the full frontal nudity, but not the kind you'd want to look at. Look for some gag reel goofs at the beginning of the credits and a Real Housewives of Atlanta joke at the end.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "topless Norma Rae at Elysium" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Three people with a common dream drive this charming love story involving fish, politics, faith, and a miracle. Good cast chemistry (Ewan McGreggor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott Thomas), clever dialogue, and an interesting premise with some surprising events make this sleeper more entertaining than one would expect. This romantic dramedy slyly pokes fun at scientists, politics, and bureaucracy while promoting hope, dreams, and falling in love. With over 35 years experience dealing with water transfer/fisheries issues, Alien felt this movie was a fairly honest representation except for a fish release scene and a hydraulics sequence. Salmon is the gimmick and the allegoric metaphor for this romcom/fisherman's delight film. Go see it. It's a great catch. Don't let it be the one that got away.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Anglo-Yemeni Co-operation" stars out of 4.
Three people with a common dream drive this charming love story involving fish, politics, faith, and a miracle. Good cast chemistry (Ewan McGreggor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott Thomas), clever dialogue, and an interesting premise with some surprising events make this sleeper more entertaining than one would expect. This romantic dramedy slyly pokes fun at scientists, politics, and bureaucracy while promoting hope, dreams, and falling in love. With over 35 years experience dealing with water transfer/fisheries issues, Alien felt this movie was a fairly honest representation except for a fish release scene and a hydraulics sequence. Salmon is the gimmick and the allegoric metaphor for this romcom/fisherman's delight film. Go see it. It's a great catch. Don't let it be the one that got away.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Anglo-Yemeni Co-operation" stars out of 4.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Chronicle
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's "Cloverfield" meets "Where No Man Has Gone Before" meets "X-Men" when a boy's obsession with video taping documents a trio's new telekinesis abilities. High school horseplay turns deadly dark as things get out of hand. The kids act and feel real to draw you into the story and the special effects are amazingly spectacular. This little film that could is lots of fun and entertaining.
Alien gives it 3 "seduced by the Force in Seattle" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's "Cloverfield" meets "Where No Man Has Gone Before" meets "X-Men" when a boy's obsession with video taping documents a trio's new telekinesis abilities. High school horseplay turns deadly dark as things get out of hand. The kids act and feel real to draw you into the story and the special effects are amazingly spectacular. This little film that could is lots of fun and entertaining.
Alien gives it 3 "seduced by the Force in Seattle" stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
Great balls of fire! Johnny Blaze aka Ghost Rider (Nicolas cage) is back and in search for his soul and the son of Satan. He is the same old motorcycle riding flaming skull head, but now amped up by "Crank". The fiery 3D special effects are the real stars here as the power of the deal and the power of decay wrestle for domination. The filmmakers have decided to punctuate their over-the-top film with over-played humor hoping to amuse the audience. Cage ratchets himself up to another insane level as only Cage could do. This sequel is better than the first, but not by much. Hopefully, this luke-warm comic book character has finally burned itself out.
Alien gives it 2 "like father, like son" stars out of 4.
Great balls of fire! Johnny Blaze aka Ghost Rider (Nicolas cage) is back and in search for his soul and the son of Satan. He is the same old motorcycle riding flaming skull head, but now amped up by "Crank". The fiery 3D special effects are the real stars here as the power of the deal and the power of decay wrestle for domination. The filmmakers have decided to punctuate their over-the-top film with over-played humor hoping to amuse the audience. Cage ratchets himself up to another insane level as only Cage could do. This sequel is better than the first, but not by much. Hopefully, this luke-warm comic book character has finally burned itself out.
Alien gives it 2 "like father, like son" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Titanic (3D)
Titanic in 3D is absolutely stunning. James Cameron has made his classic tragic love story even more breath-taking, richer, and grander. At over three hours long, this enhanced version on the big screen is well worth the price of admission. It is hard to imagine, but this marvelous movie about love and survival just got better. The April release date is set to mark the 100th anniversary of Titanic's sinking.
Alien gives it 4 "Tri-tanic Dimensionally" stars out of 4.
Titanic in 3D is absolutely stunning. James Cameron has made his classic tragic love story even more breath-taking, richer, and grander. At over three hours long, this enhanced version on the big screen is well worth the price of admission. It is hard to imagine, but this marvelous movie about love and survival just got better. The April release date is set to mark the 100th anniversary of Titanic's sinking.
