Monday, December 30, 2013
47 Ronin (3D)
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's Middle Earth meets Troy in feudal Japan when a half-breed (Keanu Reeves) and 47 ronin (samurai without a master) seek vengeance. Two sly villains scheme in a plot to eliminate a ruler, take his land, and marry off his daughter. A mythical beast, a shape-shifting witch, and demons highlight the special effects. Alien would not recommend paying for the 3D version because it does seem to add anything noticeable to the film. Great costumes, a palace, a castle, villages, and traditional customs represent the Japanese culture (but what part of Budapest filled in for Japan). Keanu is the obvious movie name draw amongst a bunch of unfamiliar Japanese ones, but his wooden speech pattern seems to fit the part. This fantasy action adventure is inspired by a legendary tale of real life 18th century warriors bound by honor and duty.
Alien gives it 3 "forbidden love" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's Middle Earth meets Troy in feudal Japan when a half-breed (Keanu Reeves) and 47 ronin (samurai without a master) seek vengeance. Two sly villains scheme in a plot to eliminate a ruler, take his land, and marry off his daughter. A mythical beast, a shape-shifting witch, and demons highlight the special effects. Alien would not recommend paying for the 3D version because it does seem to add anything noticeable to the film. Great costumes, a palace, a castle, villages, and traditional customs represent the Japanese culture (but what part of Budapest filled in for Japan). Keanu is the obvious movie name draw amongst a bunch of unfamiliar Japanese ones, but his wooden speech pattern seems to fit the part. This fantasy action adventure is inspired by a legendary tale of real life 18th century warriors bound by honor and duty.
Alien gives it 3 "forbidden love" stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Philomena
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Judi Dench & Steve Coogan become two unlikely traveling companions in a search for a lost son. Fifty years of guilt & wondering about a child taken suddenly away burden an Irish woman with shame. Dench gives an outstanding performance that will touch your heart. Coogan has produced and written a witty & dramatic script for this bittersweet true story about disappointment, forgiveness, and closure. Alien feels this is a wonderful winner that many will overlook.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Roscrea Abbey" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Judi Dench & Steve Coogan become two unlikely traveling companions in a search for a lost son. Fifty years of guilt & wondering about a child taken suddenly away burden an Irish woman with shame. Dench gives an outstanding performance that will touch your heart. Coogan has produced and written a witty & dramatic script for this bittersweet true story about disappointment, forgiveness, and closure. Alien feels this is a wonderful winner that many will overlook.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Roscrea Abbey" stars out of 4.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The old 2004 news team (Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate) is back for a sequel featuring more goofy silliness and stupidity spoofing newscasters & the news exploitation. The costumes and the music take you back to 1980. If you loved the original Ron Burgundy film, you'll probably be looking forward to more moronic humor. Alien felt it was rather a bore & snore until the BIG cameo clash of competitive news channels at the movie's climax. If you stay through the credits, you'll be exposed to one more scene of senseless foolishness.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "Global News Network" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The old 2004 news team (Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Christina Applegate) is back for a sequel featuring more goofy silliness and stupidity spoofing newscasters & the news exploitation. The costumes and the music take you back to 1980. If you loved the original Ron Burgundy film, you'll probably be looking forward to more moronic humor. Alien felt it was rather a bore & snore until the BIG cameo clash of competitive news channels at the movie's climax. If you stay through the credits, you'll be exposed to one more scene of senseless foolishness.
Alien gives it 1 ½ "Global News Network" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
The Wolf of Wall Street
A stockbroker's greed for money, drugs, and the good life drives him to excesses as he schemes to dupe his clients and earns him the nickname, the Wolf of Wall Street. Director Martin Scorsese has Leonardo DiCaprio & Jonah Hill play it way over the top in this dark comedy based on a true story. Life can be stranger than fiction. DiCaprio is superb as the slick fast talking stockbroker/con man who could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo. This master motivator dominates this outrageous 3-hour movie. The film is rated "R" for language, nudity, and drug use; all portrayed to the extreme, emphasizing the accustomed degenerate lifestyle of these characters. Scorsese manages to create a hilariously entertaining film out of some disturbing behavior.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Lemmon 714" stars out of 4.
A stockbroker's greed for money, drugs, and the good life drives him to excesses as he schemes to dupe his clients and earns him the nickname, the Wolf of Wall Street. Director Martin Scorsese has Leonardo DiCaprio & Jonah Hill play it way over the top in this dark comedy based on a true story. Life can be stranger than fiction. DiCaprio is superb as the slick fast talking stockbroker/con man who could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo. This master motivator dominates this outrageous 3-hour movie. The film is rated "R" for language, nudity, and drug use; all portrayed to the extreme, emphasizing the accustomed degenerate lifestyle of these characters. Scorsese manages to create a hilariously entertaining film out of some disturbing behavior.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Lemmon 714" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
American Hustle
Set in 1978, two con artists, a bad comb-over (Christian Bale) and a plunging neckline (Amy Adams), get caught by an ambitious FBI agent (Bradley Cooper). This paunchy Dark Knight and Enchanted princess-turned-seductress are forced into a scheme entrapping a suspected corrupt politician (Jeremy Renner). Jennifer Lawrence puts on a delightful performance straight out of the real housewives of New Jersey shore. The cars, the costumes, the hairdos, and music take you back to the 70s. It's a little slow in the setup but hilarious fun as you try to figure out who is conning who when the greed for money and power entices its victims. This movie is very loosely based on true events. Look for an uncredited cameo by a big time star.
