Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Death Wish
Chicago surgeon Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) experiences a tragic event, is frustrated by the lack of police resolution in his case, & decides to take matters into his own hands. This is a remake of the classic 1974 film starring the iconic Charles Bronson & spawning 4 more franchise sequels. Having never seen any of these prior films, there will be no comparisons made here. Kersey is a law abiding citizen who is having difficulty dealing with his grief when seemingly divine intervention practically drops into his lap. Director Eli Roth comes from the horror genre so he is no stranger to displaying blood & guts for maximum impact. This is a terrific action thriller daring audiences to take a stand on vigilante justice. Is this hoodied shooter made an internet sensation a guardian angel or the grim reaper? It’s not too hard to figure out how things are going to be played out but it’s still likely to be a satisfying guilty pleasure. This is a timely film considering today’s current debate over gun control issues.
Alien gives it 3 “tactical furniture” stars out of 4.
Chicago surgeon Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) experiences a tragic event, is frustrated by the lack of police resolution in his case, & decides to take matters into his own hands. This is a remake of the classic 1974 film starring the iconic Charles Bronson & spawning 4 more franchise sequels. Having never seen any of these prior films, there will be no comparisons made here. Kersey is a law abiding citizen who is having difficulty dealing with his grief when seemingly divine intervention practically drops into his lap. Director Eli Roth comes from the horror genre so he is no stranger to displaying blood & guts for maximum impact. This is a terrific action thriller daring audiences to take a stand on vigilante justice. Is this hoodied shooter made an internet sensation a guardian angel or the grim reaper? It’s not too hard to figure out how things are going to be played out but it’s still likely to be a satisfying guilty pleasure. This is a timely film considering today’s current debate over gun control issues.
Alien gives it 3 “tactical furniture” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
From 1979 to 1981, a young British actor Peter Turner (Jamie Bell) & much older American noir film star Gloria Grahame (Annette Bening) become romantically involved. Bening is absolutely fabulous as the vain aging actress living in denial about her health condition. This is a true story based on a book written by the real Peter Turner. The film is beautifully shot but some of the artistic time jump segues may leave the audience confused momentarily. This indie film love story is touching & sad.
Alien gives it 2½ “Romeo & Juliet” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
From 1979 to 1981, a young British actor Peter Turner (Jamie Bell) & much older American noir film star Gloria Grahame (Annette Bening) become romantically involved. Bening is absolutely fabulous as the vain aging actress living in denial about her health condition. This is a true story based on a book written by the real Peter Turner. The film is beautifully shot but some of the artistic time jump segues may leave the audience confused momentarily. This indie film love story is touching & sad.
Alien gives it 2½ “Romeo & Juliet” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Every Day
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two teenage kids meet by chance & fall in love but are separated by time & space so they must find each other again every new day. Rhiannon is a 16 year old girl who thinks she is in love with her boyfriend Justin until she encounters A, spirit who inhabits a new person each day. This is truly a unique love story with a creative premise. This cute & charming fantasy story explores the teenage relationship experience as one struggles thru life, making discoveries, & having to make some tough decisions. Subliminal message here is to not focus on the first impression of a person’s outer looks & look for their inner beauty.
Alien gives it 3 “leaving marks” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two teenage kids meet by chance & fall in love but are separated by time & space so they must find each other again every new day. Rhiannon is a 16 year old girl who thinks she is in love with her boyfriend Justin until she encounters A, spirit who inhabits a new person each day. This is truly a unique love story with a creative premise. This cute & charming fantasy story explores the teenage relationship experience as one struggles thru life, making discoveries, & having to make some tough decisions. Subliminal message here is to not focus on the first impression of a person’s outer looks & look for their inner beauty.
Alien gives it 3 “leaving marks” stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Red Sparrow
The Black, Blonde, & the Proud of the female assassin/hitman world are now joined by a newcomer, Red Sparrow (Jennifer Lawrence), a fallen Russian ballerina turned government killer seductress. It’s spy vs spy meets fifty shades of Kremlin red. Expect the usual spy genre stuff; protecting the mole, selling secrets, seducing the enemy, & the agent swap. Brace yourself for some excruciating torture scenes. However, the film seems to look for any excuse to put JLaw in as many naked situation as possible. Joel Edgerton, Mary-Louise Parker, & Jeremy Irons costar in this suspenseful hard-R thriller filled with intrigue & a bit of perverseness.