Alien gives it 4 "Tri-tanic Dimensionally" stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Secret World of Arrietty
Inspired by the children's book, "The Borrowers", this Japanese anime (redubbed in English and slapped with a Disney label) is the coming of age story for Arrietty as she explores the world of humans and meets a boy new to the house. This delightful adventure story is geared for the young kiddies who may imagine little people living under the floor boards. Themes of family, friendship, and courage are featured.
Alien gives it 3 "the doll house" stars out of 4.
Inspired by the children's book, "The Borrowers", this Japanese anime (redubbed in English and slapped with a Disney label) is the coming of age story for Arrietty as she explores the world of humans and meets a boy new to the house. This delightful adventure story is geared for the young kiddies who may imagine little people living under the floor boards. Themes of family, friendship, and courage are featured.
Alien gives it 3 "the doll house" stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
21 Jump Street
It's "Superbad" meets "Starsky and Hutch" as Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum try to re-invent that TV show premise. Two rookie cops go undercover back to high school in an attempt to bust a drug ring, except this version is just played strictly for laughs. Gross out humor, raunchy jokes, drug use, F-bombs, and inappropriate behavior drive this buddy/cop vehicle spoofing for laughs. If you roll back your brain to a high school mentality, you'll have a blast. Look for a cameo surprise. At the time of this screening, the film was unrated, but Alien can see how it could get away with anything less than an "R" if untouched.
Alien gives it 3 "dumb and dumber in blue and back in school" stars out of 4.
It's "Superbad" meets "Starsky and Hutch" as Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum try to re-invent that TV show premise. Two rookie cops go undercover back to high school in an attempt to bust a drug ring, except this version is just played strictly for laughs. Gross out humor, raunchy jokes, drug use, F-bombs, and inappropriate behavior drive this buddy/cop vehicle spoofing for laughs. If you roll back your brain to a high school mentality, you'll have a blast. Look for a cameo surprise. At the time of this screening, the film was unrated, but Alien can see how it could get away with anything less than an "R" if untouched.
Alien gives it 3 "dumb and dumber in blue and back in school" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Tornado Alley (3D)
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Vortex2's team of madmen weathermen has built the Tornado Interceptor Vehicle (looks like a Civil War ironclad on wheels) for driving into the heart of a tornado. See some up close pictures of these storms forming and in action. Hail stones will shred leaves and pelt cattle. Watch how these men and women of the National Severe Storm Laboratory risk their lives gathering data to enhance weather prediction. See the devastation left in the wake of these storms. There is one 3D shot of a tornado that almost looks like it is right in front of you. The film is interesting, but Alien wasn't blown away.
Alien gives it 2 "searching for the perfect storm" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Vortex2's team of madmen weathermen has built the Tornado Interceptor Vehicle (looks like a Civil War ironclad on wheels) for driving into the heart of a tornado. See some up close pictures of these storms forming and in action. Hail stones will shred leaves and pelt cattle. Watch how these men and women of the National Severe Storm Laboratory risk their lives gathering data to enhance weather prediction. See the devastation left in the wake of these storms. There is one 3D shot of a tornado that almost looks like it is right in front of you. The film is interesting, but Alien wasn't blown away.
Alien gives it 2 "searching for the perfect storm" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Safe House
In the Safe House, the House Keeper (Ryan Reynolds) is responsible to take care of the House Guest (Denzel Washington), but the place is crashed and he may have trouble with the Landlord. It's the spy thriller that Alien hoped "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" would have been. The bumper car chase through the streets of Capetown and the close quarters hand-to-hand combat scenes feel like a Jason Bourne film and there is a "Ghost Protocol resemblance. Washington and Reynolds are perfectly casted in these roles. Washington is a good bad guy and Reynolds is a rookie having a very bad day. It's is a tremendous thrill ride that will stun you over and over and will make you suspicious of everyone.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "gone rogue" stars out of 4.
