Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Closed Circuit
It's shades of Oklahoma City & Boston Marathon when a terrorist attack strikes in the heart of London. Two British legal system attorneys (Eric Bana & Rebecca Hall) with a secret past become entangled in a possible conspiracy scheme while defending the terrorist suspect. This old fashion suspense thriller will make you suspicious of everyone as lives are threatened. The film's title, "Closed Circuit", feels more like a marketing ploy because "The Setup" would seem to be a more fitting name. Some may be disappointed by the ending, but Alien thinks it was an inevitable conclusion given the preceding events.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Borough Market Bombing" stars out of 4.
It's shades of Oklahoma City & Boston Marathon when a terrorist attack strikes in the heart of London. Two British legal system attorneys (Eric Bana & Rebecca Hall) with a secret past become entangled in a possible conspiracy scheme while defending the terrorist suspect. This old fashion suspense thriller will make you suspicious of everyone as lives are threatened. The film's title, "Closed Circuit", feels more like a marketing ploy because "The Setup" would seem to be a more fitting name. Some may be disappointed by the ending, but Alien thinks it was an inevitable conclusion given the preceding events.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Borough Market Bombing" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 26, 2013
The Grandmaster
It's north meets south as the best of the best Chinese kung fu experts compete prior to the Japanese invasion. The story of Ip Man (Grandmaster who taught Bruce Lee) is beautifully portrayed with stylized kung fu choreographed duels. A platonic love story and a family power struggle serve as subplots. If you understand Cantonese and/or Mandarin, it will be a plus to enjoyment of this English subtitled film. Stay for some more kung fu action in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "64 hands, 1 button, and a code of honor" stars out of 4.
It's north meets south as the best of the best Chinese kung fu experts compete prior to the Japanese invasion. The story of Ip Man (Grandmaster who taught Bruce Lee) is beautifully portrayed with stylized kung fu choreographed duels. A platonic love story and a family power struggle serve as subplots. If you understand Cantonese and/or Mandarin, it will be a plus to enjoyment of this English subtitled film. Stay for some more kung fu action in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "64 hands, 1 button, and a code of honor" stars out of 4.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Flight of the Butterflies (IMAX 3D)
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A young Canadian boy wonders where do all the monarch butterflies go and he finally finds out a life time later. This wonderful film tells the fascinating story of the monarch butterflies and reveals these tiny travelers' magnificent migration mystery. See how the scientists were able prove the monarchs' cross-continental trip. The movie will leave you with an impressive image of Mother Nature's awesome power.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "PS 397" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A young Canadian boy wonders where do all the monarch butterflies go and he finally finds out a life time later. This wonderful film tells the fascinating story of the monarch butterflies and reveals these tiny travelers' magnificent migration mystery. See how the scientists were able prove the monarchs' cross-continental trip. The movie will leave you with an impressive image of Mother Nature's awesome power.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "PS 397" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
The World's End
A man's dream of completing a 12 bar pub crawl in his hometown with his old school buddies turns into an "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"/"Stepford Wives" nightmare. Director Edgar Wright and actors Simon Pegg & Nick Frost team up again to spoof camaraderie, drinking, and alien invasion. The clever script will keep the laughs coming in this comedy of silliness. Alien felt it was funnier than "Hot Fuzz" but not as funny as "Shaun of the Dead". It is goofy fun, but may not be everybody's taste.
Alien gives it 3 "The Golden Mile" stars out of 4.
A man's dream of completing a 12 bar pub crawl in his hometown with his old school buddies turns into an "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"/"Stepford Wives" nightmare. Director Edgar Wright and actors Simon Pegg & Nick Frost team up again to spoof camaraderie, drinking, and alien invasion. The clever script will keep the laughs coming in this comedy of silliness. Alien felt it was funnier than "Hot Fuzz" but not as funny as "Shaun of the Dead". It is goofy fun, but may not be everybody's taste.
