Tuesday, March 26, 2013
G.I. Joe: Retaliation (3D)
It's shades of "Olympus Has Fallen" and "RED" as terrorists take over the White House and make a nuclear threat while Bruce Willis plays a has-been, retired but extremely dangerous. Slick weaponry, army acrobatics, choreographed combat, and rope-swinging, rock-climbing ninjas dazzle on the big screen with big explosions in 3D. Willis and Dwayne Johnson are the dynamic duo packing a one-two punch righting the wrong in this action-packed thrill ride with a touch of humor and a hint of corniness. If you didn't see the first G.I. Joe movie, it doesn't really matter; even though it had a major cliff hanger. The plot is rather simple and predictable, but no one comes for the plot; they just come for the crazy action and fight scenes. It's definitely a guilty pleasure creation spawned from those childhood memories of fun Hasbro army play. See whether your favorite Joe will do or die.
Alien gives it 3 "firefly arsenal" stars out of 4.
It's shades of "Olympus Has Fallen" and "RED" as terrorists take over the White House and make a nuclear threat while Bruce Willis plays a has-been, retired but extremely dangerous. Slick weaponry, army acrobatics, choreographed combat, and rope-swinging, rock-climbing ninjas dazzle on the big screen with big explosions in 3D. Willis and Dwayne Johnson are the dynamic duo packing a one-two punch righting the wrong in this action-packed thrill ride with a touch of humor and a hint of corniness. If you didn't see the first G.I. Joe movie, it doesn't really matter; even though it had a major cliff hanger. The plot is rather simple and predictable, but no one comes for the plot; they just come for the crazy action and fight scenes. It's definitely a guilty pleasure creation spawned from those childhood memories of fun Hasbro army play. See whether your favorite Joe will do or die.
Alien gives it 3 "firefly arsenal" stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Host
It's "Warm Bodies" meets "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" meets "Sybil" when aliens invade Earth
taking over humans and searching out the remaining resistors. Depending on your expectations, you may be disappointed or surprised by this movie. It is more of a human spirit story than science fiction. It is more of a battle over the body than the planet as symbiant and host begin to understand each other. Deep down it is basically another disguised silly love story by Stephenie Meyer. Some moments become comical, especially the love triangle that is more of a foursome. And apparently, these invaders prefer white uniforms, shiny silver vehicles, and Costco-like stores filled with generic brand products.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sci-Fi Meyerized" stars out of 4.
It's "Warm Bodies" meets "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" meets "Sybil" when aliens invade Earth
taking over humans and searching out the remaining resistors. Depending on your expectations, you may be disappointed or surprised by this movie. It is more of a human spirit story than science fiction. It is more of a battle over the body than the planet as symbiant and host begin to understand each other. Deep down it is basically another disguised silly love story by Stephenie Meyer. Some moments become comical, especially the love triangle that is more of a foursome. And apparently, these invaders prefer white uniforms, shiny silver vehicles, and Costco-like stores filled with generic brand products.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sci-Fi Meyerized" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Stoker
A car accident, a funeral, and a visitor set in motion a most disturbing story about 3 peculiar people; the daughter (Mia Waskowska), the mother (Nicole Kidman), and the uncle (Mathew Goode). The movie is artistically crafted with skillfully calculated visuals and audios, however, the Stoker family secrets are slow to unravel in this psychological non-thriller with a body count. Goode is crazy good as his character's charm and utter creepiness sets the tone of uneasiness. This movie is definitely not for everyone, unless your tastes tend to trend toward the oddly off-centered; from the crawling spider in the beginning to the reverse credits crawler at the end.
Alien gives it 2 "bad blood brewing" stars out of 4.
A car accident, a funeral, and a visitor set in motion a most disturbing story about 3 peculiar people; the daughter (Mia Waskowska), the mother (Nicole Kidman), and the uncle (Mathew Goode). The movie is artistically crafted with skillfully calculated visuals and audios, however, the Stoker family secrets are slow to unravel in this psychological non-thriller with a body count. Goode is crazy good as his character's charm and utter creepiness sets the tone of uneasiness. This movie is definitely not for everyone, unless your tastes tend to trend toward the oddly off-centered; from the crawling spider in the beginning to the reverse credits crawler at the end.
