Thursday, June 26, 2014
Tammy
Melissa McCarthy stars as Tammy, a woman having a bad day when she loses her car, job, and husband. Needing to escape her situation, she ends up on a road trip with her grandma (Susan Sarandon). For this film, McCarthy teams up with her husband, Ben Falcone, for producing and writing credits. Falcone also directs and has a bit part. If you've seen McCarthy in "Identity Theft" and "Heat", you'll get more or less the same character type. Alien found the antics of these two road trip buddies more obnoxious than funny. The well-known cast of Allison Janey, Toni Collette, Kathy Bates, Sandra Oh, Gary Cole, and Dan Akroyd is under used in minor roles. Look for a final scene and a gag reel clip during the credits.
Alien gives it 2 "Niagara Falls" stars out of 4.
Melissa McCarthy stars as Tammy, a woman having a bad day when she loses her car, job, and husband. Needing to escape her situation, she ends up on a road trip with her grandma (Susan Sarandon). For this film, McCarthy teams up with her husband, Ben Falcone, for producing and writing credits. Falcone also directs and has a bit part. If you've seen McCarthy in "Identity Theft" and "Heat", you'll get more or less the same character type. Alien found the antics of these two road trip buddies more obnoxious than funny. The well-known cast of Allison Janey, Toni Collette, Kathy Bates, Sandra Oh, Gary Cole, and Dan Akroyd is under used in minor roles. Look for a final scene and a gag reel clip during the credits.
Alien gives it 2 "Niagara Falls" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Transformers: Age of Extinction (3D)
Those robots in disguise are back after the Battle of Chicago and are being hunted down by CIA sanctioned consultants. A whole new human cast has been brought in to re-energize the franchise but not much has really changed. It still has a lot of car chases, explosions, and mind numbing action sequences. This is another classic Michael Bay special effects production and a Chevrolet showcase for it's latest line of car models. Does anyone remember or care about what happened in any of the previous movies? Does what happened previously make any difference? Almost two thirds of this nearly 3 hour extravaganza passes when Alien starts wondering where are those Dinobots I was expecting. If you loved those other Transformers films, you'll love this one too; else it's the same old, same old. No real transformation here.
Alien gives it 3 "Transformium" stars out of 4.
Those robots in disguise are back after the Battle of Chicago and are being hunted down by CIA sanctioned consultants. A whole new human cast has been brought in to re-energize the franchise but not much has really changed. It still has a lot of car chases, explosions, and mind numbing action sequences. This is another classic Michael Bay special effects production and a Chevrolet showcase for it's latest line of car models. Does anyone remember or care about what happened in any of the previous movies? Does what happened previously make any difference? Almost two thirds of this nearly 3 hour extravaganza passes when Alien starts wondering where are those Dinobots I was expecting. If you loved those other Transformers films, you'll love this one too; else it's the same old, same old. No real transformation here.
Alien gives it 3 "Transformium" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Begin Again
A heartbroken songwriter (Keira Knightley), a fame chasing boyfriend (Adam Levine of Maroon 5), and a disgraced music executive (Mark Ruffalo) with an ex (Catherine Keener) & an estranged daughter (Hailee Steinfeld) struggle to find their dreams in a masterpiece marriage of movie and music. Def Mos and Ceelo Green round out the talented cast. Writer/director John Carney has stepped up his game since his terrific "Once" film. This is a magnificent blend of wonderful actors, a great script, and beautiful music working in perfect harmony. Carney brings a delightful sense of humor to this how-to-create-a-music-album-on -the-cheap while taking audiences on a New York City tour. Don't get up too soon as the credits start to roll or you may miss the kicker the the story's end.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "making street music" stars out of 4.
