Saturday, March 29, 2014
Pirate Fairy
A misunderstood fairy, Zarina, exiles herself from Pixie Hollow only to return a year later with a plot to steal blue fairy dust for her new pirate crew mates. This delightful show is the fifth in the Tinker Bell Fairy series and features a typical Disney storyline. It features some switched powers,a mutiny, and Peter Pan connection. If your kids love fairies and pirates, check it out when it comes out on DVD/BluRay on April 1st.
Alien gives it 3 1/2 "Pixie Dust Alchemy" stars out of 4.
A misunderstood fairy, Zarina, exiles herself from Pixie Hollow only to return a year later with a plot to steal blue fairy dust for her new pirate crew mates. This delightful show is the fifth in the Tinker Bell Fairy series and features a typical Disney storyline. It features some switched powers,a mutiny, and Peter Pan connection. If your kids love fairies and pirates, check it out when it comes out on DVD/BluRay on April 1st.
Alien gives it 3 1/2 "Pixie Dust Alchemy" stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Noah (IMAX)
The classic Biblical tale of Noah (Russell Crowe) has been retooled and retold for today's audiences in epic proportions. This powerfully intense version is not a mild children's Sunday school story. A vegetarian environmentalist/survivalist chosen one faces a heavy burden as he interprets the visions provided by the Creator. Alien was amazed by the special effects and surprised by the violence. Emma Watson & Jennifer Connelly give heart felt performances. This movie focuses on the people in the struggle between good & evil rather than the gathering of animals and the great flood. It is beautifully shot in picturesque Iceland with a full size ark, but it is even more impressive when seen at an IMAX theater.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "man on a mission" stars out of 4.
The classic Biblical tale of Noah (Russell Crowe) has been retooled and retold for today's audiences in epic proportions. This powerfully intense version is not a mild children's Sunday school story. A vegetarian environmentalist/survivalist chosen one faces a heavy burden as he interprets the visions provided by the Creator. Alien was amazed by the special effects and surprised by the violence. Emma Watson & Jennifer Connelly give heart felt performances. This movie focuses on the people in the struggle between good & evil rather than the gathering of animals and the great flood. It is beautifully shot in picturesque Iceland with a full size ark, but it is even more impressive when seen at an IMAX theater.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "man on a mission" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Sabotage
Someone is playing a deadly game of 'Ten Little Indians" with a drug-busting team suspected of stealing from the Cartel. This stolen money/murder mystery film reeks of Schwarzenegger testosterone. However, Arnold is getting a little long in the tooth to be as convincing as in his pre-gubenatoral heydays. Although he is smartly surrounded with rugged bad-ass muscle, they seem to be lost in a blood bath of ultra-violence. It's a macho boys club where the guys all have catchy nicknames and the token gal is equally as tough and can really dish it out. See which D.E.A. S.O.T. S.O.B.s end up R.I.P. This is more "shock & awe" than attention to plot details and character development. Why does an undercover agent run around with job initials proudly embroidered like a target on his shirt?
Alien gives it 2 "many blood pools" stars out of 4.
Someone is playing a deadly game of 'Ten Little Indians" with a drug-busting team suspected of stealing from the Cartel. This stolen money/murder mystery film reeks of Schwarzenegger testosterone. However, Arnold is getting a little long in the tooth to be as convincing as in his pre-gubenatoral heydays. Although he is smartly surrounded with rugged bad-ass muscle, they seem to be lost in a blood bath of ultra-violence. It's a macho boys club where the guys all have catchy nicknames and the token gal is equally as tough and can really dish it out. See which D.E.A. S.O.T. S.O.B.s end up R.I.P. This is more "shock & awe" than attention to plot details and character development. Why does an undercover agent run around with job initials proudly embroidered like a target on his shirt?
