Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Prometheus (3D)
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Great Scott and shades of "Alien", "What is Ridley trying to do here?" were Alien's first thoughts as the film's story line developed. If you have seen his sci-fi classic, you can't help but notice the similarities: the scientific mission into space fund by a mega-corporation, the android, the discovery gone wrong, and the fight for survival. Noomi Rapace has the Ripley role. Michael Fassbender is the creepy non-human channeling 2001's HAL. Charlize Theron has a throw away part. Stunning visuals of the sets, backdrops, and special effects will keep you mesmerized as you follow the mystery and suspense right up to the kicker ending. The film isn't that scary, but you'll want to scream at the screen "don't touch that" and "run the other way". Alien saw it in 3D and doesn't recommend spending the extra money.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "meet your maker quest" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Great Scott and shades of "Alien", "What is Ridley trying to do here?" were Alien's first thoughts as the film's story line developed. If you have seen his sci-fi classic, you can't help but notice the similarities: the scientific mission into space fund by a mega-corporation, the android, the discovery gone wrong, and the fight for survival. Noomi Rapace has the Ripley role. Michael Fassbender is the creepy non-human channeling 2001's HAL. Charlize Theron has a throw away part. Stunning visuals of the sets, backdrops, and special effects will keep you mesmerized as you follow the mystery and suspense right up to the kicker ending. The film isn't that scary, but you'll want to scream at the screen "don't touch that" and "run the other way". Alien saw it in 3D and doesn't recommend spending the extra money.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "meet your maker quest" stars out of 4.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Magic Mike
A little T&A kicks off this story about a male stripper/entrepreneur trying to figure out his life and the "kid" he takes under his wing. Channing Tatum uses his pre-acting skills to "Step Up" onto the Tampa all male revue stage. "Bogos" McConaughey is perfect as the club owner pushing his boys to put on a good show to tease and seduce. This film is exactly what you think it is going to be and a little more. It's a great girls night out and maybe a good date movie with a lot of suggestive dance numbers, some humor, and even an attempted story line. It's a fun/not to be taken seriously film for the ladies and a peek into the business without attending a live show plus a bonus behind the scenes look.
Alien gives it 3 "Xquisite" stars out of 4.
A little T&A kicks off this story about a male stripper/entrepreneur trying to figure out his life and the "kid" he takes under his wing. Channing Tatum uses his pre-acting skills to "Step Up" onto the Tampa all male revue stage. "Bogos" McConaughey is perfect as the club owner pushing his boys to put on a good show to tease and seduce. This film is exactly what you think it is going to be and a little more. It's a great girls night out and maybe a good date movie with a lot of suggestive dance numbers, some humor, and even an attempted story line. It's a fun/not to be taken seriously film for the ladies and a peek into the business without attending a live show plus a bonus behind the scenes look.
Alien gives it 3 "Xquisite" stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World
Steve Carell and Keira Knightley are neighbors thrown together on a humorous road trip as an asteroid barrels down on the planet. They hope to reunite with family and a lost love before the world's end. Alien liked these two main characters individually, but didn't feel the connection between them. See how the different people handle the news of impending doom. This amusing story may not take you where you want to go by the end, but it shouldn't be entirely unexpected.
Alien gives it 2 "Friendsy's" stars out of 4.
Steve Carell and Keira Knightley are neighbors thrown together on a humorous road trip as an asteroid barrels down on the planet. They hope to reunite with family and a lost love before the world's end. Alien liked these two main characters individually, but didn't feel the connection between them. See how the different people handle the news of impending doom. This amusing story may not take you where you want to go by the end, but it shouldn't be entirely unexpected.
Alien gives it 2 "Friendsy's" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter (3D)
It's "The History Channel" meets "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" when Honest Abe splits more than rails. What an odd premise to imagine, President Lincoln battling a secret war against vampires who are hiding amongst us. This twisted historical account is heavily CGIed with 3D blood splatters and decapitations. It's mindless fun that may be too over the top for some, but perfect for those Civil War/horror buffs.