A heartbroken songwriter (Keira Knightley), a fame chasing boyfriend (Adam Levine of Maroon 5), and a disgraced music executive (Mark Ruffalo) with an ex (Catherine Keener) & an estranged daughter (Hailee Steinfeld) struggle to find their dreams in a masterpiece marriage of movie and music. Def Mos and Ceelo Green round out the talented cast. Writer/director John Carney has stepped up his game since his terrific "Once" film. This is a magnificent blend of wonderful actors, a great script, and beautiful music working in perfect harmony. Carney brings a delightful sense of humor to this how-to-create-a-music-album-on -the-cheap while taking audiences on a New York City tour. Don't get up too soon as the credits start to roll or you may miss the kicker the the story's end.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "making street music" stars out of 4.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Obvious Child
Vaginas, Burps, and Farts... Oh my!
Stand up comedienne Jenny Slate portrays a Jewish wanna be stand-up comedienne whose schtick borders on the vulgar and crass. Her profession & personal life goes into a tailspin starting when her boyfriend dumps her. This is awkward humor centering around a delicate subject when she becomes pregnant and seeks an abortion. This is a romantic comedy that doesn't quite follow the formula. Although it was not Alien's sense of humor, there is an important message here. This one probably has more film critic appeal than general public appeal. Alien was puzzled by the film's title and finally found a connection during the credits with the song "Obvious Child" written and sung by Paul Simon.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "one-night stand" stars out of 4.
Vaginas, Burps, and Farts... Oh my!
Stand up comedienne Jenny Slate portrays a Jewish wanna be stand-up comedienne whose schtick borders on the vulgar and crass. Her profession & personal life goes into a tailspin starting when her boyfriend dumps her. This is awkward humor centering around a delicate subject when she becomes pregnant and seeks an abortion. This is a romantic comedy that doesn't quite follow the formula. Although it was not Alien's sense of humor, there is an important message here. This one probably has more film critic appeal than general public appeal. Alien was puzzled by the film's title and finally found a connection during the credits with the song "Obvious Child" written and sung by Paul Simon.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "one-night stand" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Earth to Echo
It's "Goonies" meets "E.T." when 3 "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" types video record à la "Paranormal Activities" their last days together due to the government's eminent domain claim in their neighborhood forcing their families to move. Strange cell phone interferences send these 3 boys off into the Nevada desert and on a treasure map hunt aiding a small alien that they dub Echo on his journey home. Along the way, these mini musketeers pick up their d'Artagnan and commit a B & E as well as grand theft auto. This cute PG sci-fi adventure is about 14 year olds made for 14 year olds. By the end of 100 minutes, audiences may grow wary of the shaky hand held cam view. If you stay to the end of credits, look for one last hint.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "best friends forever"stars out of 4.
Interesting note: Originally a Disney production sold off the Relativity Films for distribution.
It's "Goonies" meets "E.T." when 3 "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" types video record à la "Paranormal Activities" their last days together due to the government's eminent domain claim in their neighborhood forcing their families to move. Strange cell phone interferences send these 3 boys off into the Nevada desert and on a treasure map hunt aiding a small alien that they dub Echo on his journey home. Along the way, these mini musketeers pick up their d'Artagnan and commit a B & E as well as grand theft auto. This cute PG sci-fi adventure is about 14 year olds made for 14 year olds. By the end of 100 minutes, audiences may grow wary of the shaky hand held cam view. If you stay to the end of credits, look for one last hint.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "best friends forever"stars out of 4.
Interesting note: Originally a Disney production sold off the Relativity Films for distribution.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Think Like A Man Too
It's "Last Vegas" meets "The Hangover" meets "Bridesmaids" in the sequel to the 2012 film where a group of friends find out their women have been using Steve Harvey's "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man" book to get more of what they want form their men. The battle of the sexes continues as these men & women arrive in Vegas to sow their wild oats 24 hours before a big wedding. Kevin Hart narrates and dominates with his over-the-top antics. It's classic outrageous "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" fun & hilarity in this wild romp through sin city. Of course after all of this silliness, things get serious and then finishes with a warm hearted moment. Look for a tribute to Steve Harvey just before the credits and an outtake at the end.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "financial and in-law issues" stars out of 4.
