Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Intouchables
Based on a true story, a street-wise hustler who is content to live on welfare becomes the caretaker for a wealthy invalid connoisseur of the arts. Although they come from two very different worlds, they learn to share each other's interests and experience their own personal growth. This buddy movie is so hilarious and emotionally satisfying that you won't even care that it is all in French and after awhile you won't even realize that you are still reading English subtitles. The two main characters will draw you in. They have a chemistry together that makes this film work. Le film est très magnifique!
Alien gives it 3 ½ "pragmatic" stars out of 4.
Based on a true story, a street-wise hustler who is content to live on welfare becomes the caretaker for a wealthy invalid connoisseur of the arts. Although they come from two very different worlds, they learn to share each other's interests and experience their own personal growth. This buddy movie is so hilarious and emotionally satisfying that you won't even care that it is all in French and after awhile you won't even realize that you are still reading English subtitles. The two main characters will draw you in. They have a chemistry together that makes this film work. Le film est très magnifique!
Alien gives it 3 ½ "pragmatic" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Snow White and the Huntsman
It's a Grimm's fairy tale meets "Narnia" meets "Joan of Arc" in a dark story that's more nightmare than entertainment for the kiddies. Kristen Stewart is still Bella and doesn't strike Alien as "the fairest of them all". Chris Hemsworth is a dirty drunken Thor who trades his hammer for an axe. Charlize Theron is a decent evil queen whose tirades echo hollowly off the castle walls. The settings are staged beautifully and the special effects are stunning, but the movie is slow paced at times and the dialogue is a bit dull. Alien didn't connect with any of the characters and could not find any chemistry between them. The dwarfs, more bandits than miners, were remarkable CGI creations (eventually recognized Nick Frost who is not small in stature. Looks are emphasized more than story here.
Alien gives it 2 "three drops of blood" stars out of 4.
It's a Grimm's fairy tale meets "Narnia" meets "Joan of Arc" in a dark story that's more nightmare than entertainment for the kiddies. Kristen Stewart is still Bella and doesn't strike Alien as "the fairest of them all". Chris Hemsworth is a dirty drunken Thor who trades his hammer for an axe. Charlize Theron is a decent evil queen whose tirades echo hollowly off the castle walls. The settings are staged beautifully and the special effects are stunning, but the movie is slow paced at times and the dialogue is a bit dull. Alien didn't connect with any of the characters and could not find any chemistry between them. The dwarfs, more bandits than miners, were remarkable CGI creations (eventually recognized Nick Frost who is not small in stature. Looks are emphasized more than story here.
Alien gives it 2 "three drops of blood" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
People like Us
An estranged son (Chris Pine) reluctantly returns home for his father's funeral only to discover he may have a sister (Elizabeth Banks) he never knew. Michelle Pfeiffer plays the mom in this moving story about flawed people making mistakes and trying to make amends. The dialogue is smart and witty. The acting is terrific. Although they are screwed up characters, you will be rooting for all of them; the commodities facilitator who tends to run away from is problems, the alcoholic bartender who struggles to raise her son, and the lonely child who is prone to being sent to the principal's office. The movie will start to feel like a romantic comedy, but it is not. It is a complex film with a sense of humor about the pain and love of family.
Alien gives it 3 "stalking awkwardly" stars out of 4.
An estranged son (Chris Pine) reluctantly returns home for his father's funeral only to discover he may have a sister (Elizabeth Banks) he never knew. Michelle Pfeiffer plays the mom in this moving story about flawed people making mistakes and trying to make amends. The dialogue is smart and witty. The acting is terrific. Although they are screwed up characters, you will be rooting for all of them; the commodities facilitator who tends to run away from is problems, the alcoholic bartender who struggles to raise her son, and the lonely child who is prone to being sent to the principal's office. The movie will start to feel like a romantic comedy, but it is not. It is a complex film with a sense of humor about the pain and love of family.
Alien gives it 3 "stalking awkwardly" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Men in Black 3 (3D)
It's "Lockout" meets "First Contact" when Agent Jay (Will Smith) must journey back to 1969 and prevent a criminal's tampering of the past. This sequel still captures the charm and quirkiness of the original series with its humor, pulsar blasters, neuralyzers, and aliens hidden in plain site amongst us. The special effects are a blast. Josh Brolin's portrayal of the young Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) is dead on outstanding. If you like time travel tales, you'll love where this script takes you. Alien is anxious to see if this funny film can recoup its way over budget price tag.