Alien gives it 3 "Abe slays" stars out of 4.
It's "The History Channel" meets "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" when Honest Abe splits more than rails. What an odd premise to imagine, President Lincoln battling a secret war against vampires who are hiding amongst us. This twisted historical account is heavily CGIed with 3D blood splatters and decapitations. It's mindless fun that may be too over the top for some, but perfect for those Civil War/horror buffs.
Alien gives it 3 "Abe slays" stars out of 4.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Brave (3D) (revisited)
Brave is even better in 3D. It is an awesome kids film with a strong female lead character, but it is also fun entertainment for adults. Parents will appreciate this family friendly film that is filled with Scottish culture and lots of laughs.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "bull's eye" stars out of 4.
Brave is even better in 3D. It is an awesome kids film with a strong female lead character, but it is also fun entertainment for adults. Parents will appreciate this family friendly film that is filled with Scottish culture and lots of laughs.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "bull's eye" stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Moonrise Kingdom
The elopement of two troubled preteen youths triggers an island-wide search in this dead pan comedy. Director Wes Anderson provides a unique perspective in this funny but quirky film capturing childhood innocence and the spirit of summer during the 60's. The kids are terrific little actors as well as the all star cast (Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murry, and Frances McDormand). This sweet and charming film has a dry sense of humor and some great visual images.
Alien gives it 3 "Khaki Pigeon Scout of Troop 55" stars out of 4.
The elopement of two troubled preteen youths triggers an island-wide search in this dead pan comedy. Director Wes Anderson provides a unique perspective in this funny but quirky film capturing childhood innocence and the spirit of summer during the 60's. The kids are terrific little actors as well as the all star cast (Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murry, and Frances McDormand). This sweet and charming film has a dry sense of humor and some great visual images.
Alien gives it 3 "Khaki Pigeon Scout of Troop 55" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Safety Not Guaranteed
It's "Juno" meets "Time Cop" in this dry humor comedy about a magazine writer and two interns investigating a classified ad seeking a time travel companion . It's a quirky film with quirky characters and a quirky premise. If you give it a chance, this charmer will grow on you. Alien like the two main characters and their relationship. If you could go back in time, what time would you go back to? Is this paranoid man just crazy or can he really time travel? You'll have to watch this enjoyable film to the end to find out. It will keep you guessing.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "could it really happen" stars out of 4.
It's "Juno" meets "Time Cop" in this dry humor comedy about a magazine writer and two interns investigating a classified ad seeking a time travel companion . It's a quirky film with quirky characters and a quirky premise. If you give it a chance, this charmer will grow on you. Alien like the two main characters and their relationship. If you could go back in time, what time would you go back to? Is this paranoid man just crazy or can he really time travel? You'll have to watch this enjoyable film to the end to find out. It will keep you guessing.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "could it really happen" stars out of 4.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Brave
It's "The Little Mermaid" meets "fierylocks & the three bears" meets "Beauty & the Beast" meets "How to Train Your Dragon" in Disney/Pixar's tale of a young Scottish lass trying to buck tradition and choose her own fate. The characters are terrific, especially the spunky red-headed heroine, Merida. The animation is amazing. It is an inspirational story cautioning one to watch what you wish for. This fabulous family film is fun, funny, and full of action. It is destined to become a classic.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "witch and wisps" stars out of 4.