It's "Last Vegas" meets "The Hangover" meets "Bridesmaids" in the sequel to the 2012 film where a group of friends find out their women have been using Steve Harvey's "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man" book to get more of what they want form their men. The battle of the sexes continues as these men & women arrive in Vegas to sow their wild oats 24 hours before a big wedding. Kevin Hart narrates and dominates with his over-the-top antics. It's classic outrageous "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" fun & hilarity in this wild romp through sin city. Of course after all of this silliness, things get serious and then finishes with a warm hearted moment. Look for a tribute to Steve Harvey just before the credits and an outtake at the end.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "financial and in-law issues" stars out of 4.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Let's Be Cops
Two 30-year-old losers (Jake Johnson & Damon Wayans Jr) find a new sense of empowerment when they don police uniforms for a party. It's a comedy of errors as they get mixed with the Russian mob and deeper in trouble with their lie. This mistaken identity premise/action cop spoof is predictable, but is still hilariously funny. Johnson & Wayans have comedy chemistry. For a smaller production project, this "R" rated film packs a big comedy punch. This special advanced screening was held in a pop-up 91-seat semi-trailer theater parked at a IKEA site. This film is not scheduled for release until August 2014.
Alien gives it 3 "eBay loser cruiser" stars out of 4.
Two 30-year-old losers (Jake Johnson & Damon Wayans Jr) find a new sense of empowerment when they don police uniforms for a party. It's a comedy of errors as they get mixed with the Russian mob and deeper in trouble with their lie. This mistaken identity premise/action cop spoof is predictable, but is still hilariously funny. Johnson & Wayans have comedy chemistry. For a smaller production project, this "R" rated film packs a big comedy punch. This special advanced screening was held in a pop-up 91-seat semi-trailer theater parked at a IKEA site. This film is not scheduled for release until August 2014.
Alien gives it 3 "eBay loser cruiser" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Jersey Boys
Before there was the "Jersey Shores", there were the "Jersey Boys".
Based on the Broadway musical, director Clint Eastwood remasters the behind-the-scenes story of how the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons came to be. If you are old enough, it is a nostalgic timeline (1951-1990) trip down memory lane punctuated by the list of their greatest hits. See how music used to be made and played. See the darker side of their success and rise to fame. Alien loved the music and the personal insight to the men behind the music. Eastwood orchestrates a wonderful blend of drama and music with a healthy dose of theatrical asides.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Eastwood does a Hitchcock" stars out of 4.
Before there was the "Jersey Shores", there were the "Jersey Boys".
Based on the Broadway musical, director Clint Eastwood remasters the behind-the-scenes story of how the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons came to be. If you are old enough, it is a nostalgic timeline (1951-1990) trip down memory lane punctuated by the list of their greatest hits. See how music used to be made and played. See the darker side of their success and rise to fame. Alien loved the music and the personal insight to the men behind the music. Eastwood orchestrates a wonderful blend of drama and music with a healthy dose of theatrical asides.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Eastwood does a Hitchcock" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
22 Jump Street
Schmidt (Jonah Hill) & Jenko (Channing Tatum) are back in full force poking fun at buddy cop shows, bromantic comedies, and their own "21 Jump Street". Although it's the same old story but updated to the collegiate level (an excuse for wild frat party and spring break scenes), it still packs in a lot of surprises, cameos, and hilarious twists. This is stupid funny silliness at its best; especially the laughing-at-itself vignettes leading to the credits. But stay through to the end of the credits for one funny bit.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "WHYPHY-WiFi" stars out of 4.
Schmidt (Jonah Hill) & Jenko (Channing Tatum) are back in full force poking fun at buddy cop shows, bromantic comedies, and their own "21 Jump Street". Although it's the same old story but updated to the collegiate level (an excuse for wild frat party and spring break scenes), it still packs in a lot of surprises, cameos, and hilarious twists. This is stupid funny silliness at its best; especially the laughing-at-itself vignettes leading to the credits. But stay through to the end of the credits for one funny bit.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "WHYPHY-WiFi" stars out of 4.
