Monday, October 29, 2012
Flight
Director Robert Zemeckis poses the question: Is Captain Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) the hero or the blame in a tragic airplane incident? Washington is convincing as the skilled veteran airline pilot and a man in denial who is in a dangerous tailspin about to crash and burn. But will he be able to pull it out at the last moment and get away with murder? The supporting cast is excellent, but the hilarious John Goodman steals his scenes as he brings some levity to a serious situation. The terrifying opening scenes will guarantee this will never be an in-flight film, but it's not as scary as watching this man's addiction. 138 minutes long.
Alien gives it 3 "surviving SouthJet Flight 227" stars out of 4.
Director Robert Zemeckis poses the question: Is Captain Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) the hero or the blame in a tragic airplane incident? Washington is convincing as the skilled veteran airline pilot and a man in denial who is in a dangerous tailspin about to crash and burn. But will he be able to pull it out at the last moment and get away with murder? The supporting cast is excellent, but the hilarious John Goodman steals his scenes as he brings some levity to a serious situation. The terrifying opening scenes will guarantee this will never be an in-flight film, but it's not as scary as watching this man's addiction. 138 minutes long.
Alien gives it 3 "surviving SouthJet Flight 227" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Lincoln
Director Steven Spielberg has masterfully recreated a most significant event in history, the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. The film captures the rich flavor of the issues and politics during Lincoln's term in office. Daniel Day-Lewis is outstanding as the president and so is the all-star supporting cast. The witty dialogue and banter drive this personal insightful look at the past. This history lesson takes you beyond the mere facts as you experience the tremendous weight of the nation being carried on Lincoln's shoulders.
Alien gives it 3 "portrait of greatness" stars out of 4.
Director Steven Spielberg has masterfully recreated a most significant event in history, the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. The film captures the rich flavor of the issues and politics during Lincoln's term in office. Daniel Day-Lewis is outstanding as the president and so is the all-star supporting cast. The witty dialogue and banter drive this personal insightful look at the past. This history lesson takes you beyond the mere facts as you experience the tremendous weight of the nation being carried on Lincoln's shoulders.
Alien gives it 3 "portrait of greatness" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Chasing Mavericks
Cowabunga! Surf's up!
A young boy hears the pounding of the surf calling out to him. From there, it's Surfing 101 as his mentor Frosty (Gerard Butler) teaches him the skills that he will need to survive the big waves. The movie dramatically captures the power, the roar, and danger of these mavericks. This terrific relationship film will take you through the highs and lows of famed longboard surfer Jay Moriarty. If you enjoy surfing or if just want to learn more about the sport, you may want to check out this teen's remarkable true story.
Alien gives it 3 "learning the four pillars" stars out of 4.
Cowabunga! Surf's up!
A young boy hears the pounding of the surf calling out to him. From there, it's Surfing 101 as his mentor Frosty (Gerard Butler) teaches him the skills that he will need to survive the big waves. The movie dramatically captures the power, the roar, and danger of these mavericks. This terrific relationship film will take you through the highs and lows of famed longboard surfer Jay Moriarty. If you enjoy surfing or if just want to learn more about the sport, you may want to check out this teen's remarkable true story.
Alien gives it 3 "learning the four pillars" stars out of 4.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Cloud Atlas
It's "Blade Runner" meets "Planet of the Apes" meets "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" meets "The China Syndrome" meets so many more. This epic journey spans 400 years of human civilization in the past, present, and future with an all-star cast playing so many multiple roles in several story lines that it may give you an "Inception" headache. This visually stunning film deals with Man's repeated the crimes and act of kindness throughout history. Some of the dialogue is hard to understand due to some of the accents and trying to interpret the new speak language after the Fall. Don't be too quick to exit after enduring this nearly 3 hour extravaganza. Photos during the credits will shed some light on some of characters that you may or may not have recognized during the film.
Alien gives it 3 "Cloud Atlas Sextet" stars out of 4.
It's "Blade Runner" meets "Planet of the Apes" meets "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" meets "The China Syndrome" meets so many more. This epic journey spans 400 years of human civilization in the past, present, and future with an all-star cast playing so many multiple roles in several story lines that it may give you an "Inception" headache. This visually stunning film deals with Man's repeated the crimes and act of kindness throughout history. Some of the dialogue is hard to understand due to some of the accents and trying to interpret the new speak language after the Fall. Don't be too quick to exit after enduring this nearly 3 hour extravaganza. Photos during the credits will shed some light on some of characters that you may or may not have recognized during the film.
Alien gives it 3 "Cloud Atlas Sextet" stars out of 4.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Fun Size
High school senior's Halloween party plans go awry when she is forced to babysit her bratty little brother and ends up searching the night for her lost sibling. This film has something for everyone, but that's not necessarily a good thing. It sounds like a kids film, feels like a teen flick, but contains some adult humor too. It would have been better off targeting just one of these age groups because it's too racy and lame at the same time. Alien would caution parents with younger kids due to the sexual innuendos and the use of the "b" word 3 times and the "a" word twice. This Nickelodeon film is predictable and has a good message in the end.