It's "The Little Mermaid" meets "fierylocks & the three bears" meets "Beauty & the Beast" meets "How to Train Your Dragon" in Disney/Pixar's tale of a young Scottish lass trying to buck tradition and choose her own fate. The characters are terrific, especially the spunky red-headed heroine, Merida. The animation is amazing. It is an inspirational story cautioning one to watch what you wish for. This fabulous family film is fun, funny, and full of action. It is destined to become a classic.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "witch and wisps" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Rock of Ages
It's "Footloose" meets "Hairspray" meets "Grease" in 1987 L.A. when individuals search for fame and fortune until they realize it is really something else they seek. True to all musicals, be prepared for everyone to break out in song at any moment. Relive the 80's with the iconic look and sound of the times. Along with some great familiar songs, wardrobe, and hair styles, it's the choreography, musical arrangements, and film edits that make this musical magic work. It's an all star cast (with Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tom Cruise, Paul Giamati, Malin Akerman, Russel Brand, and Alec Balwin) who all must sing. You may be surprised by some of their performances, but the baboon steals his scenes. It's a fun and funny film in the spirit of love, sex, and rock 'n' roll. Look for some cameos.
Alien gives it 3 "don't stop believing at The Bourbon Room" stars out of 4.
It's "Footloose" meets "Hairspray" meets "Grease" in 1987 L.A. when individuals search for fame and fortune until they realize it is really something else they seek. True to all musicals, be prepared for everyone to break out in song at any moment. Relive the 80's with the iconic look and sound of the times. Along with some great familiar songs, wardrobe, and hair styles, it's the choreography, musical arrangements, and film edits that make this musical magic work. It's an all star cast (with Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tom Cruise, Paul Giamati, Malin Akerman, Russel Brand, and Alec Balwin) who all must sing. You may be surprised by some of their performances, but the baboon steals his scenes. It's a fun and funny film in the spirit of love, sex, and rock 'n' roll. Look for some cameos.
Alien gives it 3 "don't stop believing at The Bourbon Room" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
That's My Boy
A son (Adam Samberg) tries to hide his past and Dad (Adam Sandler) from his friends, bride-to-be, future in-laws, and boss. This Happy Madison Production lives up to everything Alien expected. While the audience kept responding with roars of laughter, the jokes and gags are mainly of the rude, crude, and lewd variety revolving around an inappropriate student/teacher relationship, masturbation, strip clubs, sexual acts, and bathroom humor. It is a predictable plot with some surprising cameos. Sandler does his usual stupid/sick shtick amongst some familiar SNL character portrayals. Sandler fans will just love his "R" rated raunchy hijinks. Non fans should know better and stay away. It's dumb entertainment for the brain dead appealing to one's basest nature.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "dirty boy with a heavy handed beer bottle" stars out of 4.
A son (Adam Samberg) tries to hide his past and Dad (Adam Sandler) from his friends, bride-to-be, future in-laws, and boss. This Happy Madison Production lives up to everything Alien expected. While the audience kept responding with roars of laughter, the jokes and gags are mainly of the rude, crude, and lewd variety revolving around an inappropriate student/teacher relationship, masturbation, strip clubs, sexual acts, and bathroom humor. It is a predictable plot with some surprising cameos. Sandler does his usual stupid/sick shtick amongst some familiar SNL character portrayals. Sandler fans will just love his "R" rated raunchy hijinks. Non fans should know better and stay away. It's dumb entertainment for the brain dead appealing to one's basest nature.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "dirty boy with a heavy handed beer bottle" stars out of 4.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (3D)
Stuck in Africa, our homesick lion hatches a plan to get the gang back to New York City. However, their scheme gets derailed in Europe so they join the circus to allude animal control and to continue their hysterical journey. This colorful 3D animation is great family fun for the young and old. A clever script takes many of their jokes to another level of hilarity. Some good new characters are added, but Alien's favorites are still the penguins.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "hydro cobras and jet packs" stars out of 4.
Stuck in Africa, our homesick lion hatches a plan to get the gang back to New York City. However, their scheme gets derailed in Europe so they join the circus to allude animal control and to continue their hysterical journey. This colorful 3D animation is great family fun for the young and old. A clever script takes many of their jokes to another level of hilarity. Some good new characters are added, but Alien's favorites are still the penguins.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "hydro cobras and jet packs" stars out of 4.