Alien gives it 3 "Operation: Abscam" stars out of 4.
Set in 1978, two con artists, a bad comb-over (Christian Bale) and a plunging neckline (Amy Adams), get caught by an ambitious FBI agent (Bradley Cooper). This paunchy Dark Knight and Enchanted princess-turned-seductress are forced into a scheme entrapping a suspected corrupt politician (Jeremy Renner). Jennifer Lawrence puts on a delightful performance straight out of the real housewives of New Jersey shore. The cars, the costumes, the hairdos, and music take you back to the 70s. It's a little slow in the setup but hilarious fun as you try to figure out who is conning who when the greed for money and power entices its victims. This movie is very loosely based on true events. Look for an uncredited cameo by a big time star.
Alien gives it 3 "Operation: Abscam" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Inside Llewyn Davis
Follow the journey of a Greenwich Village folksinger struggling to make a living in 1961. Oscar Isaac plays the likable loser who seems to be headed nowhere. This is a Coen brothers production so you have to expect quirky. John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan, & F. Murray are the big name draws, but disappointingly, they only have bit parts. T-Bone Burnett's involvement insures some great music fitting for the times. Alas, the film like the lead character is full of despair and is aimlessly going in circles.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "lost cat, smoky coffee houses, & trudging through the snow" stars out of 4.
Follow the journey of a Greenwich Village folksinger struggling to make a living in 1961. Oscar Isaac plays the likable loser who seems to be headed nowhere. This is a Coen brothers production so you have to expect quirky. John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan, & F. Murray are the big name draws, but disappointingly, they only have bit parts. T-Bone Burnett's involvement insures some great music fitting for the times. Alas, the film like the lead character is full of despair and is aimlessly going in circles.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "lost cat, smoky coffee houses, & trudging through the snow" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Grudge Match
It's Rocky Balboa, the Italian Stallion, vs Jake LaMotta, the Raging Bull, in a movie match up over 3 decades in the making. Aging actors, Stallone & De Niro, take their best shot at exploiting their previous fight film performances, playing it for laughs, and throwing insult jabs at each other. Expect some funny scene stealing attempts from Alan Arkin, Kevin Hart, and the kid that plays the grandson. Then toss into the ring the beautiful Kim Basinger and a blindsiding twist for some heart-warming moments. The movie is not a main event but it lives up to the promotional hype of a novelty bout. During the credits, look for a surprise clip attempting to line up another classic rematch that boxing fans would pay to see.
Alien gives it 3 "Grudgement Day & Butterscotch Jellybeans" stars out of 4.
It's Rocky Balboa, the Italian Stallion, vs Jake LaMotta, the Raging Bull, in a movie match up over 3 decades in the making. Aging actors, Stallone & De Niro, take their best shot at exploiting their previous fight film performances, playing it for laughs, and throwing insult jabs at each other. Expect some funny scene stealing attempts from Alan Arkin, Kevin Hart, and the kid that plays the grandson. Then toss into the ring the beautiful Kim Basinger and a blindsiding twist for some heart-warming moments. The movie is not a main event but it lives up to the promotional hype of a novelty bout. During the credits, look for a surprise clip attempting to line up another classic rematch that boxing fans would pay to see.
Alien gives it 3 "Grudgement Day & Butterscotch Jellybeans" stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Walking with Dinosaurs (3D)
It's "Ice Age" meets "Jurassic Park" for young dinosaur lovers and Dinosaur 101 for novices when two dinos tell the story of their migration & the perils they face against Mother Nature and predators. This 3D circle of life CGI tale is geared for the very young with a caution for its sense of peril. It is a cute family film.
Alien gives it 3 "fossil tooth's tale" stars out of 4.
It's "Ice Age" meets "Jurassic Park" for young dinosaur lovers and Dinosaur 101 for novices when two dinos tell the story of their migration & the perils they face against Mother Nature and predators. This 3D circle of life CGI tale is geared for the very young with a caution for its sense of peril. It is a cute family film.