Alien gives it 2 "bad blood brewing" stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Evil Dead
Five young adults, a remote cabin in the woods, and a Book of the Dead... what could go wrong?
This is a remake of a series that Alien never saw so I can't make any comparisons here. But it is the classic horror setup and plot. Warnings are ignored. A demon is released. Cast members fall, one by one. Who will survive? Is it gory good or bloody awful? That depends on your opinion of tool time trauma and body injuries calculated to make cringe and groan. Suspense and shock drive this murderous mayhem movie. If you stay through the credits, you'll get comment from one the film's producers.
Alien gives it 2 "drug intervention gone terribly wrong" stars out of 4.
Five young adults, a remote cabin in the woods, and a Book of the Dead... what could go wrong?
This is a remake of a series that Alien never saw so I can't make any comparisons here. But it is the classic horror setup and plot. Warnings are ignored. A demon is released. Cast members fall, one by one. Who will survive? Is it gory good or bloody awful? That depends on your opinion of tool time trauma and body injuries calculated to make cringe and groan. Suspense and shock drive this murderous mayhem movie. If you stay through the credits, you'll get comment from one the film's producers.
Alien gives it 2 "drug intervention gone terribly wrong" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Call
"9-1-1, What is your emergency?"
A 911 dispatcher (Halle Berry), who gets traumatized by an emergency call gone bad, takes her work too personally when a stalker kidnaps the former "Little Miss Sunshine" (Abigail Breslin). This film gives us a glimpse into their two worlds. One is the Call Center with its multi-computer screens and quiet room. The other is mostly the inside of a car trunk. It's an extremely intense thriller with a scary villain capable of doing whatever it takes to obtain his psychotic goals. Beware of the Capricorns, because they may just surprise you.
Alien gives it 3 "survival tips" stars out of 4.
"9-1-1, What is your emergency?"
A 911 dispatcher (Halle Berry), who gets traumatized by an emergency call gone bad, takes her work too personally when a stalker kidnaps the former "Little Miss Sunshine" (Abigail Breslin). This film gives us a glimpse into their two worlds. One is the Call Center with its multi-computer screens and quiet room. The other is mostly the inside of a car trunk. It's an extremely intense thriller with a scary villain capable of doing whatever it takes to obtain his psychotic goals. Beware of the Capricorns, because they may just surprise you.
Alien gives it 3 "survival tips" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Olympus Has Fallen
Olympus has fallen and it can't get up.
It's "Die Hard" meets "Red Dawn" meets "In the Line of Fire" when RUTHLESS terrorists attack our Nation's Capitol and a secret service agent removed from the presidential detail must save the day. This action packed thriller features 'take no prisoners' violence and Hollywood patriotic American flag waving theatrics. Butler is this film's John McClane, whose sharp barbs are less with the tongue and more with the blade. Like the White House flag during the first attack wave, this story is riddled with holes. However, if you just turn off your brain, you may enjoy this unrealistic but ridiculously entertaining adrenalin rush that lets you boo & hiss and cheer at those appropriate and predictable moments. Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, and Angela Basset are the big name draws with little substance roles.
Alien gives it 3 "seconds to weapons of mass destruction" stars out of 4.
Olympus has fallen and it can't get up.
It's "Die Hard" meets "Red Dawn" meets "In the Line of Fire" when RUTHLESS terrorists attack our Nation's Capitol and a secret service agent removed from the presidential detail must save the day. This action packed thriller features 'take no prisoners' violence and Hollywood patriotic American flag waving theatrics. Butler is this film's John McClane, whose sharp barbs are less with the tongue and more with the blade. Like the White House flag during the first attack wave, this story is riddled with holes. However, if you just turn off your brain, you may enjoy this unrealistic but ridiculously entertaining adrenalin rush that lets you boo & hiss and cheer at those appropriate and predictable moments. Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, and Angela Basset are the big name draws with little substance roles.
