Sunday, December 28, 2014
Big Eyes
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A single mom (Amy Adams) escaping a bad marriage & trying to support herself & young daughter through painting meets a realtor/artist (Christoph Waltz) and thinks her problems are solved when he proposes marriage. Based on a true story in the late 50's/early 60's, her big eyed waif paintings become very popular due to his promotional skills, however, he takes credit for her work. Adams & Waltz are always terrific. It is a period piece representing the sign of the times where women were often taking a backseat to men. At least until she reaches her breaking point and struggles to reclaim her rightful status. Stay for the credits to see the real Margaret Keene.
Alien gives it 3 "I married a con man" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A single mom (Amy Adams) escaping a bad marriage & trying to support herself & young daughter through painting meets a realtor/artist (Christoph Waltz) and thinks her problems are solved when he proposes marriage. Based on a true story in the late 50's/early 60's, her big eyed waif paintings become very popular due to his promotional skills, however, he takes credit for her work. Adams & Waltz are always terrific. It is a period piece representing the sign of the times where women were often taking a backseat to men. At least until she reaches her breaking point and struggles to reclaim her rightful status. Stay for the credits to see the real Margaret Keene.
Alien gives it 3 "I married a con man" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 22, 2014
The Gambler
Mark Wahlberg produces and stars in this remake of a 1974 film about a literature professor who is addicted to high stakes gambling. It is excruciating watching someone making $10,000 bets and losing it all. Then they go from one loan shark to another just to stake himself into another round of gambling trying to recoup his loses and to repay his debts plus the interest. This is an unpleasant movie with an unlikable loser that you don't care about. John Goodman's performance is about the only bright spot in the film. Alien thinks Wahlberg to a gamble here and lost.
Alien gives it 1 "I'm putting everything on black & f*ck you" star out of 4.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Annie
The musical comedy "Annie" returns to the big screen updated to modern times so today's new generation of kids can relate better to it. The film still pays tribute its 1920's comic strip origins with references to FDR, but Little Orphan Annie is now a foster child (Quvenzhané Wallis) and Daddy Warbucks is Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx), a rich business tycoon running for New York mayor. Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne, & Bobby Cannavale also are part of the cast. Annie's rescued dog is now named after a recent famous hurricane. Of course, the film still has those catchy songs from the original Broadway play. This is not a lame retread but charming modernization of the classic musical.
Alien gives it 3 "Smart House" stars out of 4.
The musical comedy "Annie" returns to the big screen updated to modern times so today's new generation of kids can relate better to it. The film still pays tribute its 1920's comic strip origins with references to FDR, but Little Orphan Annie is now a foster child (Quvenzhané Wallis) and Daddy Warbucks is Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx), a rich business tycoon running for New York mayor. Cameron Diaz, Rose Byrne, & Bobby Cannavale also are part of the cast. Annie's rescued dog is now named after a recent famous hurricane. Of course, the film still has those catchy songs from the original Broadway play. This is not a lame retread but charming modernization of the classic musical.
Alien gives it 3 "Smart House" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Into the Woods
Composer Stephen Sonheim, director Rob Marshall, and Disney magic collaborate in a musical comedy twisting the fairy tale characters of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel into a plot about a witch's curse on a Baker and his wife. It's an all star cast with the likes of Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, and Johnny Depp. Pine is hilarious as he channels his best William Shatner singing in the princes' duet. The film looks great and the performances are top notch, but it's not Alien's favorite musical. Still, I would recommend it to musical and Disney fans.
Alien gives it 3 "fractured fairy tales" stars out of 4.
Composer Stephen Sonheim, director Rob Marshall, and Disney magic collaborate in a musical comedy twisting the fairy tale characters of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel into a plot about a witch's curse on a Baker and his wife. It's an all star cast with the likes of Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, and Johnny Depp. Pine is hilarious as he channels his best William Shatner singing in the princes' duet. The film looks great and the performances are top notch, but it's not Alien's favorite musical. Still, I would recommend it to musical and Disney fans.