Alien gives it 3 "fossil tooth's tale" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
This powerful film chronicles one man's dedicated fight to bring truth & justice to his people. Nelson Mandela (Idris Elba) is willing to die for his cause and loses much more than time during his 27 years of imprisonment. The film is a fitting tribute to a great leader & humanitarian demonstrating tremendous strength, conviction, and wisdom while facing overwhelming oppression. Elba and Naomie Harris (as Mandela's second wife, Winnie) both give strong performances. This nearly 2 ½ hour film will move you from rage to tears as you witness these tragic historical events.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "victory for long trousers & the ANC" stars out of 4.
This powerful film chronicles one man's dedicated fight to bring truth & justice to his people. Nelson Mandela (Idris Elba) is willing to die for his cause and loses much more than time during his 27 years of imprisonment. The film is a fitting tribute to a great leader & humanitarian demonstrating tremendous strength, conviction, and wisdom while facing overwhelming oppression. Elba and Naomie Harris (as Mandela's second wife, Winnie) both give strong performances. This nearly 2 ½ hour film will move you from rage to tears as you witness these tragic historical events.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "victory for long trousers & the ANC" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Saving Mr. Banks
Do you want to know the story behind the making of "Mary Poppins"? See why it took Disney 20 years to acquire the screen rights to this now classic film. Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney and Emma Thompson plays P.L. Travers, the book's author. The movie features the creative clashes between these two individuals and flashbacks to Travers' childhood influences. This intriguing dramedy seems like an exaggeration Disney-fied to tell a good tale until photos, sketch notes, and an audio recording play during the credits. Alien liked the look of this time trip back to the early sixties.
Alien gives it 3 "Let's Go Fly a Kite" stars out of 4.
Do you want to know the story behind the making of "Mary Poppins"? See why it took Disney 20 years to acquire the screen rights to this now classic film. Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney and Emma Thompson plays P.L. Travers, the book's author. The movie features the creative clashes between these two individuals and flashbacks to Travers' childhood influences. This intriguing dramedy seems like an exaggeration Disney-fied to tell a good tale until photos, sketch notes, and an audio recording play during the credits. Alien liked the look of this time trip back to the early sixties.
Alien gives it 3 "Let's Go Fly a Kite" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 09, 2013
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (3D)
The journey continues for the wizard, the hobbit, and the dwarves on a quest across Middle Earth to reclaim a kingdom. Director Peter Jackson picks up the pace with much more action and special effects in this stunning sequel with orcs, a skin-changer, giant spiders, and a fire-breathing dragon Smaug. A pair of elven orc-killing machines (Orlando Bloom returning as Legolas and introducing Evangeline Lily as Tauriel) put on a dazzling display of bowmanship and swordplay. It is a 2 hour 40 minute wild thrill ride that will fill you up with excitement and anticipation then yank the rug from underneath you, leaving you panting for more in this battle between good and evil. Stay tuned for the conclusion in Part 3 from this wondrous Tolkien world.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "dwarves in barrels" stars out of 4.
The journey continues for the wizard, the hobbit, and the dwarves on a quest across Middle Earth to reclaim a kingdom. Director Peter Jackson picks up the pace with much more action and special effects in this stunning sequel with orcs, a skin-changer, giant spiders, and a fire-breathing dragon Smaug. A pair of elven orc-killing machines (Orlando Bloom returning as Legolas and introducing Evangeline Lily as Tauriel) put on a dazzling display of bowmanship and swordplay. It is a 2 hour 40 minute wild thrill ride that will fill you up with excitement and anticipation then yank the rug from underneath you, leaving you panting for more in this battle between good and evil. Stay tuned for the conclusion in Part 3 from this wondrous Tolkien world.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "dwarves in barrels" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 05, 2013
Lone Survivor
It's "Zero Dark Thirty" meets "Black Hawk Down" with a touch of "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" and "The Magnificent Seven" when the hunt for a Taliban leader goes terribly wrong. The portrayals by Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster, and Emile Hirsch demonstrate the toughness, the sense of duty & honor, and the brotherhood amongst navy SEAL teams. Based on a true story, Peter Berg's screenplay and direction is an intense and brutal account of one unsuccessful mission in a war against terrorism. This is a tribute to our brave men in service willing to sacrifice their lives to protect ours. Photos and footage of the real SEAL members are honored at the movie's end and bring a true sense of painful reality to this film.
Alien gives it 3 "suck it up frogman" stars out of 4.
It's "Zero Dark Thirty" meets "Black Hawk Down" with a touch of "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" and "The Magnificent Seven" when the hunt for a Taliban leader goes terribly wrong. The portrayals by Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster, and Emile Hirsch demonstrate the toughness, the sense of duty & honor, and the brotherhood amongst navy SEAL teams. Based on a true story, Peter Berg's screenplay and direction is an intense and brutal account of one unsuccessful mission in a war against terrorism. This is a tribute to our brave men in service willing to sacrifice their lives to protect ours. Photos and footage of the real SEAL members are honored at the movie's end and bring a true sense of painful reality to this film.
Alien gives it 3 "suck it up frogman" stars out of 4.