Alien gives it 2 "Revenge of Spidey and Fuzzy" stars out of 4.
High school senior's Halloween party plans go awry when she is forced to babysit her bratty little brother and ends up searching the night for her lost sibling. This film has something for everyone, but that's not necessarily a good thing. It sounds like a kids film, feels like a teen flick, but contains some adult humor too. It would have been better off targeting just one of these age groups because it's too racy and lame at the same time. Alien would caution parents with younger kids due to the sexual innuendos and the use of the "b" word 3 times and the "a" word twice. This Nickelodeon film is predictable and has a good message in the end.
Alien gives it 2 "Revenge of Spidey and Fuzzy" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Paranormal Activity 4
They are back for the fourth installment to scare the begeezus out of you again, but this time the story moves forward from the end of the original movie after the briefest of recaps. Like all of the preceding films, this one contrasts mundane day-to-day life with supernatural eerie events setting up audiences with anticipation of their worst fears before something happens, whether it is real or not. These films are shrouded in mystery feeding you a little information at a time and keeping you off-balanced and uneasy; where you expect something around every corner. For very little special effects, they generate some big reactions; a lot of bang for the buck. By the end, you'll see that they are heading to a fifth film to feed you some more of this effective fright fest. At the end of the credits, there is a seemingly senseless scene en español. (probably tied to next sequel). While it is not necessary to preview the other three films, Alien found Wikipedia useful to clarify this story told out of sequence.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "beware of the neighbors" stars out of 4.
They are back for the fourth installment to scare the begeezus out of you again, but this time the story moves forward from the end of the original movie after the briefest of recaps. Like all of the preceding films, this one contrasts mundane day-to-day life with supernatural eerie events setting up audiences with anticipation of their worst fears before something happens, whether it is real or not. These films are shrouded in mystery feeding you a little information at a time and keeping you off-balanced and uneasy; where you expect something around every corner. For very little special effects, they generate some big reactions; a lot of bang for the buck. By the end, you'll see that they are heading to a fifth film to feed you some more of this effective fright fest. At the end of the credits, there is a seemingly senseless scene en español. (probably tied to next sequel). While it is not necessary to preview the other three films, Alien found Wikipedia useful to clarify this story told out of sequence.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "beware of the neighbors" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Alex Cross
Detroit detective Alex Cross (Tyler Perry) is Sherlock Holmes with a psychology degree and Edward Burns is his trusty Watson. They become involved in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with "The Butcher" (Mathew Fox), a cruel and viscous psychopath diabolically dealing in pain. When things get personal, the good guys go rogue, "Dirty Harry" style. The movie thrills with intense drama, a terrific villain, a unique battle backdrop, and a twist. Casting Perry for the title role (previously played by Morgan Freeman in two previous movies) is a surprising choice, but he does a convincing job. Fox is scary good and isn't readily recognizable playing this lean mean killing machine, the most fascinating part of the film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "criminal mastermind" stars out of 4.
Detroit detective Alex Cross (Tyler Perry) is Sherlock Holmes with a psychology degree and Edward Burns is his trusty Watson. They become involved in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with "The Butcher" (Mathew Fox), a cruel and viscous psychopath diabolically dealing in pain. When things get personal, the good guys go rogue, "Dirty Harry" style. The movie thrills with intense drama, a terrific villain, a unique battle backdrop, and a twist. Casting Perry for the title role (previously played by Morgan Freeman in two previous movies) is a surprising choice, but he does a convincing job. Fox is scary good and isn't readily recognizable playing this lean mean killing machine, the most fascinating part of the film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "criminal mastermind" stars out of 4.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Hotel Transylvania (3D)
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Werewolves, Vampires, and the Mummy... Oh My!
Count Dracula runs a safe-haven-from-humans hotel in this animated spoof of the movie monsters. He is an over-protective single dad with a teenage daughter (118 in vampire years) longing to see the outside world. When a human boy stumbles on to the remote castle, dad's plans go awry and hilarity breaks out. This cute little film is good family fun for all. Count on a Ceelo Green and Selena Gomez working some songs into the script.
Alien gives it 3 "zing" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Werewolves, Vampires, and the Mummy... Oh My!
Count Dracula runs a safe-haven-from-humans hotel in this animated spoof of the movie monsters. He is an over-protective single dad with a teenage daughter (118 in vampire years) longing to see the outside world. When a human boy stumbles on to the remote castle, dad's plans go awry and hilarity breaks out. This cute little film is good family fun for all. Count on a Ceelo Green and Selena Gomez working some songs into the script.