In the Safe House, the House Keeper (Ryan Reynolds) is responsible to take care of the House Guest (Denzel Washington), but the place is crashed and he may have trouble with the Landlord. It's the spy thriller that Alien hoped "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" would have been. The bumper car chase through the streets of Capetown and the close quarters hand-to-hand combat scenes feel like a Jason Bourne film and there is a "Ghost Protocol resemblance. Washington and Reynolds are perfectly casted in these roles. Washington is a good bad guy and Reynolds is a rookie having a very bad day. It's is a tremendous thrill ride that will stun you over and over and will make you suspicious of everyone.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "gone rogue" stars out of 4.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (3D)
It's basically "Journey to the Center of the Earth" except it's based on a different Jules Verne novel; so this is not actually a sequel. A teen (Josh Hutcherson) and his step-dad (Dwayne Johnson) go on a wild adventure in search of the boy's lost grandfather (Michael Caine) and a mythical island. It's is good old clean family entertainment with a little bit of corn and some big 3D special effects. The Rock and Luis Guzman provide the comic relief as the action sequences channel "Indiana Jones", "Honey, I Struck the Kids", and "Star Wars". The ever-charming Rock is a co-producer, does most of the heavy lifting, and will surprise you with a little song. The ending will lead you to another Jules Verne novel as an anticipated Journey 3 adventure. For Looney Tunes fans, you'll be treated to a funny Daffy Duck/Elmer Fudd short as a lead-in.
Alien gives it 3 "Vernian followers" stars out of 4.
It's basically "Journey to the Center of the Earth" except it's based on a different Jules Verne novel; so this is not actually a sequel. A teen (Josh Hutcherson) and his step-dad (Dwayne Johnson) go on a wild adventure in search of the boy's lost grandfather (Michael Caine) and a mythical island. It's is good old clean family entertainment with a little bit of corn and some big 3D special effects. The Rock and Luis Guzman provide the comic relief as the action sequences channel "Indiana Jones", "Honey, I Struck the Kids", and "Star Wars". The ever-charming Rock is a co-producer, does most of the heavy lifting, and will surprise you with a little song. The ending will lead you to another Jules Verne novel as an anticipated Journey 3 adventure. For Looney Tunes fans, you'll be treated to a funny Daffy Duck/Elmer Fudd short as a lead-in.
Alien gives it 3 "Vernian followers" stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
This Means War
A consumer researcher (Reese Witherspoon) unknowingly dates two friends (Chris Pine and Tom Hardy) who are CIA operatives. This movie is more of a buddy cop film than a romantic comedy. The boy abuse their spy skills and resources in order to sabotage each other's date time. Reese is always adorable, but plays more of a supporting role here. Chelsea Handler steals all of her scenes by just being her own raunchy self. It's mostly a game of macho one upmanship competing for a girl's affections. See if you can guess who will win the girl. Oh yeah, the villain from the beginning shows up at the end of all silliness in the middle. This mindless fun entertainment was better than alien expected.
Alien gives it 3 "bromance and a long range joke setup" stars out of 4.
A consumer researcher (Reese Witherspoon) unknowingly dates two friends (Chris Pine and Tom Hardy) who are CIA operatives. This movie is more of a buddy cop film than a romantic comedy. The boy abuse their spy skills and resources in order to sabotage each other's date time. Reese is always adorable, but plays more of a supporting role here. Chelsea Handler steals all of her scenes by just being her own raunchy self. It's mostly a game of macho one upmanship competing for a girl's affections. See if you can guess who will win the girl. Oh yeah, the villain from the beginning shows up at the end of all silliness in the middle. This mindless fun entertainment was better than alien expected.
Alien gives it 3 "bromance and a long range joke setup" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Act of Valor
Follow Navy SEAL Team 7 around the world as they battle terrorists, smugglers, and the drug cartel. The film has the look and feel of the real deal because actual special ops members make up the team instead of actors. A heart pounding sound track drives this adrenalin rush action thrill ride. They are locked and loaded in stealth mode ready to search and rescue and to stop any threats to our nation. Alien felt like he was in a real fire fight. The film is a tribute to the good men and women who fight the good fight ready to lay down their lives to we can all feel safe at home.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Naval Special Warfare Warriors" stars out of 4.
Follow Navy SEAL Team 7 around the world as they battle terrorists, smugglers, and the drug cartel. The film has the look and feel of the real deal because actual special ops members make up the team instead of actors. A heart pounding sound track drives this adrenalin rush action thrill ride. They are locked and loaded in stealth mode ready to search and rescue and to stop any threats to our nation. Alien felt like he was in a real fire fight. The film is a tribute to the good men and women who fight the good fight ready to lay down their lives to we can all feel safe at home.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Naval Special Warfare Warriors" stars out of 4.