Alien gives it 2 "many blood pools" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
The Grand Budapest Hotel
The story of a concierge and a lobby boy in the fictional country of Zubrowka is told only as director Wes Anderson could. There are quirky characters rushing about with fast paced narratives & dialogues delivered with dead pan humor amid site gags galore. It is an all star cast with the likes of Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Edward Norton, Jude Law, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, and Tom Wilkinson. The sets are visually stimulating and rich in color & style. These are all standard elements of a Wes Anderson production. The Grand Budapest Hotel is the backdrop for this murder mystery/prison escape/fugitive on the run comedy. Although isn't my sense of humor, Alien was entertained by some of these crazy antics.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Society of Crossed Keys" stars out of 4.
The story of a concierge and a lobby boy in the fictional country of Zubrowka is told only as director Wes Anderson could. There are quirky characters rushing about with fast paced narratives & dialogues delivered with dead pan humor amid site gags galore. It is an all star cast with the likes of Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Edward Norton, Jude Law, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, and Tom Wilkinson. The sets are visually stimulating and rich in color & style. These are all standard elements of a Wes Anderson production. The Grand Budapest Hotel is the backdrop for this murder mystery/prison escape/fugitive on the run comedy. Although isn't my sense of humor, Alien was entertained by some of these crazy antics.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Society of Crossed Keys" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Divergent
It's "Hunger Games" meets "G.I. Jane" meets "Star Wars" in a future Chicago's dystopian society which is divided into 5 factions in order to insure the peace after a great war. This coming-of-age story has the film's protagonist, Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), making a life committing decision and undergoing rites of passage before discovering who she really is. She is divergent and doesn't fit into any one faction. It is a complex story that unfolds slowly at first but then the conflicts and battles burst on to the scene. Theo James plays the other main character nicknamed Four, with Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd, Mikhi Phifer, Maggie Q, Jai Courtney, and Zoe Kravitz rounding out the cast. Alien loved this setting of a misguided society maintaining peace through a caste system with corrupted ideals and the band of rebels trying to right the wrongs. After 2 hours 20 minutes, I can hardly wait to see where the train's end-of-the-line takes our heroes in this first episode of a trilogy.
Alien gives it 4 "factions before blood" stars out of 4.
It's "Hunger Games" meets "G.I. Jane" meets "Star Wars" in a future Chicago's dystopian society which is divided into 5 factions in order to insure the peace after a great war. This coming-of-age story has the film's protagonist, Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), making a life committing decision and undergoing rites of passage before discovering who she really is. She is divergent and doesn't fit into any one faction. It is a complex story that unfolds slowly at first but then the conflicts and battles burst on to the scene. Theo James plays the other main character nicknamed Four, with Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd, Mikhi Phifer, Maggie Q, Jai Courtney, and Zoe Kravitz rounding out the cast. Alien loved this setting of a misguided society maintaining peace through a caste system with corrupted ideals and the band of rebels trying to right the wrongs. After 2 hours 20 minutes, I can hardly wait to see where the train's end-of-the-line takes our heroes in this first episode of a trilogy.
Alien gives it 4 "factions before blood" stars out of 4.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Muppets Most Wanted
In this sequel, the Muppet Show begins a world tour involving a fake manager (Ricky Gervais) with a plan for a jewel heist and to replace Kermit with an evil twin. Your favorite Muppets are back with their silly antics and shenanigans. It's wonderful family musical comedy entertainment for all as the film pokes fun at prison escape movies and heist capers. Ty Burrell and Tina Fey have major roles with so many guest cameos popping up all over the place. "Party Central" is the hilarious"Monsters University" short that opens for the featured film. Fozzie Bear closes the show at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Constantine's mole" stars out of 4.
In this sequel, the Muppet Show begins a world tour involving a fake manager (Ricky Gervais) with a plan for a jewel heist and to replace Kermit with an evil twin. Your favorite Muppets are back with their silly antics and shenanigans. It's wonderful family musical comedy entertainment for all as the film pokes fun at prison escape movies and heist capers. Ty Burrell and Tina Fey have major roles with so many guest cameos popping up all over the place. "Party Central" is the hilarious"Monsters University" short that opens for the featured film. Fozzie Bear closes the show at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Constantine's mole" stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Heaven is for Real
Based on a true story, a pastor (Greg Kinear) with many jobs in Nebraska begins to question his view of Heaven when his 4 year old son has a near death experience. The boy's revelations stun the family and eventually the town as the media picks up on the story. It is good family film & an inspirational movie with a lot of small town mid-western charm. Look for photos and follow ups of the real family during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "out of the mouths of babes" stars out of 4.
