Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Won't Back Down
A single mom (Maggie Gyllenhaal) working two jobs and a teacher (Viola Davis) at an inner city school are frustrated by the educational system that is failing to meet the needs of each of their kids. Gyllenhaal and Davis give outstanding performances that will move you. It's a marvelous story about not giving up and taking risks to make big changes against great odds. This movie is emotional, controversial, and inspiring. Issues of bureaucracy, tenure, unions, and bullying are raised. The film is a bit heavy handed, but it is a must see if you care about the education of our kids, the future of the world.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Parentrooper Rally" stars out of 4.
A single mom (Maggie Gyllenhaal) working two jobs and a teacher (Viola Davis) at an inner city school are frustrated by the educational system that is failing to meet the needs of each of their kids. Gyllenhaal and Davis give outstanding performances that will move you. It's a marvelous story about not giving up and taking risks to make big changes against great odds. This movie is emotional, controversial, and inspiring. Issues of bureaucracy, tenure, unions, and bullying are raised. The film is a bit heavy handed, but it is a must see if you care about the education of our kids, the future of the world.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Parentrooper Rally" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Possession
Based on a true story, it's "The Exorcist" meets "Pandora's Box" meets "Kramer vs. Kramer" when a divorced couple's (Jeffery Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick) daughter gets more than she and her family bargained for in a yard sale purchase. This well crafted film has good actors, a great look, choice locales, and effective special effects. However, it doesn't follow through in its setups. Lacking the big scares and creepiness that one would expect from the genre, it seems to pull its punches and is just too predictable. Alien felt it had potential but ended up as a disappointment.
Alien gives it 2 "the Jewish demon inside" stars out of 4.
Based on a true story, it's "The Exorcist" meets "Pandora's Box" meets "Kramer vs. Kramer" when a divorced couple's (Jeffery Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick) daughter gets more than she and her family bargained for in a yard sale purchase. This well crafted film has good actors, a great look, choice locales, and effective special effects. However, it doesn't follow through in its setups. Lacking the big scares and creepiness that one would expect from the genre, it seems to pull its punches and is just too predictable. Alien felt it had potential but ended up as a disappointment.
Alien gives it 2 "the Jewish demon inside" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Hit and Run
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Dax Shepard wrote, directed, and starred in this low budget car chase comedy with an odd sense of humor. This wacky witness protection love story features Shepard's true loves... his cars and his fiancée, Kristen Bell. It is not a great action flick nor a hilarious comedy, but yet it is strangely compelling to watch. Alien was surprised to see which friends Shepard had cajoled onto his pet project. The off screen relationship between Bell and Shepard really shines through in their performances because it's probably more genuine than acting.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "who are you?" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Dax Shepard wrote, directed, and starred in this low budget car chase comedy with an odd sense of humor. This wacky witness protection love story features Shepard's true loves... his cars and his fiancée, Kristen Bell. It is not a great action flick nor a hilarious comedy, but yet it is strangely compelling to watch. Alien was surprised to see which friends Shepard had cajoled onto his pet project. The off screen relationship between Bell and Shepard really shines through in their performances because it's probably more genuine than acting.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "who are you?" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Premium Express
It's "Quicksilver" meets "The Transporter" meets "The French Connection" meets Google Map Street View when Wylee "coyote" (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has a bad day trying to deliver a secured package. This well-told story is enshrouded in mystery involving a ticket, bike messengers, Chinese gambling, police, roommates, and the streets of New York. This breath-taking thrill ride is a visual treat at break neck speeds weaving through traffic and dodging obstacles. The bike stunts are absolutely amazing. Clarification comes as the clock rewinds and the suspense builds as the minutes tick toward the deadline. Some mild humor is injected here and there just so your heart doesn't explode from the adrenalin coursing through your veins. Gordon-Levitt is excellent as always and perfect for the part. Look for a reality clip buried in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "fixed gear, steel frame, no brakes, can't stop" stars out of 4.