Alien gives it 3 "zing" stars out of 4.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Secret of the Wings
Disneytoons releases another Tinker Bell tale straight to video. This adventure takes Tink to the Winter Woods where she meets a Frost Fairy named Periwinkle and learns about the secret of the wings. This wonderful kids film is about family and the changes of the seasons with a love story in the background. Disney magic, cute woodland creatures, colorful animation, and beautiful songs will delight the little ones.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "charming with a dash of pixie dust" stars out of 4.
Disneytoons releases another Tinker Bell tale straight to video. This adventure takes Tink to the Winter Woods where she meets a Frost Fairy named Periwinkle and learns about the secret of the wings. This wonderful kids film is about family and the changes of the seasons with a love story in the background. Disney magic, cute woodland creatures, colorful animation, and beautiful songs will delight the little ones.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "charming with a dash of pixie dust" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Resident Evil: Retribution (3D)
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's game on when Project Alice again awakens semi-nude to another Umbrella Corporation nightmare. There's a brief 3 film recap for novices, but Resident Evil fans will love this 3D spectacular extravaganza with the return of some familiar faces. Dizzying non-stop action highlights this thrill ride filled with explosions, death, and destruction as the hero tries to escape. This best of the bunch is mindless fun as new twists and turns are revealed.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "mutated zombies" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's game on when Project Alice again awakens semi-nude to another Umbrella Corporation nightmare. There's a brief 3 film recap for novices, but Resident Evil fans will love this 3D spectacular extravaganza with the return of some familiar faces. Dizzying non-stop action highlights this thrill ride filled with explosions, death, and destruction as the hero tries to escape. This best of the bunch is mindless fun as new twists and turns are revealed.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "mutated zombies" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Sinister
Scorpion, Snake, and Cujo... Oh My!
A famous true crime author's obsession with digging up the facts for his next big book may put his family in jeopardy. Reels of 8mm home movies contain haunting images of ghastly unsolved family slayings and a creepy figure lurking in the background. For Alien, this film is more stupid setups of contrived situations than a scary movie. Almost a hour passes before this story develops any real traction. Some moments lead to nervous laughter than genuine fright. Except for the typical false scares, this audience had a bigger reaction to the mere mention of a particular city. this is mainly the Ethan Hawke show with a weak demonic supernatural super8 plot, but shhh... Alien won't give away the ending.
Alien gives it 2 "Swim Party, BBQ, and House Painting" stars out of 4.
Scorpion, Snake, and Cujo... Oh My!
A famous true crime author's obsession with digging up the facts for his next big book may put his family in jeopardy. Reels of 8mm home movies contain haunting images of ghastly unsolved family slayings and a creepy figure lurking in the background. For Alien, this film is more stupid setups of contrived situations than a scary movie. Almost a hour passes before this story develops any real traction. Some moments lead to nervous laughter than genuine fright. Except for the typical false scares, this audience had a bigger reaction to the mere mention of a particular city. this is mainly the Ethan Hawke show with a weak demonic supernatural super8 plot, but shhh... Alien won't give away the ending.
Alien gives it 2 "Swim Party, BBQ, and House Painting" stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Here Comes the Boom
It's "Won't Back Down" meets "Warrior" when a Boston biology teacher (Kevin James) tries to raise funds to support a school music program that's being cut. James is convincing as the lovable loser giving his all, moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. He is the "boom" and makes it work because he dials it back a notch from his usual schtick. The cage fight scenes feel real enough and not faked because James plays it straight up. Henry Winkler and Selma Hayek round out the great cast of supporting characters. This very funny film is inspiring and effective because it packs a well-balanced combination punch: action, humor, and heart. It's a find-your-passion and don't-give-up message the drives delightful story that well laid out. Movie audiences may be lured in for the laughs, but they will be surprised when they realise their emotional connection.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Holly Holy at the Octagon" stars out of 4.
It's "Won't Back Down" meets "Warrior" when a Boston biology teacher (Kevin James) tries to raise funds to support a school music program that's being cut. James is convincing as the lovable loser giving his all, moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. He is the "boom" and makes it work because he dials it back a notch from his usual schtick. The cage fight scenes feel real enough and not faked because James plays it straight up. Henry Winkler and Selma Hayek round out the great cast of supporting characters. This very funny film is inspiring and effective because it packs a well-balanced combination punch: action, humor, and heart. It's a find-your-passion and don't-give-up message the drives delightful story that well laid out. Movie audiences may be lured in for the laughs, but they will be surprised when they realise their emotional connection.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Holly Holy at the Octagon" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Argo
Based on declassified government files, Ben Affleck directs and stars in a behind-the-scene look at a covert CIA mission implausible to rescue six Americans during the Iran hostage situation. It's intense drama as these people risk life and death to escape a country under lock down. Movie mogul (John Goodman and Alan Arkin are very funny) and CIA operative humor help to lighten the mood and heighten the absurdity of the proposed plan. Film footage, hair & clothing styles, and music contribute to the realism of this period piece. The movie is still riveting even though the outcome is already part of history. Look for picture comparisons to the real life counterparts and some words from President Carter at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the best bad idea we got" stars out of 4.
