Thursday, May 29, 2014
Deliver Us From Evil
It's "Grimm" meets "The Exorcist" when a NYC undercover cop (Eric Bana) investigates seemingly separate crimes but they are all linked to demonic possessions. He and his partner (funnyman Joel McHale for comic relief) are joined by a renegade priest as they try to stop the killings. Classic horror techniques, some a bit cheesy, are employed to provide the scares and startles. If you like blood and guts with some gross and creepy, you may have a good time. At times, filmmakers get a bit carried away with their genre and those moments may seem a little silly or may encourage nervous laughter. This B movie is inspired by a true story, Ralph Sarchie's book "Beware the Night".
Alien gives it 2 ½ "cat crucifixion" stars out of 4.
It's "Grimm" meets "The Exorcist" when a NYC undercover cop (Eric Bana) investigates seemingly separate crimes but they are all linked to demonic possessions. He and his partner (funnyman Joel McHale for comic relief) are joined by a renegade priest as they try to stop the killings. Classic horror techniques, some a bit cheesy, are employed to provide the scares and startles. If you like blood and guts with some gross and creepy, you may have a good time. At times, filmmakers get a bit carried away with their genre and those moments may seem a little silly or may encourage nervous laughter. This B movie is inspired by a true story, Ralph Sarchie's book "Beware the Night".
Alien gives it 2 ½ "cat crucifixion" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Maleficent (3D)
Disney puts a new spin on it's old classic animated "Sleeping Beauty"; now told from a different perspective and in live action. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning are perfectly casted and are terrific in this fairy tale about love, war, greed for power, and revenge. The special effects are amazing with magical moor creatures in this delightfully twisted story. "Maleficent" is magnificent and wicked was never so good.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "two sides to the story" stars out of 4.
Disney puts a new spin on it's old classic animated "Sleeping Beauty"; now told from a different perspective and in live action. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning are perfectly casted and are terrific in this fairy tale about love, war, greed for power, and revenge. The special effects are amazing with magical moor creatures in this delightfully twisted story. "Maleficent" is magnificent and wicked was never so good.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "two sides to the story" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Chef
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) has his creative passion for cooking stifled by his conservative "don't change it if it ain't broke" restaurant owner boss (Dustin Hoffman). When Casper receives a bad review from a food blog critic (Oliver Platt), he takes it personally and finds himself jobless. He is also dealing an ex-wife (Sophia Vergara) and a son he has been neglecting. Producer/writer/director/star Favreau also calls upon his Marvel friends Iron Man & Black Widow along with John Leguizamo and Bobby Canavale to beef up the cast in this deliciously delightful film about food truck catering, social media, and father/son bonding. This tasty treat with smart dialog will take you from L.A. to Miami to New Orleans to Austin and back. Alien recommends you eat before viewing because the food scenes will have you salivating and a craving for good eats. It is a heartwarming inspirational story about following you passions, but it is also "R" rated, mostly for language and some sexual references.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "El Jeffe Cubanos" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) has his creative passion for cooking stifled by his conservative "don't change it if it ain't broke" restaurant owner boss (Dustin Hoffman). When Casper receives a bad review from a food blog critic (Oliver Platt), he takes it personally and finds himself jobless. He is also dealing an ex-wife (Sophia Vergara) and a son he has been neglecting. Producer/writer/director/star Favreau also calls upon his Marvel friends Iron Man & Black Widow along with John Leguizamo and Bobby Canavale to beef up the cast in this deliciously delightful film about food truck catering, social media, and father/son bonding. This tasty treat with smart dialog will take you from L.A. to Miami to New Orleans to Austin and back. Alien recommends you eat before viewing because the food scenes will have you salivating and a craving for good eats. It is a heartwarming inspirational story about following you passions, but it is also "R" rated, mostly for language and some sexual references.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "El Jeffe Cubanos" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Edge of Tomorrow (3D)
It's "War of the Worlds" meets "Groundhog Day" meets "D-Day" with futuristic "Full Metal Jacket"/ "War Machine"/"Black Hawk Down" weaponry and a "50 First Dates" relationship when a reluctant recruit (Tom Cruise) gets shanghaied onto a doomed mission to save the planet and struggles to become the unsung hero of the day. Along the way, he teams up with a revered special forces warrior (Emily Blunt) in a battle against aliens capable of anticipating their enemies every move. This action-packed thrill ride is a series of heart-pounding intense fire fights against an endless army of lightning fast, deadly, multi-tentacled monsters who seem virtually unstoppable. From alpha to omega, it's the ultimate "do over" game that will keep you on the edge of you seat.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the Angel of Verdun" stars out of 4.