It's "Quicksilver" meets "The Transporter" meets "The French Connection" meets Google Map Street View when Wylee "coyote" (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has a bad day trying to deliver a secured package. This well-told story is enshrouded in mystery involving a ticket, bike messengers, Chinese gambling, police, roommates, and the streets of New York. This breath-taking thrill ride is a visual treat at break neck speeds weaving through traffic and dodging obstacles. The bike stunts are absolutely amazing. Clarification comes as the clock rewinds and the suspense builds as the minutes tick toward the deadline. Some mild humor is injected here and there just so your heart doesn't explode from the adrenalin coursing through your veins. Gordon-Levitt is excellent as always and perfect for the part. Look for a reality clip buried in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "fixed gear, steel frame, no brakes, can't stop" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Pitch Perfect
It's "Glee" meets "Step Up" meets "Bring It On" meets "Mean Girls" in college when an aspiring music producer (Anna Kendrick) is forced to join an acapella group. Kendrick carries this hilarious send up of "Glee", but Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy steals her scenes amongst a cast of crazy characters. Elizabeth Banks (she seems to be in everything lately) has the funniest one liners. This may be the sleeper that many may overlook, at least until the word gets out. Alien liked the creativity, not only musically, but comically too. Stay for the blooper reel playing through the credits. This film doesn't release until October.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "making music with mouths" stars out of 4.
It's "Glee" meets "Step Up" meets "Bring It On" meets "Mean Girls" in college when an aspiring music producer (Anna Kendrick) is forced to join an acapella group. Kendrick carries this hilarious send up of "Glee", but Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy steals her scenes amongst a cast of crazy characters. Elizabeth Banks (she seems to be in everything lately) has the funniest one liners. This may be the sleeper that many may overlook, at least until the word gets out. Alien liked the creativity, not only musically, but comically too. Stay for the blooper reel playing through the credits. This film doesn't release until October.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "making music with mouths" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Expendables 2
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Planet Hollywood investors (Sly, Arnie, & Bruno) have teamed up again for a sequel to their famed film featuring "has been" heroes of yesteryear. With Stallone and Statham in the driver's seat, it's just big dumb fun as some of your favorite action heroes gather for a boys club party where they bust 'em up, shoot 'em up, and blow 'em up. Toss in a kick-ass Asian chick, a sniper they call the "Kid", and an aging lone wolf as these macho mercenaries go up against a Belgian bad-ass. This action film homage features some humorous cheesy dialogue referencing these actors' past. Appropriately, some "oldies, but goodies" play in the background for these vintage classic icons. It is good mindless entertainment if you don't worry about the details.
Alien gives it 3 "knock knock, bad attitude, coming soon" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Planet Hollywood investors (Sly, Arnie, & Bruno) have teamed up again for a sequel to their famed film featuring "has been" heroes of yesteryear. With Stallone and Statham in the driver's seat, it's just big dumb fun as some of your favorite action heroes gather for a boys club party where they bust 'em up, shoot 'em up, and blow 'em up. Toss in a kick-ass Asian chick, a sniper they call the "Kid", and an aging lone wolf as these macho mercenaries go up against a Belgian bad-ass. This action film homage features some humorous cheesy dialogue referencing these actors' past. Appropriately, some "oldies, but goodies" play in the background for these vintage classic icons. It is good mindless entertainment if you don't worry about the details.
Alien gives it 3 "knock knock, bad attitude, coming soon" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Paranorman (3D)
Witches, Ghosts, and Zombies... oh my.
It's "The Sixth Sense" meets "Night of the Living Dead" meets "Salem Witch Trials" when a boy labeled as a freak must save his hometown of Blithe Hollow from a curse. This stop-action animated film pokes fun at the zombie genre and has a anti-bullying theme. It has great laughs for both the adults and the kids, but Alien probably wouldn't recommend it for those younger than 7 or 8 years old unless they can handle the fright factor. The animation was fabulous with great detail and the characters were terrific. It's not for everyone's tastes, but it may surprise you. Stay through the credits to see the making of Norman.
Alien gives it 3 "Witch's Curse" stars out of 4.
Witches, Ghosts, and Zombies... oh my.