Based on declassified government files, Ben Affleck directs and stars in a behind-the-scene look at a covert CIA mission implausible to rescue six Americans during the Iran hostage situation. It's intense drama as these people risk life and death to escape a country under lock down. Movie mogul (John Goodman and Alan Arkin are very funny) and CIA operative humor help to lighten the mood and heighten the absurdity of the proposed plan. Film footage, hair & clothing styles, and music contribute to the realism of this period piece. The movie is still riveting even though the outcome is already part of history. Look for picture comparisons to the real life counterparts and some words from President Carter at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the best bad idea we got" stars out of 4.
Frankenweenie
Alien got invited to another Nielsen screening back in early July, but a non-disclosure agreement prohibits publishing my review until this film is released or when the preview screenings begin.
Rodan, Godzilla, and Sea Monkeys, oh my!
It's "Frankenstein" meets "Lassie" when a young Victor Frankenstein attempts to re-animate his dead pet Sparky through a Ben Franklin-like experiment. Leave it to Tim Burton to create an eerie black and white stop-motion animated tribute to the classic B horror flicks. If you didn't grow up watching those kinds of films, you may not get the many monster references nor appreciate the lighting and shadowing effects. It's boys will be boys as the science fair project competition gets well out of hand. This creatively funny film questions "is science good or bad" and "when should we let go of things we love". Alien wouldn't exactly call this Disney movie a family film, unless you are the Addams family. This one may be a little too creepy for the very young kiddies.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "celebrating Dutch Days" stars out of 4.
Alien got invited to another Nielsen screening back in early July, but a non-disclosure agreement prohibits publishing my review until this film is released or when the preview screenings begin.
Rodan, Godzilla, and Sea Monkeys, oh my!
It's "Frankenstein" meets "Lassie" when a young Victor Frankenstein attempts to re-animate his dead pet Sparky through a Ben Franklin-like experiment. Leave it to Tim Burton to create an eerie black and white stop-motion animated tribute to the classic B horror flicks. If you didn't grow up watching those kinds of films, you may not get the many monster references nor appreciate the lighting and shadowing effects. It's boys will be boys as the science fair project competition gets well out of hand. This creatively funny film questions "is science good or bad" and "when should we let go of things we love". Alien wouldn't exactly call this Disney movie a family film, unless you are the Addams family. This one may be a little too creepy for the very young kiddies.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "celebrating Dutch Days" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Taken 2
Here we go again. If you have seen the original, you'll know exactly what to expect. Beware of the Albanians who try to take a retired CIA operative (Liam Neeson) and his family (Maggie Grace & Famke Janssen) hostage in Istanbul because they hold him responsible for the deaths of their kin (from the first film). It is high action with dizzying quick film cuts during the car chase and the hand-to-hand fight scenes. If you don't sweat the gun with endless ammo and the convenient coincidences, you'll have an entertaining time at the movies watching the man who will do what he does best. But Alien did like the original better.
Alien gives it 3 "driving lessons for the daughter" stars out of 4.
Here we go again. If you have seen the original, you'll know exactly what to expect. Beware of the Albanians who try to take a retired CIA operative (Liam Neeson) and his family (Maggie Grace & Famke Janssen) hostage in Istanbul because they hold him responsible for the deaths of their kin (from the first film). It is high action with dizzying quick film cuts during the car chase and the hand-to-hand fight scenes. If you don't sweat the gun with endless ammo and the convenient coincidences, you'll have an entertaining time at the movies watching the man who will do what he does best. But Alien did like the original better.
Alien gives it 3 "driving lessons for the daughter" stars out of 4.
Monday, October 01, 2012
Dredd
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This futuristic "Dirty Harry" is judge, jury, and executioner in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is sent on assignment with a rookie and ends up in bloody firefight against a vicious drug warlord. The 3D effects are fabulous as they exploit depth, space, and time. The grafitti-ed ghetto slum contrasts high tech weaponry with an explosive bloodbath of bodies, some just caught in the crossfire. This is a great shoot 'em up guilty pleasure action flick.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Mega-City is a meat grinder" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This futuristic "Dirty Harry" is judge, jury, and executioner in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is sent on assignment with a rookie and ends up in bloody firefight against a vicious drug warlord. The 3D effects are fabulous as they exploit depth, space, and time. The grafitti-ed ghetto slum contrasts high tech weaponry with an explosive bloodbath of bodies, some just caught in the crossfire. This is a great shoot 'em up guilty pleasure action flick.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Mega-City is a meat grinder" stars out of 4.