Alien gives it 3 "The Golden Mile" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Lee Daniels' The Butler
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Inspired by the real White House butler who served 8 presidents, it's a fictionalized account of a cotton picker's life interwoven with the historical events of the day as Forest Whitaker plays it Forest Gump style. Whitaker's performance is exceptional. Oprah Winfrey is also wonderful as the wife. Amongst this all-star cast, some of other actor selections may surprise you. It is a touching and powerful story about a man and his family while the world was dealing with issues like civil rights and Viet Nam.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "two faces" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Inspired by the real White House butler who served 8 presidents, it's a fictionalized account of a cotton picker's life interwoven with the historical events of the day as Forest Whitaker plays it Forest Gump style. Whitaker's performance is exceptional. Oprah Winfrey is also wonderful as the wife. Amongst this all-star cast, some of other actor selections may surprise you. It is a touching and powerful story about a man and his family while the world was dealing with issues like civil rights and Viet Nam.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "two faces" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 19, 2013
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Demons, witches, and shadowhunters... oh my!
Brace yourself for a wild one. It's "Twilight" meets "Indiana Jones & the Last Crusades" meets "Star Wars" as a young girl (Lily Collins) discovers that she is the key to a hidden world of demons & angels. Here, the vampires don't sparkle and the werewolves clothing replacement is addressed. Hiding in plain sight, a magical portal, and spell-powered tattoos are featured in this action-packed thriller with intriguing mystery and a little romance. Collins is perfect for the part. Based on a popular book series, this looks like a good start for more adventures.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Ace of Cups" stars out of 4.
Demons, witches, and shadowhunters... oh my!
Brace yourself for a wild one. It's "Twilight" meets "Indiana Jones & the Last Crusades" meets "Star Wars" as a young girl (Lily Collins) discovers that she is the key to a hidden world of demons & angels. Here, the vampires don't sparkle and the werewolves clothing replacement is addressed. Hiding in plain sight, a magical portal, and spell-powered tattoos are featured in this action-packed thriller with intriguing mystery and a little romance. Collins is perfect for the part. Based on a popular book series, this looks like a good start for more adventures.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Ace of Cups" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
You're Next
Lamb, tiger, & wolf... Oh my!
It's "The Strangers" meets "Home Alone" meets scaled down "Die Hard" when a dysfunctional family reunion becomes a game of Ten Little Indians. You can pretty much figure out where this low budget film is going when it opens with a gratuitous sex scene and a barely clothed female strolling past an open sliding glass door. A maul, a machete, and a cross bow are the weapons of choice by a gang of mysterious masked intruders. The girlfriend, Erin (Sharni Vinson), must "Step Up" to the occasion if anyone is going to survive the night. It's survival of the fittest in this intense murder & mayhem mystery that may surprise you if you don't sweat the details. At times, it's hilariously gruesome with a side of cheese. Just relax and don't take it too seriously.
Alien gives it 3 "yippy-kai-yay, girlfriend" stars out of 4.
Lamb, tiger, & wolf... Oh my!
It's "The Strangers" meets "Home Alone" meets scaled down "Die Hard" when a dysfunctional family reunion becomes a game of Ten Little Indians. You can pretty much figure out where this low budget film is going when it opens with a gratuitous sex scene and a barely clothed female strolling past an open sliding glass door. A maul, a machete, and a cross bow are the weapons of choice by a gang of mysterious masked intruders. The girlfriend, Erin (Sharni Vinson), must "Step Up" to the occasion if anyone is going to survive the night. It's survival of the fittest in this intense murder & mayhem mystery that may surprise you if you don't sweat the details. At times, it's hilariously gruesome with a side of cheese. Just relax and don't take it too seriously.
Alien gives it 3 "yippy-kai-yay, girlfriend" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Paranoia
An ambitious tech up-an-comer (Liam Hemsworth) with financial obligations gets blackmailed into the world of corporate espionage. Even casting Gary Oldman as the old boss, Harrison Ford as the new boss, and Richard Dreyfuss as the father could compensate for the lack of suspense in this supposed thriller. The plot's predictability kills any real sense of danger for the hero. Hemsworth's handsomeness and shirtless scenes can't carry the film. The movie, like the hero, is dressed up pretending to be better than it is and needs a talented supporting cast hide it flaw.
Alien gives it 2 "big brother" stars out of 4.