It's "War of the Worlds" meets "Groundhog Day" meets "D-Day" with futuristic "Full Metal Jacket"/ "War Machine"/"Black Hawk Down" weaponry and a "50 First Dates" relationship when a reluctant recruit (Tom Cruise) gets shanghaied onto a doomed mission to save the planet and struggles to become the unsung hero of the day. Along the way, he teams up with a revered special forces warrior (Emily Blunt) in a battle against aliens capable of anticipating their enemies every move. This action-packed thrill ride is a series of heart-pounding intense fire fights against an endless army of lightning fast, deadly, multi-tentacled monsters who seem virtually unstoppable. From alpha to omega, it's the ultimate "do over" game that will keep you on the edge of you seat.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "the Angel of Verdun" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
X-Men: Days of Future Past (3D)
The X-Men in the past and future must fight for survival against the Sentinel threat. Princess Kitty Pryde tells Wolverine-Ken-Obi "you're our only hope" and sends Logan's consciousness back to the 70's to alter mutant history in this action-packed, mind and time bending sequel that will tickle the fancy of X-Men movie fans. Die hard Marvel addicts may cringe at the liberties taken to please the movie fans. Non-comic book readers may find it hard to identify some of the new movie X-Men characters, but you don't need to know their names to enjoy their powers. It's a great storyline that may be predictable, but there still may be some surprises in store for you. Wolverine and Mystique are key to the plot that weighs heavier in the past. At the end of the credits, look for a clue to the next mutant villain, who will be unfamiliar to most.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Raven vs. Mystique" stars out of 4.
The X-Men in the past and future must fight for survival against the Sentinel threat. Princess Kitty Pryde tells Wolverine-Ken-Obi "you're our only hope" and sends Logan's consciousness back to the 70's to alter mutant history in this action-packed, mind and time bending sequel that will tickle the fancy of X-Men movie fans. Die hard Marvel addicts may cringe at the liberties taken to please the movie fans. Non-comic book readers may find it hard to identify some of the new movie X-Men characters, but you don't need to know their names to enjoy their powers. It's a great storyline that may be predictable, but there still may be some surprises in store for you. Wolverine and Mystique are key to the plot that weighs heavier in the past. At the end of the credits, look for a clue to the next mutant villain, who will be unfamiliar to most.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Raven vs. Mystique" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
A Million Ways to Die in the West
Producer, writer, director, and star Seth MacFarlane (apparently, that's why he needed 4 assistants; one for each hat he wore) puts his twisted spin on surviving in the Old West. A cowardly sheep rancher (MacFarlane) loses his girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) when he refuses a gunfight, but learns confidence from a stranger in town (Charlize Theron) in order to stand up to a deadly gunslinger (Liam Neeson). If you love those good old Western films but your sense of humor is bent towards the lewd, crude, and rude, this cowboy spoof may tickle your fancy. The top notch cast also includes Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman, and Neil Patrick Harris. Alien loved the look of the recreated 1880's Southwest and the beautiful scenic backdrops, but was not so keen on the over-the-top, gross, crass, and off-color gags befitting a frat boy reunion. There are a few clever comedic moments and some surprise cameos. Be sure to stay through the credits to get the last laugh.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "1882 Old Stump, Arizona" stars out of 4.
Producer, writer, director, and star Seth MacFarlane (apparently, that's why he needed 4 assistants; one for each hat he wore) puts his twisted spin on surviving in the Old West. A cowardly sheep rancher (MacFarlane) loses his girlfriend (Amanda Seyfried) when he refuses a gunfight, but learns confidence from a stranger in town (Charlize Theron) in order to stand up to a deadly gunslinger (Liam Neeson). If you love those good old Western films but your sense of humor is bent towards the lewd, crude, and rude, this cowboy spoof may tickle your fancy. The top notch cast also includes Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman, and Neil Patrick Harris. Alien loved the look of the recreated 1880's Southwest and the beautiful scenic backdrops, but was not so keen on the over-the-top, gross, crass, and off-color gags befitting a frat boy reunion. There are a few clever comedic moments and some surprise cameos. Be sure to stay through the credits to get the last laugh.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "1882 Old Stump, Arizona" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Blended
It's "50 First Dates" meets "The Brady Bunch" when a single mom (Drew Barrymore) with 2 boys and a single dad (Adam Sandler) with 3 girls start off on a bad blind date & end up on a blended African vacation together. Barrymore & Sandler work their charm and their pairing is a definite box office draw. The film follows the romantic comedy formula but the plot also branches out with some heartwarming family moments. All of the supporting cast of kids pull their own weight within this cute and delightful comedy about family and raising children. Terry Crews' comedic contributions are funny at first but their repetition borderlines on annoyingly obnoxious after a while. Look for cameos of Sandler's kids in the film and listen for them & their dad during the credits singing an Adam original.