Saturday, June 07, 2014
How To Train Your Dragon 2 (3D)
The gang is all back after 5 years of dragon-viking harmony in Berk, but that's all threatened when Draco Bludvist shows up to try and take over everything for himself. While the original animated film was charming and more kid oriented, this sequel is a bit darker and more battle action driven. The aerial scenes in 3D are spectacular. Strap in for a big time adventure featuring a dragon race, dragon riders, a mysterious dragon whisperer, dragon trappers, alpha dragons, and a duel between fire and ice as Hiccup & Toothless continue their parallel coming of age stories.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "lost & found" stars out of 4.
The gang is all back after 5 years of dragon-viking harmony in Berk, but that's all threatened when Draco Bludvist shows up to try and take over everything for himself. While the original animated film was charming and more kid oriented, this sequel is a bit darker and more battle action driven. The aerial scenes in 3D are spectacular. Strap in for a big time adventure featuring a dragon race, dragon riders, a mysterious dragon whisperer, dragon trappers, alpha dragons, and a duel between fire and ice as Hiccup & Toothless continue their parallel coming of age stories.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "lost & found" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Words and Pictures
At a private prep school, a Honors English teacher (Clive Owen) and a Honors Art teacher (Juliette Binoche) are at odds with each other insisting their craft is better than the other's; thus the film's title. This romantic comedy/drama is a little slow to develop, but Owen & Binoche are wonderful as flawed characters with good intentions. For one alcohol threatens to destroy their career & personal life and a physical condition frustrates the other's passion to create & relate. Their charming love/hate rivalry challenges these two individuals who are off their game to elevate themselves and their students to a higher level of achievement. The beauty of the written word and the visual arts are highlighted in this inspirational movie.
Alien gives it 3 "the great debate" stars out of 4.
At a private prep school, a Honors English teacher (Clive Owen) and a Honors Art teacher (Juliette Binoche) are at odds with each other insisting their craft is better than the other's; thus the film's title. This romantic comedy/drama is a little slow to develop, but Owen & Binoche are wonderful as flawed characters with good intentions. For one alcohol threatens to destroy their career & personal life and a physical condition frustrates the other's passion to create & relate. Their charming love/hate rivalry challenges these two individuals who are off their game to elevate themselves and their students to a higher level of achievement. The beauty of the written word and the visual arts are highlighted in this inspirational movie.
Alien gives it 3 "the great debate" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 03, 2014
The Fault In Our Stars
Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort) are star crossed teenagers who meet in a cancer support group. Woodley & Elgort (real life friends) give phenomenal performances (no fault in these 2 stars) from the cancer patient perspective just trying to be normal and wanting to be treated as normal. You will be bathed in the glow of their love for each other and will be brought to tears at their tragedy. The witty dialogue and a smart script are designed to tug at your heart strings. Teenage girls and incurable romantics will flock to this bittersweet tearjerker. You can't help but root for this engaging young couple through to the bitter end, which shouldn't be unexpected given the Shakespearean title. This film will take you on a marvelous emotional journey.
Alien gives it 4 "An Imperial Affliction: pain demands to be felt" stars out of 4.
Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort) are star crossed teenagers who meet in a cancer support group. Woodley & Elgort (real life friends) give phenomenal performances (no fault in these 2 stars) from the cancer patient perspective just trying to be normal and wanting to be treated as normal. You will be bathed in the glow of their love for each other and will be brought to tears at their tragedy. The witty dialogue and a smart script are designed to tug at your heart strings. Teenage girls and incurable romantics will flock to this bittersweet tearjerker. You can't help but root for this engaging young couple through to the bitter end, which shouldn't be unexpected given the Shakespearean title. This film will take you on a marvelous emotional journey.
Alien gives it 4 "An Imperial Affliction: pain demands to be felt" stars out of 4.