An ambitious tech up-an-comer (Liam Hemsworth) with financial obligations gets blackmailed into the world of corporate espionage. Even casting Gary Oldman as the old boss, Harrison Ford as the new boss, and Richard Dreyfuss as the father could compensate for the lack of suspense in this supposed thriller. The plot's predictability kills any real sense of danger for the hero. Hemsworth's handsomeness and shirtless scenes can't carry the film. The movie, like the hero, is dressed up pretending to be better than it is and needs a talented supporting cast hide it flaw.
Alien gives it 2 "big brother" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Kick-Ass 2
Oh, Mother Russia!
It's amateur Avengers/Justice League meets "Mean Girls" in this sequel spoofing fans of comic book superheroes. Little Mindy McCready (Chloe Grace Moretz) aka Hit Girl is back for some high schooling & more vigilante justice. As the gang grows up, they must make some crucial decisions effecting their futures. It's superheroes versus supervillains in this ultra violent & super funny romp through comic book geekdom. If you liked the original, you'll be treated to more of the same craziness & cussing. It's edgy comic book fun, not to be taken seriously. At the end of the credits, there is one more laugh for the audience who didn't leave too soon.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Justice Forever" stars out of 4.
Oh, Mother Russia!
It's amateur Avengers/Justice League meets "Mean Girls" in this sequel spoofing fans of comic book superheroes. Little Mindy McCready (Chloe Grace Moretz) aka Hit Girl is back for some high schooling & more vigilante justice. As the gang grows up, they must make some crucial decisions effecting their futures. It's superheroes versus supervillains in this ultra violent & super funny romp through comic book geekdom. If you liked the original, you'll be treated to more of the same craziness & cussing. It's edgy comic book fun, not to be taken seriously. At the end of the credits, there is one more laugh for the audience who didn't leave too soon.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Justice Forever" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Battle of the Year (3D)
It's USA versus Korea, Germany, and France in the battle of the B-Boys. The predictable plot reads like a made for TV movie. This classic underdog story involves undisciplined talent with ego issues and a strict coach that may have a drinking problem and has given up on life. Witness some amazing hip hop dance moves. The dance routines look great in 3D but probably not worth the extra cost. It's an okay film, but just a step down from "Step Up". The real Battle of the Year competition may be big in Europe, but is hip hop history in America? Let the box office numbers decide.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "no I in team" stars out of 4.
It's USA versus Korea, Germany, and France in the battle of the B-Boys. The predictable plot reads like a made for TV movie. This classic underdog story involves undisciplined talent with ego issues and a strict coach that may have a drinking problem and has given up on life. Witness some amazing hip hop dance moves. The dance routines look great in 3D but probably not worth the extra cost. It's an okay film, but just a step down from "Step Up". The real Battle of the Year competition may be big in Europe, but is hip hop history in America? Let the box office numbers decide.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "no I in team" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Elysium
It's "District 9" meets "Oblivion" meets "I, Robot" with Jason Bourne in an exoskeleton. A factory worker/ex-con (Matt Damon) becomes desperate to reach Elysium, an utopian space station where the rich have fled in order to avoid the poor and sick on a diseased & polluted Earth. The special effects are awesome. Jodie Foster & Sharito Copely give outstanding performances. Intense action drives this plot involving crossing the border, data theft, finding a cure, and a coup attempt.
Alien gives it 3 "apartheid society" stars out of 4.
It's "District 9" meets "Oblivion" meets "I, Robot" with Jason Bourne in an exoskeleton. A factory worker/ex-con (Matt Damon) becomes desperate to reach Elysium, an utopian space station where the rich have fled in order to avoid the poor and sick on a diseased & polluted Earth. The special effects are awesome. Jodie Foster & Sharito Copely give outstanding performances. Intense action drives this plot involving crossing the border, data theft, finding a cure, and a coup attempt.
Alien gives it 3 "apartheid society" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
We're the Millers
A drug dealer (Jason Sudeikis), a stripper (Jennifer Aniston), a runaway (Emma Roberts), and a dork go on a hilarious RV road trip smuggling pot across the border. Aniston & Roberts try to break away from their good girl images in this 'R' rated film. Scenes of humorous sexual edginess are portrayed involving stripping, kissing, fondling, and tarantula biting. In the end, it's all about family. A gag reel runs at the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "fake family" stars out of 4.
