Wednesday, May 29, 2013
After Earth
It's the 'Smith' Family Robinson "Lost is Space" meets "Alien" when a father & son (Will & Jaden Smith) crash land on Earth over a thousand years after humans have abandoned their decimated planet. This is basically a rite of passage story where a young boy sets off into the wilds to survive for days on his own with little more than a knife, but with a sci-fi twist. Jaden is the movie's showcase feature with Will taking a back seat & exhibiting as much emotion as Mr. Spock. Pay close attention at the beginning because too much information comes too fast making the setup information confusing. Jaden is merely playing the "Karate Kid" role again and Will's acting talents are wasted here just to promote his son.
Alien gives it 3 "danger is real & fear is a choice" stars out of 4.
It's the 'Smith' Family Robinson "Lost is Space" meets "Alien" when a father & son (Will & Jaden Smith) crash land on Earth over a thousand years after humans have abandoned their decimated planet. This is basically a rite of passage story where a young boy sets off into the wilds to survive for days on his own with little more than a knife, but with a sci-fi twist. Jaden is the movie's showcase feature with Will taking a back seat & exhibiting as much emotion as Mr. Spock. Pay close attention at the beginning because too much information comes too fast making the setup information confusing. Jaden is merely playing the "Karate Kid" role again and Will's acting talents are wasted here just to promote his son.
Alien gives it 3 "danger is real & fear is a choice" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 27, 2013
The Heat
"Miss Congeniality" meets the Bridesmaid from hell in an "Odd Couple" buddy cop film. A straight-lace know-it-all FBI agent (Sandra Bullock) is forced to team up with a street-wise never-play-by-the-rules local Boston undercover cop (Melissa McCarthy) to make a major drug bust. This dynamic duo match up is a perfect pairing for hilarity. Beware that this "R" rated movie is not your typical Bullock comedy. The F-bombs are exploding frequently throughout the film. It's entertaining but fairly predictable.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sweatpants & Spanx" stars out of 4.
"Miss Congeniality" meets the Bridesmaid from hell in an "Odd Couple" buddy cop film. A straight-lace know-it-all FBI agent (Sandra Bullock) is forced to team up with a street-wise never-play-by-the-rules local Boston undercover cop (Melissa McCarthy) to make a major drug bust. This dynamic duo match up is a perfect pairing for hilarity. Beware that this "R" rated movie is not your typical Bullock comedy. The F-bombs are exploding frequently throughout the film. It's entertaining but fairly predictable.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Sweatpants & Spanx" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Now You See Me
Four street magicians (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fischer, & Dave Franco) get recruited by a mysterious benefactor for a spectacular 3 act performance playing Robin Hood in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and New York City. The tricks are huge and dare you to figure how they are done. Up front, you know it is all an illusion and it's all about misdirection. Who can resist magic? It's a fun ride, but the story is too contrived. Mark Ruffalo and Morgan Freeman round the cast as authorities trying to close in on this slick hocus pocus gang. The real secret here is movie magic.
Alien gives it 3 "Eye of Horus" stars out of 4.
Four street magicians (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fischer, & Dave Franco) get recruited by a mysterious benefactor for a spectacular 3 act performance playing Robin Hood in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and New York City. The tricks are huge and dare you to figure how they are done. Up front, you know it is all an illusion and it's all about misdirection. Who can resist magic? It's a fun ride, but the story is too contrived. Mark Ruffalo and Morgan Freeman round the cast as authorities trying to close in on this slick hocus pocus gang. The real secret here is movie magic.
Alien gives it 3 "Eye of Horus" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
This Is The End
It-s Judgment Day as Armageddon approaches in Seth's World. Producer/Director/Writer/Star Seth Rogen convinces his actor friends (Danny McBride, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, James Franco, & a whole slew of cameos) to play themselves in this end-of-the-world survival satire. If you like Rogen & McBride, you'll love this film because it reeks of their sense of humor and grossness. If you can't stand them, then save yourself and stay clear of this disaster film. These actors poke fun at themselves and the movies. It's rated "R" for raunchy and ridiculous.
Alien gives it 2 "demons & angels" stars out of 4.