It's "The Sixth Sense" meets "Night of the Living Dead" meets "Salem Witch Trials" when a boy labeled as a freak must save his hometown of Blithe Hollow from a curse. This stop-action animated film pokes fun at the zombie genre and has a anti-bullying theme. It has great laughs for both the adults and the kids, but Alien probably wouldn't recommend it for those younger than 7 or 8 years old unless they can handle the fright factor. The animation was fabulous with great detail and the characters were terrific. It's not for everyone's tastes, but it may surprise you. Stay through the credits to see the making of Norman.
Alien gives it 3 "Witch's Curse" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Sparkle
A Bible study mom (Whitney Houston) uses tough love to raise her daughters, but the church choir sisters are tempted by fame and fortune in the music business. This remake of the 1976 original is about the hopes and dreams for a black family embroiled in Detroit drama and infused with the Motown sound. It's a delightful trip down memory lane if you were there in 1968, complete with the look, the feel, and the sound of that era (shades of the Supremes). Jordin Sparks sparkles as Sparkle in this touching story where family relations are tested in a struggle for success. She is a gem. If you get up too soon near the end, you may miss her big encore. Houston was the executive producer and R. Kelly was the musical consultant.
Alien gives it 3 "Sister and the Sisters" stars out of 4.
A Bible study mom (Whitney Houston) uses tough love to raise her daughters, but the church choir sisters are tempted by fame and fortune in the music business. This remake of the 1976 original is about the hopes and dreams for a black family embroiled in Detroit drama and infused with the Motown sound. It's a delightful trip down memory lane if you were there in 1968, complete with the look, the feel, and the sound of that era (shades of the Supremes). Jordin Sparks sparkles as Sparkle in this touching story where family relations are tested in a struggle for success. She is a gem. If you get up too soon near the end, you may miss her big encore. Houston was the executive producer and R. Kelly was the musical consultant.
Alien gives it 3 "Sister and the Sisters" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Bourne Legacy
This was an early audience focus group screening a few months back.
This is the continuation of the Bourne saga sans Matt Damon. It turns out that Jason Bourne wasn't the only super soldier created by the CIA. Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) is the next operative mixed in a government cover up to hide the top secret experiment. He drags a scientist (Rachel Weiss) along in a life and death game of hide and seek as the body count rises around the world. The film has the look and the feel of the Bourne trilogy as it starts out with a mystery shroud of secrecy and culminates with motorcycle madness in Manila. It is an action packed thrill ride. The ending is less than satisfying, but maybe film makers will provide an alternate conclusion in the final version to be release in a couple of months.
Alien, preliminarily, gives it 3 "green and blue meds" stars out of 4.
This was an early audience focus group screening a few months back.
This is the continuation of the Bourne saga sans Matt Damon. It turns out that Jason Bourne wasn't the only super soldier created by the CIA. Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) is the next operative mixed in a government cover up to hide the top secret experiment. He drags a scientist (Rachel Weiss) along in a life and death game of hide and seek as the body count rises around the world. The film has the look and the feel of the Bourne trilogy as it starts out with a mystery shroud of secrecy and culminates with motorcycle madness in Manila. It is an action packed thrill ride. The ending is less than satisfying, but maybe film makers will provide an alternate conclusion in the final version to be release in a couple of months.
Alien, preliminarily, gives it 3 "green and blue meds" stars out of 4.
Ruby Sparks
What if you met the girl of your dreams?
A boy genius author Calvin (Paul Dano) with writer's block creates a fictional character named Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan) for his new book. Then events become "Stranger than Fiction" when Ruby suddenly pops up in his real life. Already seeing a shrink, you got to wonder if Calvin has gone mad as the lines between fantasy and reality start to blur. Alien really enjoyed this refreshing quirky romantic comedy with a touch of zombies and un peu de Français. Dano and Kazan are perfectly casted. Not only is she absolutely mesmerizing on screen, but ironically, she is also the film's writer. Elliot Gould, Annette Bening, and Antonio Banderas have small supporting roles. The Stan Lee lesson here is "with great power, comes great responsibility".
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the perfect girlfriend" stars out of 4.