A drug dealer (Jason Sudeikis), a stripper (Jennifer Aniston), a runaway (Emma Roberts), and a dork go on a hilarious RV road trip smuggling pot across the border. Aniston & Roberts try to break away from their good girl images in this 'R' rated film. Scenes of humorous sexual edginess are portrayed involving stripping, kissing, fondling, and tarantula biting. In the end, it's all about family. A gag reel runs at the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "fake family" stars out of 4.
Monday, August 05, 2013
Planes (3D)
It's "Cars" with wings meets "The Amazing Race" when a crop duster dreams of being a racer. (Hey, isn't that the general plot of "Turbo"?) If this was a Tom Cruise movie, this "Little Engine That Could" story would be a cross between "Top Gun" & "Days of Thunder". Disney Studios has created an entertaining animated 3D film containing themes of helping others, overcoming your fears, and never giving up. Very young kids may get a little bored because the movie seems to favor the old age groups.
Alien gives it 3 "Wings Over the Globe Rally" stars out of 4.
It's "Cars" with wings meets "The Amazing Race" when a crop duster dreams of being a racer. (Hey, isn't that the general plot of "Turbo"?) If this was a Tom Cruise movie, this "Little Engine That Could" story would be a cross between "Top Gun" & "Days of Thunder". Disney Studios has created an entertaining animated 3D film containing themes of helping others, overcoming your fears, and never giving up. Very young kids may get a little bored because the movie seems to favor the old age groups.
Alien gives it 3 "Wings Over the Globe Rally" stars out of 4.
Saturday, August 03, 2013
One Direction: This is Us (3D)
It's 1D in 3D! Get close up and personal with the latest hot boy band on their world-wide tour. See how X-Factor's Simon Cowell put these talented singers together and witness their meteoric rise to fame and fortune. See their appeal to young & teenage girls as they play to the hearts of their rabid fans with their songs. It's also boys will be boys as the five have playful fun with their pranks. See them on stage, in public, with family, and on their megacruiser. This docu-tour follows the boys over 100 shows for two and a half years in London, the U.S., Tokyo, Europe, and Mexico with only five days to be home with family. It is a fun entertaining show about five guys and their bond together. Stay seated for the gag reel during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "rock insulin" stars out of 4.
It's 1D in 3D! Get close up and personal with the latest hot boy band on their world-wide tour. See how X-Factor's Simon Cowell put these talented singers together and witness their meteoric rise to fame and fortune. See their appeal to young & teenage girls as they play to the hearts of their rabid fans with their songs. It's also boys will be boys as the five have playful fun with their pranks. See them on stage, in public, with family, and on their megacruiser. This docu-tour follows the boys over 100 shows for two and a half years in London, the U.S., Tokyo, Europe, and Mexico with only five days to be home with family. It is a fun entertaining show about five guys and their bond together. Stay seated for the gag reel during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "rock insulin" stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (3D)
Cyclops, centaurs, and satyrs... oh my!
It's "Clash of the Titans" meets "Harry Potter" when the son of Poseidon (Logan Lerman) and gang tackle another quest to save the world and Olympus. Has this "Lightning Thief" sequel become a J.K. Rowling thief? This is not a complaint because it is an improvement over the first movie. This twisted Greek mythology 3D adventure includes a rampaging mechanical bull, a Civil War ironclad, a crew of zombie rebels, and the magical Golden Fleece. The series seems to have made the right course change through the "Sea of Monsters" and on its way to meet destiny.
Alien gives it 3 "making your own destiny" stars out of 4.
Cyclops, centaurs, and satyrs... oh my!
It's "Clash of the Titans" meets "Harry Potter" when the son of Poseidon (Logan Lerman) and gang tackle another quest to save the world and Olympus. Has this "Lightning Thief" sequel become a J.K. Rowling thief? This is not a complaint because it is an improvement over the first movie. This twisted Greek mythology 3D adventure includes a rampaging mechanical bull, a Civil War ironclad, a crew of zombie rebels, and the magical Golden Fleece. The series seems to have made the right course change through the "Sea of Monsters" and on its way to meet destiny.
Alien gives it 3 "making your own destiny" stars out of 4.