It-s Judgment Day as Armageddon approaches in Seth's World. Producer/Director/Writer/Star Seth Rogen convinces his actor friends (Danny McBride, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, James Franco, & a whole slew of cameos) to play themselves in this end-of-the-world survival satire. If you like Rogen & McBride, you'll love this film because it reeks of their sense of humor and grossness. If you can't stand them, then save yourself and stay clear of this disaster film. These actors poke fun at themselves and the movies. It's rated "R" for raunchy and ridiculous.
Alien gives it 2 "demons & angels" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Hangover, Part III
The Wolf Pack is back.
While carrying out an intervention for Alan, the gang runs into some thugs looking for Mr. Chow and are forced to help. From there, the insanity takes them to Tijuana and back to Las Vegas. Everything here is so wrong but so hysterically funny. Look for a surprise cameo. The original is still the best of the bunch. The second is a lazy man's version of the same story with the location and the lost person changed. Don't get up to leave too soon or you may miss the biggest gag of the film; after all, its title is "The Hangover". So, will there be a Part IV?
Alien gives it 3 "gold ingots" stars out of 4.
The Wolf Pack is back.
While carrying out an intervention for Alan, the gang runs into some thugs looking for Mr. Chow and are forced to help. From there, the insanity takes them to Tijuana and back to Las Vegas. Everything here is so wrong but so hysterically funny. Look for a surprise cameo. The original is still the best of the bunch. The second is a lazy man's version of the same story with the location and the lost person changed. Don't get up to leave too soon or you may miss the biggest gag of the film; after all, its title is "The Hangover". So, will there be a Part IV?
Alien gives it 3 "gold ingots" stars out of 4.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Epic (3D)
It's "Avatar" meets "The Borrowers" meets "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" as good battles evil in the forest. This wonderful 3D animated adventure fantasy takes you into the hidden world of the Leaf Men & the Boggans. The characters, story line, and humor make this beautiful looking film entertaining enchantment for young and old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "pod of life" stars out of 4.
It's "Avatar" meets "The Borrowers" meets "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" as good battles evil in the forest. This wonderful 3D animated adventure fantasy takes you into the hidden world of the Leaf Men & the Boggans. The characters, story line, and humor make this beautiful looking film entertaining enchantment for young and old.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "pod of life" stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The Way Way Back
...or How I Spent My Summer Vacation.
A socially inept youth feels isolated on a trip to a beach resort with his mom (Toni Collette) and her
boyfriend (Steve Carell). In an attempt to avoid awkward situations, he ends up at a local water park where he finds friendship, support, and some confidence. Sam Rockwell & Allison Janney steal their scenes as quirky characters. AnnaSpohia Robb, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry and SNL's Maya Rudolph rounds out the supporting cast. This charming drama/comedy about finding yourself is an inspiring bittersweet coming-of-age story.
Alien gives it 3 "Water Whizz" stars out of 4.
...or How I Spent My Summer Vacation.
A socially inept youth feels isolated on a trip to a beach resort with his mom (Toni Collette) and her
boyfriend (Steve Carell). In an attempt to avoid awkward situations, he ends up at a local water park where he finds friendship, support, and some confidence. Sam Rockwell & Allison Janney steal their scenes as quirky characters. AnnaSpohia Robb, Amanda Peet, Rob Corddry and SNL's Maya Rudolph rounds out the supporting cast. This charming drama/comedy about finding yourself is an inspiring bittersweet coming-of-age story.
Alien gives it 3 "Water Whizz" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Star Trek Into Darkness (3D) Revisited
J.J. Abrams' first reboot was about introductions. This sequel is about getting comfortable with the Enterprise family. Alien enjoyed the familiarity while telling the story in a different way that plays well for old and new fans. Next, their 5 year mission to explore begins.
Alien gives it 4 "boldly gone where no one has gone before" stars out of 4.
J.J. Abrams' first reboot was about introductions. This sequel is about getting comfortable with the Enterprise family. Alien enjoyed the familiarity while telling the story in a different way that plays well for old and new fans. Next, their 5 year mission to explore begins.