Alien gives it 3 "alternate time lines" stars out of 4.
It's "Lockout" meets "First Contact" when Agent Jay (Will Smith) must journey back to 1969 and prevent a criminal's tampering of the past. This sequel still captures the charm and quirkiness of the original series with its humor, pulsar blasters, neuralyzers, and aliens hidden in plain site amongst us. The special effects are a blast. Josh Brolin's portrayal of the young Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) is dead on outstanding. If you like time travel tales, you'll love where this script takes you. Alien is anxious to see if this funny film can recoup its way over budget price tag.
Alien gives it 3 "alternate time lines" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
For Greater Glory
In 1926 Mexico, it's religious rebels versus the Federales as Church and State clash. Andy Garcia plays the former general hired to be the military leader and strategist for the band of ragtag resistors. This is the sad and painful true story of a people's struggle for religious freedom. This violent film has some hard to watch acts of cruelty. Peter O'Toole and Eva Longoria only have small roles. Vintage photos and footage run during the credits as well as a tribute the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their cause.
Alien gives it 2 "Cristeros" stars out of 4.
In 1926 Mexico, it's religious rebels versus the Federales as Church and State clash. Andy Garcia plays the former general hired to be the military leader and strategist for the band of ragtag resistors. This is the sad and painful true story of a people's struggle for religious freedom. This violent film has some hard to watch acts of cruelty. Peter O'Toole and Eva Longoria only have small roles. Vintage photos and footage run during the credits as well as a tribute the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their cause.
Alien gives it 2 "Cristeros" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Age of Champions
Sacramento filmmakers, Christopher Rufo & Keith Ochwat, put the spotlight on you are never too old to compete. This is an all inspiring documentary on the Senior Games and some awesome ageless athletes. Swimming, tennis, basketball, and track & field events highlight these geriatric games. It is the back stories along with the scenes of competition that make these fascinating profiles three dimensional. Seniors say the darnest things and you are never too old to talk smack. This film is funny, heart warming, and uplifting. Hopefully, it will be life altering too.
Alien gives it 3 "going for the gold" stars out of 4.
Sacramento filmmakers, Christopher Rufo & Keith Ochwat, put the spotlight on you are never too old to compete. This is an all inspiring documentary on the Senior Games and some awesome ageless athletes. Swimming, tennis, basketball, and track & field events highlight these geriatric games. It is the back stories along with the scenes of competition that make these fascinating profiles three dimensional. Seniors say the darnest things and you are never too old to talk smack. This film is funny, heart warming, and uplifting. Hopefully, it will be life altering too.
Alien gives it 3 "going for the gold" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Battleship
You sank my battleship!
It's "Transformers" at sea meets "Contact" meets "E.T." meets "Pearl Harbor" meets a modern day "Master and Commander" in a "War of the Worlds". A "Friday Night Lights" trio, a rock star, a fashion model, and a big bang geek play Hasbro's classic blind war game against all odds as they are out gunned by Borg/Robocop aliens from Planet G. A reluctant hero must pull out all the stops and go old school to save the world. This action-packed thrill ride is filled with big time explosions, an underdog spirit, and cheesy lines. It's a mindless shoot 'em up fun time that could be a naval recruitment film and a patriotic tribute to war veterans. Stay to the end of the credits for one last scene as 3 boys and a man make a discovery. Shout "light 'em up" and "you can do it", then run down to your local toy store for Hasbro's updated Aliens vs. Battleships Game.
Alien gives it 3 "Goldilock Planet" stars out of 4.
You sank my battleship!
It's "Transformers" at sea meets "Contact" meets "E.T." meets "Pearl Harbor" meets a modern day "Master and Commander" in a "War of the Worlds". A "Friday Night Lights" trio, a rock star, a fashion model, and a big bang geek play Hasbro's classic blind war game against all odds as they are out gunned by Borg/Robocop aliens from Planet G. A reluctant hero must pull out all the stops and go old school to save the world. This action-packed thrill ride is filled with big time explosions, an underdog spirit, and cheesy lines. It's a mindless shoot 'em up fun time that could be a naval recruitment film and a patriotic tribute to war veterans. Stay to the end of the credits for one last scene as 3 boys and a man make a discovery. Shout "light 'em up" and "you can do it", then run down to your local toy store for Hasbro's updated Aliens vs. Battleships Game.