Based on a true story, a pastor (Greg Kinear) with many jobs in Nebraska begins to question his view of Heaven when his 4 year old son has a near death experience. The boy's revelations stun the family and eventually the town as the media picks up on the story. It is good family film & an inspirational movie with a lot of small town mid-western charm. Look for photos and follow ups of the real family during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 "out of the mouths of babes" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Draft Day
A General Manager (Kevin Costner) struggles with NFL draft decisions compounded my pressures from all sides. It is a behind-the-scenes look at some of the complexities and risks behind building a better football team. Football & Fantasy Football fans will love this movie. Non football fans may also be entertained the strategy & gamesmanship as the countdown ticks away. A little bit of humor is interjected to break up the tension of trading draft positions & selecting players for the future.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "football fun while trying to make a big splash" stars out of 4.
A General Manager (Kevin Costner) struggles with NFL draft decisions compounded my pressures from all sides. It is a behind-the-scenes look at some of the complexities and risks behind building a better football team. Football & Fantasy Football fans will love this movie. Non football fans may also be entertained the strategy & gamesmanship as the countdown ticks away. A little bit of humor is interjected to break up the tension of trading draft positions & selecting players for the future.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "football fun while trying to make a big splash" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Need for Speed (3D)
Spawned from a video game, it's 50 grades of motor oil paying tribute to many car films moments, including "Bullet", "American Graffiti", "Death Race" and "Cars". This intense white knuckle thrill ride for adrenalin junkies pits the poor blue collar mechanic street racer good guy (Aaron Paul) against the rich entrepreneur professional race driver bad guy (Dominic Cooper) in a spectacular underground street race with million dollar exotic cars and law enforcement hot on their heels. The 3D action is almost nonstop because you get 3 different excuses for racing before the big finale. Michael Keaton plays it over the top and great acting is not required when the stars are the cars and their talented stunt drivers. No CGI effects used here. Amazing stunt crashes and footage. During the credits, look for a funny clip from the men in orange.
Alien gives it 3 "Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Koenigsegg Agera, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, McLaren P1, Saleen S7, GTA Spano, and Ford Mustang GT" stars out of 4.
Spawned from a video game, it's 50 grades of motor oil paying tribute to many car films moments, including "Bullet", "American Graffiti", "Death Race" and "Cars". This intense white knuckle thrill ride for adrenalin junkies pits the poor blue collar mechanic street racer good guy (Aaron Paul) against the rich entrepreneur professional race driver bad guy (Dominic Cooper) in a spectacular underground street race with million dollar exotic cars and law enforcement hot on their heels. The 3D action is almost nonstop because you get 3 different excuses for racing before the big finale. Michael Keaton plays it over the top and great acting is not required when the stars are the cars and their talented stunt drivers. No CGI effects used here. Amazing stunt crashes and footage. During the credits, look for a funny clip from the men in orange.
Alien gives it 3 "Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Koenigsegg Agera, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, McLaren P1, Saleen S7, GTA Spano, and Ford Mustang GT" stars out of 4.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Non Stop
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Liam Neeson gets taken for a ride in a murder mystery aboard a hijacked plane along with Julianne Moore. He is an alcoholic Federal Air Marshall set up to take the fall as the body count rises every 20 minutes. It's high tension at 40,000 feet with twists and misdirections as you ponder over the many suspects & wonder who do you trust. The situation may be implausible, but it will keep you guessing during this white knuckle thrill ride. The talented Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o is cast in a wasted role.