Alien gives it 4 "boldly gone where no one has gone before" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Fast & Furious 6
The team is back together again when FBI agent Hobbs(Duane Johnson) makes Toretto(Vin Diesel) an offer he can't refuse, chasing a ghost(Michelle Rodriguez). The "Speed Racer" gang plays hi-tech demolition derby in the streets of London leading off the bad-ass vs bad-ass chess game battle in this nonstop Justin Lin-sanity. The stunts just keep getting bigger and more over-the-top with each installment. Expect some casualties of war and some surprising twists & turns including a set-up for #7 with a stunning cameo. In the end, it's all about family and "Fast & Furious fans won't be disappointed. Hot cars, hot girls, humor, and heavy doses of testosterone drive this continuing wild thrill ride daring to blow away the competition and leave them in the dust.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "ride or die" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 13, 2013
The Internship
Your favorite "Wedding Crashers" (Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson) are down-on-their-luck salesmen trying to reinvent themselves at Google. This outrageous fish-out-of-water comedy pits the older "Flashdance" generation against the "Quiditch" young adults. It's team work, never give up, and believe in your dreams as a team of "Bad News Bears" interns compete for permanent jobs at Googleplex. Realistic or not, this is a hilarious inside look at the company behind the famed search engine. OMG LMAO
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Noogler" stars out of 4.
Your favorite "Wedding Crashers" (Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson) are down-on-their-luck salesmen trying to reinvent themselves at Google. This outrageous fish-out-of-water comedy pits the older "Flashdance" generation against the "Quiditch" young adults. It's team work, never give up, and believe in your dreams as a team of "Bad News Bears" interns compete for permanent jobs at Googleplex. Realistic or not, this is a hilarious inside look at the company behind the famed search engine. OMG LMAO
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Noogler" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Star Trek Into Darkness (3D)
The crew of the Enterprise sets off on another thrilling mission in J.J. Abrams' alternate universe and in tribute to its origins. Trekkies will love seeing their favorite characters skillfully reincarnated and the sly Star Trek references. This may go over the heads of the newbies, but they won't be disappointed in the characters and the action. This adventure may seem familiar to some, but it has a few twists. One key character has been portrayed better in the past, but it isn't a bad performance, just different. Look for some funny moments to counter the intense drama. Alien doesn't recommend seeing this 3D spectacular from the front row (no choice in this special limited non-reserved seating event). The closeup faces get distorted and the action sequences are hard to track when you are that close to the screen. Another viewing will be necessary for a proper assessment, but Alien estimates it to be in the 3 to 4 "reboot" star range.
The crew of the Enterprise sets off on another thrilling mission in J.J. Abrams' alternate universe and in tribute to its origins. Trekkies will love seeing their favorite characters skillfully reincarnated and the sly Star Trek references. This may go over the heads of the newbies, but they won't be disappointed in the characters and the action. This adventure may seem familiar to some, but it has a few twists. One key character has been portrayed better in the past, but it isn't a bad performance, just different. Look for some funny moments to counter the intense drama. Alien doesn't recommend seeing this 3D spectacular from the front row (no choice in this special limited non-reserved seating event). The closeup faces get distorted and the action sequences are hard to track when you are that close to the screen. Another viewing will be necessary for a proper assessment, but Alien estimates it to be in the 3 to 4 "reboot" star range.
Monday, May 06, 2013
The Great Gatsby (3D)
Director Baz Luhrmann uses his creative talents to transform another classic tragic love story into a visual masterpiece with terrific performances by its cast. See the lavish and opulent lifestyle of the Long Island rich during the roaring 20's when a mysterious man (Leonardo DiCaprio) woos a married woman (Carey Mulligan) as told through the eyes of her cousin (Tobey McGuire). Fans of the F. Scott Fitzgerald book will probably love this interpretation. Those who struggled in their English class with this novel will probably struggle again to keep awake during the slow moving moments. Cliff Notes devotees will now have a video companion. Gatsby is a great film that is love it or hate it; be mesmerized or be lobotomized.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "reckless drivers" stars out of 4.
Director Baz Luhrmann uses his creative talents to transform another classic tragic love story into a visual masterpiece with terrific performances by its cast. See the lavish and opulent lifestyle of the Long Island rich during the roaring 20's when a mysterious man (Leonardo DiCaprio) woos a married woman (Carey Mulligan) as told through the eyes of her cousin (Tobey McGuire). Fans of the F. Scott Fitzgerald book will probably love this interpretation. Those who struggled in their English class with this novel will probably struggle again to keep awake during the slow moving moments. Cliff Notes devotees will now have a video companion. Gatsby is a great film that is love it or hate it; be mesmerized or be lobotomized.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "reckless drivers" stars out of 4.