Alien gives it 3 "South African Safari" stars out of 4.
It's "50 First Dates" meets "The Brady Bunch" when a single mom (Drew Barrymore) with 2 boys and a single dad (Adam Sandler) with 3 girls start off on a bad blind date & end up on a blended African vacation together. Barrymore & Sandler work their charm and their pairing is a definite box office draw. The film follows the romantic comedy formula but the plot also branches out with some heartwarming family moments. All of the supporting cast of kids pull their own weight within this cute and delightful comedy about family and raising children. Terry Crews' comedic contributions are funny at first but their repetition borderlines on annoyingly obnoxious after a while. Look for cameos of Sandler's kids in the film and listen for them & their dad during the credits singing an Adam original.
Alien gives it 3 "South African Safari" stars out of 4.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Godzilla (3D, RPX)
1954's "King of Monsters" and now pop culture icon is back and apparently he has bulked up on steroids. This classic homage to the Godzilla franchise is a modern update where M.U.T.O.s (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism) reek havoc and destruction on three of America's favorite vacation spots. 3D CGI special effects replace the cheesy antics of men in latex suits stomping though Japanese model miniatures. For Godzilla fans, it's a fun action-packed thrill ride, even though the human hero coincidentally is always in the right place at the right time with the right skill sets. Let your inner child out to play & re-live those childhood thrills about atomic age spawned dinosaurs.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "nature's equalizer & bull in a china shop" stars out of 4.
1954's "King of Monsters" and now pop culture icon is back and apparently he has bulked up on steroids. This classic homage to the Godzilla franchise is a modern update where M.U.T.O.s (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism) reek havoc and destruction on three of America's favorite vacation spots. 3D CGI special effects replace the cheesy antics of men in latex suits stomping though Japanese model miniatures. For Godzilla fans, it's a fun action-packed thrill ride, even though the human hero coincidentally is always in the right place at the right time with the right skill sets. Let your inner child out to play & re-live those childhood thrills about atomic age spawned dinosaurs.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "nature's equalizer & bull in a china shop" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Belle
Inspired by a 1779 painting hanging in a Scottish castle, it's the story of an illegitimate bi-racial child of a British admiral raised in an aristocratic society. This fascinating film explores English class prejudices, the status of women, the marriage arrangements, and the insurance value of slaves. This is the British complement to "12 Years a Slave" but with fabulous costumes, star-crossed lovers, and a legal drama. The terrific cast is lead by Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, and Emily Watson. It is a wonderful movie based on a true story that will fly under the radar of most film goers. But if you give it a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "infamous mulatto" stars out of 4.
Inspired by a 1779 painting hanging in a Scottish castle, it's the story of an illegitimate bi-racial child of a British admiral raised in an aristocratic society. This fascinating film explores English class prejudices, the status of women, the marriage arrangements, and the insurance value of slaves. This is the British complement to "12 Years a Slave" but with fabulous costumes, star-crossed lovers, and a legal drama. The terrific cast is lead by Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson, and Emily Watson. It is a wonderful movie based on a true story that will fly under the radar of most film goers. But if you give it a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "infamous mulatto" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Neighbors
It's "The 'Burbs" meets "Animal House" meets "Parenthood" when a young couple (Seth Rogen & Rose Byrne) with a newborn baby become annoyed by their new frat boys neighbors (Zac Efron, Dave Franco, & Christopher Mintz-Passe). With this cast and premise, it's not hard to guess the brand of "R" rated humor being targeted here. Rogen is always the same one note performer. The good looking, clean cut Efron is cast against type as the conniving frat president. There is nothing creatively funny new in this movie but it's just entertaining enough and could have been a lot worse. The baby is the biggest scene stealer and is the cutest little thing. Be sure to check out the baby pictures during the closing credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Delta Sigh" stars out of 4.
It's "The 'Burbs" meets "Animal House" meets "Parenthood" when a young couple (Seth Rogen & Rose Byrne) with a newborn baby become annoyed by their new frat boys neighbors (Zac Efron, Dave Franco, & Christopher Mintz-Passe). With this cast and premise, it's not hard to guess the brand of "R" rated humor being targeted here. Rogen is always the same one note performer. The good looking, clean cut Efron is cast against type as the conniving frat president. There is nothing creatively funny new in this movie but it's just entertaining enough and could have been a lot worse. The baby is the biggest scene stealer and is the cutest little thing. Be sure to check out the baby pictures during the closing credits.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Delta Sigh" stars out of 4.