Alien gives it 3 "fractured fairy tales" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Unbroken
From juvenile delinquent to Olympic competitor to bombardier to prisoner of war, director Angelina Jolie tells the amazing story of Louis Zamperini, a remarkable man of inner strength and endurance. This powerful but brutal film is beautifully and painfully told. It serves as a tribute to the man and a reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform are willing to make in order to defend our freedom. Just when you think things can't get any worse for poor Louie, they do. The Japanese POW camp commandant will surely be a favorite film villain to hate. Alien's favorite moment is a clip at the end showing the real Zamperini fulfilling his dream.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "if you can take it, you can make it" stars out of 4.
From juvenile delinquent to Olympic competitor to bombardier to prisoner of war, director Angelina Jolie tells the amazing story of Louis Zamperini, a remarkable man of inner strength and endurance. This powerful but brutal film is beautifully and painfully told. It serves as a tribute to the man and a reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform are willing to make in order to defend our freedom. Just when you think things can't get any worse for poor Louie, they do. The Japanese POW camp commandant will surely be a favorite film villain to hate. Alien's favorite moment is a clip at the end showing the real Zamperini fulfilling his dream.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "if you can take it, you can make it" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
The Imitation Game
What if you were instrumental in ending World War II early and it was kept a secret. Based on a true story of an odd duck mathematician, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), it's masterfully told in flashbacks, during the war, pre-war and post-war periods. Keira Knightley also stars as one of the other cryptographers trying to break the Nazi's Enigma code. Both give remarkable performances,but Cumberbatch's is exceptional. It is a fascinating story about a man who marched to the beat of a different drummer.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "The Turing Machine" stars out of 4.
What if you were instrumental in ending World War II early and it was kept a secret. Based on a true story of an odd duck mathematician, Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), it's masterfully told in flashbacks, during the war, pre-war and post-war periods. Keira Knightley also stars as one of the other cryptographers trying to break the Nazi's Enigma code. Both give remarkable performances,but Cumberbatch's is exceptional. It is a fascinating story about a man who marched to the beat of a different drummer.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "The Turing Machine" stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (3D)
When the magic starts to run out in the third installment to "Night of the Museum" series, guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) heads to London's British Museum to save his friends. It is more of the same moonlight madness with the change of venue and the return of some of your favorites like Jedediah, Octavius, Attila the Hun, Teddy Roosevelt, Sacajawea, and Dexter as well as some new characters. It was a real treat to see Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney one more last time on the big screen. Look for Stiller is a duo role is this family fun film. Dance clips play during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Tablet of Ahkmenrah" stars out of 4.
When the magic starts to run out in the third installment to "Night of the Museum" series, guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) heads to London's British Museum to save his friends. It is more of the same moonlight madness with the change of venue and the return of some of your favorites like Jedediah, Octavius, Attila the Hun, Teddy Roosevelt, Sacajawea, and Dexter as well as some new characters. It was a real treat to see Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney one more last time on the big screen. Look for Stiller is a duo role is this family fun film. Dance clips play during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "Tablet of Ahkmenrah" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Exodus: Gods and Kings (3D)
Who doesn't know the story of Moses, from the burning bush to the plagues on Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea or who hasn't seen "The Ten Commandments"? So why remake it? Especially when it's just an over-driven special effects boring mess.It's miscasted, notably the two leads, Christian Bale as Moses and Joel Edgerton as Rameses. Sigourney Weaver and Ben Kingsley seem to be added as big name draws. So if you are unfamiliar with the story or just like to be dazzled by special effects, you may enjoy this one.
Alien gives it 2 "pawn or hero" stars out of 4.
Who doesn't know the story of Moses, from the burning bush to the plagues on Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea or who hasn't seen "The Ten Commandments"? So why remake it? Especially when it's just an over-driven special effects boring mess.It's miscasted, notably the two leads, Christian Bale as Moses and Joel Edgerton as Rameses. Sigourney Weaver and Ben Kingsley seem to be added as big name draws. So if you are unfamiliar with the story or just like to be dazzled by special effects, you may enjoy this one.