Alien gives it 3 "seconds to weapons of mass destruction" stars out of 4.
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
Steve Carell, Steve Biscemi, Jim Carrey, Alan Arkin, and Olivia Wilde perform their bag of tricks in this Masters of Illusions spoof. It's traditional versus edgy street magic. See the rise & fall and the comeback of two prestidigitation partners. If you like the comedy antics of Carell & Carrey, you should enjoy this showcase of silliness. The talents of Arkin, Buscemi, & Wilde are under utilized. Alien only found it mildly amusing with the biggest laugh saved for the finale.
Alien gives it 2 "human pinata" stars out of 4.
Steve Carell, Steve Biscemi, Jim Carrey, Alan Arkin, and Olivia Wilde perform their bag of tricks in this Masters of Illusions spoof. It's traditional versus edgy street magic. See the rise & fall and the comeback of two prestidigitation partners. If you like the comedy antics of Carell & Carrey, you should enjoy this showcase of silliness. The talents of Arkin, Buscemi, & Wilde are under utilized. Alien only found it mildly amusing with the biggest laugh saved for the finale.
Alien gives it 2 "human pinata" stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Dead Man Down
Two victims of tragedies form an odd alliance in this dark tale of obsession, murder, and revenge. Terrence Howard plays one of the main targets. He is being stalked by the Irish Colin Farrell who plays a Hungarian speaking with an American accent. His accomplice is the Swedish Noomi Rapace playing a French woman speaking French and English. Look for a lot of gun play and explosions in this action flick which seems a bit silly at times.
Alien gives it 2 "chartreusse rabbit's foot" stars out of 4.
Two victims of tragedies form an odd alliance in this dark tale of obsession, murder, and revenge. Terrence Howard plays one of the main targets. He is being stalked by the Irish Colin Farrell who plays a Hungarian speaking with an American accent. His accomplice is the Swedish Noomi Rapace playing a French woman speaking French and English. Look for a lot of gun play and explosions in this action flick which seems a bit silly at times.
Alien gives it 2 "chartreusse rabbit's foot" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Oz: The Great & Powerful (3D)
Seventy-five years after the classic "The Wizard of Oz", Disney has created a prequel explaining how a womanizing carny con man magician from Kansas came to fulfill a prophesy. It is a stunningly beautiful looking film with some terrific animated characters (such as the winged monkey and the china doll) and a great story line. This wonderful homage to the original will delight the nostalgic fans.
Alien gives it 3 "smoke & mirrors" stars out of 4.
Seventy-five years after the classic "The Wizard of Oz", Disney has created a prequel explaining how a womanizing carny con man magician from Kansas came to fulfill a prophesy. It is a stunningly beautiful looking film with some terrific animated characters (such as the winged monkey and the china doll) and a great story line. This wonderful homage to the original will delight the nostalgic fans.
Alien gives it 3 "smoke & mirrors" stars out of 4.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
The Croods (3D)
It's "Ice Age" with humans meets "Avatar" meets "Road Trip" when a prehistoric cave family, the Croods, must flee for their lives after the destruction of their cave sanctuary. Along the way, they encounter a stranger, fire, and lots of mashup creature combos. Family fun and hilarity for young and old are featured in this delightful 3D animation from DreamWorks. The importance of family is emphasized in this evolution revolution tale. At the end of the credits, a trio of elephant mice trumpet the finale.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "must follow the light" stars out of 4.
It's "Ice Age" with humans meets "Avatar" meets "Road Trip" when a prehistoric cave family, the Croods, must flee for their lives after the destruction of their cave sanctuary. Along the way, they encounter a stranger, fire, and lots of mashup creature combos. Family fun and hilarity for young and old are featured in this delightful 3D animation from DreamWorks. The importance of family is emphasized in this evolution revolution tale. At the end of the credits, a trio of elephant mice trumpet the finale.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "must follow the light" stars out of 4.