Alien gives it 3 "can I trade you for a window seat" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Liam Neeson gets taken for a ride in a murder mystery aboard a hijacked plane along with Julianne Moore. He is an alcoholic Federal Air Marshall set up to take the fall as the body count rises every 20 minutes. It's high tension at 40,000 feet with twists and misdirections as you ponder over the many suspects & wonder who do you trust. The situation may be implausible, but it will keep you guessing during this white knuckle thrill ride. The talented Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o is cast in a wasted role.
Alien gives it 3 "can I trade you for a window seat" stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
300: Rise of an Empire (IMAX 3D)
How do you follow up after the success of 2006's "300" film? Evidently, you make a prequel/concurrent/sequel combination explaining what happened before, during, and after Leonidas' battle at Thermopylae. Covering up a weak plot and characters, the film makers employ more violence, more blood splatterings, more decapitations, and more cheesy one liners in a one-dimensional 3D movie. Oddly, they even stage a couple of weird sexual tension scenes between the rival Greek and Persian commanders. Loosely based on historical events and characters, this action driven film is but eye candy for blood thirsty adrenalin junkies.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "revenge & avenge" stars out of 4.
How do you follow up after the success of 2006's "300" film? Evidently, you make a prequel/concurrent/sequel combination explaining what happened before, during, and after Leonidas' battle at Thermopylae. Covering up a weak plot and characters, the film makers employ more violence, more blood splatterings, more decapitations, and more cheesy one liners in a one-dimensional 3D movie. Oddly, they even stage a couple of weird sexual tension scenes between the rival Greek and Persian commanders. Loosely based on historical events and characters, this action driven film is but eye candy for blood thirsty adrenalin junkies.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "revenge & avenge" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Bad Words
Justin Bateman produces, directs and stars in an adult comedy about a 40-year-old man who finds a loophole in a children's spelling bee contest rules. In the spirit of "Bad Santa", "Bad Teacher", and "Bad Grandpa", see how can someone behaving so wrong can be so funny. Bateman's a--hole character is perfectly paired against a delightful 10-year-old rival contestant (Rohan Chand). Kathryn Hahn & Allison Janney only have minor roles. This film is rated "R" for language (of course), sexual content, and nudity.
Alien gives it 3 "Golden Quill" stars out of 4.
Justin Bateman produces, directs and stars in an adult comedy about a 40-year-old man who finds a loophole in a children's spelling bee contest rules. In the spirit of "Bad Santa", "Bad Teacher", and "Bad Grandpa", see how can someone behaving so wrong can be so funny. Bateman's a--hole character is perfectly paired against a delightful 10-year-old rival contestant (Rohan Chand). Kathryn Hahn & Allison Janney only have minor roles. This film is rated "R" for language (of course), sexual content, and nudity.
Alien gives it 3 "Golden Quill" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Mr. Peabody and Sherman (3D)
DreamWorks Animations expands a Rocky & Bullwinkle Show filler,"Peabody's Improbable History", for big screen in 3D giving it more depth with a back story and more personality to it's characters. Originally, a talking dog historian/time traveler, Mr. Peabody, his pet boy, Sherman, & the WABAC Machine showed how they meddled to change history to how we know it today. This modern update establishes a father/son relationship addressing adoption and bullying issues under a space/time continuum adventure filled with doggie jokes and the traditional bad puns. It's 3D animated family fun for all ages. At the end, look for the janitorial sweeper who used to close every episode.
Alien gives it 3 "Set the WABAC Machine for..." stars out of 4.
DreamWorks Animations expands a Rocky & Bullwinkle Show filler,"Peabody's Improbable History", for big screen in 3D giving it more depth with a back story and more personality to it's characters. Originally, a talking dog historian/time traveler, Mr. Peabody, his pet boy, Sherman, & the WABAC Machine showed how they meddled to change history to how we know it today. This modern update establishes a father/son relationship addressing adoption and bullying issues under a space/time continuum adventure filled with doggie jokes and the traditional bad puns. It's 3D animated family fun for all ages. At the end, look for the janitorial sweeper who used to close every episode.
Alien gives it 3 "Set the WABAC Machine for..." stars out of 4.