Alien gives it 2 "pawn or hero" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 09, 2014
Top Five
Chris Rock writes, directs, and stars in this entertaining film about a comedian trying to be taken seriously after a wildly successful career as Hammy the Bear/cop. Rosario Dawson plays a journalist trying to get that in-depth interview. Gabrielle Union is his bridezilla/reality TV star craving fame. Chris must have invited all of his comedic friends to join in the fun. Look for them in bit parts. If you like Chris Rock humor, this may be a film for you. If in your face anal sex humor disgusts you, you may want to avert your eyes or stay away.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Red Hot Chili Pepper" star out of 4.
Chris Rock writes, directs, and stars in this entertaining film about a comedian trying to be taken seriously after a wildly successful career as Hammy the Bear/cop. Rosario Dawson plays a journalist trying to get that in-depth interview. Gabrielle Union is his bridezilla/reality TV star craving fame. Chris must have invited all of his comedic friends to join in the fun. Look for them in bit parts. If you like Chris Rock humor, this may be a film for you. If in your face anal sex humor disgusts you, you may want to avert your eyes or stay away.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Red Hot Chili Pepper" star out of 4.
Thursday, December 04, 2014
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies (3D)
The final episode of the Hobbit trilogy adventure concludes with an epic battle fighting for wealth, power, and what is rightfully theirs. Who will survive? Who will perish? Who can slay the dragon? Has the king gone mad? Can Baggins save the day? The special effects are absolutely stunning. The fight scenes are thrilling. There is even a little romance tossed in amidst all the chaos. Throughout is the comradry and friendship that binds our troop of tiny heroes together. All in all, it's a fitting end to this remarkable quest and bridge to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Alien give is 3 ½ "Arkenstone" stars out of 4.
The final episode of the Hobbit trilogy adventure concludes with an epic battle fighting for wealth, power, and what is rightfully theirs. Who will survive? Who will perish? Who can slay the dragon? Has the king gone mad? Can Baggins save the day? The special effects are absolutely stunning. The fight scenes are thrilling. There is even a little romance tossed in amidst all the chaos. Throughout is the comradry and friendship that binds our troop of tiny heroes together. All in all, it's a fitting end to this remarkable quest and bridge to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Alien give is 3 ½ "Arkenstone" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
The Wedding Ringer
It's the "Wedding Crashers" if it was an inside job when a socially awkward guy (Josh Gad) turns to a rent-a-best-man agency to fulfill his share of the wedding party. Hilarity ensues as the great charade plays out fooling the bride-to-be (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) and the future in-laws (Ken Howard, Mimi Rogers, & Cloris Leachman). The fast talking funny man, Kevin Hart, expertly plays the hired best man. The film pokes fun at the whole wedding ritual using the big con to drive it. Get some hysterical dance tips from Gad & Hart. It is rated "R" for raunchy humor and language. The key to this wedding flick is Hart & heart. Look for some cameo appearances.
Alien gives it 3 "the Golden Tux from the basement of Arnie's World of Fun" stars out of 4.
It's the "Wedding Crashers" if it was an inside job when a socially awkward guy (Josh Gad) turns to a rent-a-best-man agency to fulfill his share of the wedding party. Hilarity ensues as the great charade plays out fooling the bride-to-be (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) and the future in-laws (Ken Howard, Mimi Rogers, & Cloris Leachman). The fast talking funny man, Kevin Hart, expertly plays the hired best man. The film pokes fun at the whole wedding ritual using the big con to drive it. Get some hysterical dance tips from Gad & Hart. It is rated "R" for raunchy humor and language. The key to this wedding flick is Hart & heart. Look for some cameo appearances.
Alien gives it 3 "the Golden Tux from the basement of Arnie's World of Fun" stars out of 4.