Alien gives it 3 "Goldilock Planet" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 14, 2012
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Guys and gals explore the funny side of pregnancy, adoption, childbirth, and parenting with side ventures involving reality TV, food trucks, and step mothers. The all-star cast includes Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Brooklyn Decker, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, and Chris Rock. The worst part of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" is that the jokes are expected; meaning the script is just too predictible. It's not the rousing comedy that the trailer would lead you to believe, but the bigger laughs do come near the end. They should have more money on the script and less on the cast.
Alien gives it 2 "rules of the dude group" stars out of 4.
Guys and gals explore the funny side of pregnancy, adoption, childbirth, and parenting with side ventures involving reality TV, food trucks, and step mothers. The all-star cast includes Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Brooklyn Decker, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, and Chris Rock. The worst part of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" is that the jokes are expected; meaning the script is just too predictible. It's not the rousing comedy that the trailer would lead you to believe, but the bigger laughs do come near the end. They should have more money on the script and less on the cast.
Alien gives it 2 "rules of the dude group" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Dictator
It's "Borat" meets "The Man in the Iron Mask" in this outrageous eco/political/love story satire. If you are familiar with Sacha Baron Cohen, you'll know he is a chamelion and an equal opportunity offender. He says, does, and goes where no man has dared to go before. If you are thick skinned, you'll laugh histerically at his terrible stunts that are just so wrong. Old habits are hard to break for the Supreme Leader, Admiral General Sargent Aladeen, Madman of Wadiya, when he becomes a stranger in a strange land. Look for many celebrity cameos (some real and some photoshopped) that you wouldn't expect to show their faces in such a film. Stay seated for more hilarious clips during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "last of the great idiot dictators" stars out of 4.
It's "Borat" meets "The Man in the Iron Mask" in this outrageous eco/political/love story satire. If you are familiar with Sacha Baron Cohen, you'll know he is a chamelion and an equal opportunity offender. He says, does, and goes where no man has dared to go before. If you are thick skinned, you'll laugh histerically at his terrible stunts that are just so wrong. Old habits are hard to break for the Supreme Leader, Admiral General Sargent Aladeen, Madman of Wadiya, when he becomes a stranger in a strange land. Look for many celebrity cameos (some real and some photoshopped) that you wouldn't expect to show their faces in such a film. Stay seated for more hilarious clips during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "last of the great idiot dictators" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 07, 2012
Dark Shadows
Ghosts, witches, and vampires... oh my!
Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter are back together to revive the Gothic TV soap opera classic, "Dark Shadows". With this combo you are guaranteed to get a unique quirky dark comedy. Director Burton creates a fantastic looking film with a nostalgic tribute to the Seventies... the songs, Eric Segal's "Love Story", hippies, lava lamps, mirror balls, Alice Cooper, and the Carpenters. However, this fish out of water/love story about a witch's curse runs a bit slow and repetitive. There are a few funny moments and even a "Twilight" jab, but it's no laugh riot. Ironically, this vampire picture is dressed for the part, but lacks a soul.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "love bites" stars out of 4.
Ghosts, witches, and vampires... oh my!
Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter are back together to revive the Gothic TV soap opera classic, "Dark Shadows". With this combo you are guaranteed to get a unique quirky dark comedy. Director Burton creates a fantastic looking film with a nostalgic tribute to the Seventies... the songs, Eric Segal's "Love Story", hippies, lava lamps, mirror balls, Alice Cooper, and the Carpenters. However, this fish out of water/love story about a witch's curse runs a bit slow and repetitive. There are a few funny moments and even a "Twilight" jab, but it's no laugh riot. Ironically, this vampire picture is dressed for the part, but lacks a soul.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "love bites" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Lockout
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's "Escape from New York" meets "Star Wars" when Guy Pierce beefs up to play the wise cracking hero forced to rescue the President's liberal-hearted daughter held hostage on an experimental maximum security prison in space. This Luc Besson action thriller is fairly predictable and may seem to defy some laws of science, but it is science fiction set in 2079 and who cares anyway. It's just mindless escapism fun.
Alien gives it 3 "I see you, I foresee you" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's "Escape from New York" meets "Star Wars" when Guy Pierce beefs up to play the wise cracking hero forced to rescue the President's liberal-hearted daughter held hostage on an experimental maximum security prison in space. This Luc Besson action thriller is fairly predictable and may seem to defy some laws of science, but it is science fiction set in 2079 and who cares anyway. It's just mindless escapism fun.
Alien gives it 3 "I see you, I foresee you" stars out of 4.