What if you met the girl of your dreams?
A boy genius author Calvin (Paul Dano) with writer's block creates a fictional character named Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan) for his new book. Then events become "Stranger than Fiction" when Ruby suddenly pops up in his real life. Already seeing a shrink, you got to wonder if Calvin has gone mad as the lines between fantasy and reality start to blur. Alien really enjoyed this refreshing quirky romantic comedy with a touch of zombies and un peu de Français. Dano and Kazan are perfectly casted. Not only is she absolutely mesmerizing on screen, but ironically, she is also the film's writer. Elliot Gould, Annette Bening, and Antonio Banderas have small supporting roles. The Stan Lee lesson here is "with great power, comes great responsibility".
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the perfect girlfriend" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 06, 2012
Campaign
While Alien was observing intensive couples counseling, my critic-in-training filed this comment:
One unlikely candidate competes against the incumbent for Congressman. It is more clever than expected as they pull a no-holds bar rivalry against each other.
Hope Springs
An older couple (Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) try to rekindle their marriage at a counselling center in Great Hope Springs, Maine. Streep and Jones always give top notch performances. This little dramedy may surprise you with a side you haven't seen from these veteran actors. Comedian Steve Carell plays this one straight up. It's a humorous look at marriage, romance, and intimacy in ones later years. Stay for the vows during the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "sexercise" stars out of 4.
An older couple (Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) try to rekindle their marriage at a counselling center in Great Hope Springs, Maine. Streep and Jones always give top notch performances. This little dramedy may surprise you with a side you haven't seen from these veteran actors. Comedian Steve Carell plays this one straight up. It's a humorous look at marriage, romance, and intimacy in ones later years. Stay for the vows during the credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "sexercise" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Total Recall
Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, and Jessica Biel star in director Len Wiseman's remake of the 1990 Schwarzenegger sci-fi classic. This inner space version follows closely the same blueprint with even the same character names but the faces and settings have been changed. Fans may be disappointed that there is no Mars except for a trip reference, but they can expect the return of the unforgettable three breasted woman. It's shades of "I, Robot" meets "Attack of the Clones" with a "Blade Runner" backdrop. This action-packed special effects extravaganza panders to today's young generation. If you want to be surprised, don't make your own REKALL trip prior viewing, unless you just to compare in real time. Alien prefers the first film due to it's originality, cheesy charm, and reliance on miniatures at the time to create it's futuristic look.
Alien gives it 3 "Surviving the Fall" stars out of 4.
Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, and Jessica Biel star in director Len Wiseman's remake of the 1990 Schwarzenegger sci-fi classic. This inner space version follows closely the same blueprint with even the same character names but the faces and settings have been changed. Fans may be disappointed that there is no Mars except for a trip reference, but they can expect the return of the unforgettable three breasted woman. It's shades of "I, Robot" meets "Attack of the Clones" with a "Blade Runner" backdrop. This action-packed special effects extravaganza panders to today's young generation. If you want to be surprised, don't make your own REKALL trip prior viewing, unless you just to compare in real time. Alien prefers the first film due to it's originality, cheesy charm, and reliance on miniatures at the time to create it's futuristic look.
Alien gives it 3 "Surviving the Fall" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
A childless couple (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), unable to conceive, tries to move forward by burying their hopes and dreams in their own backyard. Then on a dark and stormy night, a Disney fantasy miracle occurs and a "Cabbage Patch Kid" comes into their lives. It's a charming and touching story about family, parenting, and being different. This snapshot of small town middle America during a difficult economic time features Stanleyville, the Pencil Capital of the World.
Alien gives it 3 "home grown" stars out of 4.
A childless couple (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), unable to conceive, tries to move forward by burying their hopes and dreams in their own backyard. Then on a dark and stormy night, a Disney fantasy miracle occurs and a "Cabbage Patch Kid" comes into their lives. It's a charming and touching story about family, parenting, and being different. This snapshot of small town middle America during a difficult economic time features Stanleyville, the Pencil Capital of the World.
Alien gives it 3 "home grown" stars out of 4.