Alien gives it 3 “whores school training” stars out of 4.
The Black, Blonde, & the Proud of the female assassin/hitman world are now joined by a newcomer, Red Sparrow (Jennifer Lawrence), a fallen Russian ballerina turned government killer seductress. It’s spy vs spy meets fifty shades of Kremlin red. Expect the usual spy genre stuff; protecting the mole, selling secrets, seducing the enemy, & the agent swap. Brace yourself for some excruciating torture scenes. However, the film seems to look for any excuse to put JLaw in as many naked situation as possible. Joel Edgerton, Mary-Louise Parker, & Jeremy Irons costar in this suspenseful hard-R thriller filled with intrigue & a bit of perverseness.
Alien gives it 3 “whores school training” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Annihilation
An unknown object hurtling thru space strikes a lighthouse. Top secret government missions dispatched into this quarantined area fail to return any information. A team of five military/scientist women make the next expedition into Area X in search of answers to this expanding area called the Shimmer. With a terrific cast including Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, & Oscar Isaac and the writer/director of Ex Machina, Alex Garland, at the helm, the expectations are high but this weird science fiction disappoints. The film seems to be built around some stunningly beautiful visuals, intense moments of horror, & some biologically twisted creatures & plants but the mystery behind “Annihilation” has an unsatisfying conclusion which just leads to more unanswered questions. It’s an intellectual sci-fi horror film that may seem more like an annihilation abomination to many.
Alien gives it 2 “prism refraction” stars out of 4.
An unknown object hurtling thru space strikes a lighthouse. Top secret government missions dispatched into this quarantined area fail to return any information. A team of five military/scientist women make the next expedition into Area X in search of answers to this expanding area called the Shimmer. With a terrific cast including Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, & Oscar Isaac and the writer/director of Ex Machina, Alex Garland, at the helm, the expectations are high but this weird science fiction disappoints. The film seems to be built around some stunningly beautiful visuals, intense moments of horror, & some biologically twisted creatures & plants but the mystery behind “Annihilation” has an unsatisfying conclusion which just leads to more unanswered questions. It’s an intellectual sci-fi horror film that may seem more like an annihilation abomination to many.
Alien gives it 2 “prism refraction” stars out of 4.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Black Panther
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Panthers, gorillas, & rhinos... oh my!
With shades of “The Lion King” & a 007 feel, Marvel’s best superhero film to date details the Black Panther’s story & hints to its impact on the Marvel film universe. See how T’Challa aka Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) comes to power & struggles as the warrior leader of Wakanda, an African nation with a huge secret - Vibranium. Director/writer Ryan Coogler takes this Marvel movie to another level as he infuses political messages into his action packed thriller. This has an excellent well laid out script with outstanding actors playing these powerful characters. The villains (Michael B. Jordan & Andy Serkis) are always the key to a great thriller. This is an amazing hidden kingdom hiding in plan sight. Forest Whitaker, Angela Basset, Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya, & Martin Freeman round out the cast with Letitia Wright as Shuri, stealing her scenes. Expect the now the Marvel standards: a sense of humor, the Stan Lee cameo, & the mid-credit/end-of-credit reveals. Coogler makes his statements about strong roles for woman & about the angry black man’s persona. He also pays tribute to the African culture & his hometown roots in Oakland, California.
Alien gives it 4 “Wakanda Forever“ stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Panthers, gorillas, & rhinos... oh my!
With shades of “The Lion King” & a 007 feel, Marvel’s best superhero film to date details the Black Panther’s story & hints to its impact on the Marvel film universe. See how T’Challa aka Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) comes to power & struggles as the warrior leader of Wakanda, an African nation with a huge secret - Vibranium. Director/writer Ryan Coogler takes this Marvel movie to another level as he infuses political messages into his action packed thriller. This has an excellent well laid out script with outstanding actors playing these powerful characters. The villains (Michael B. Jordan & Andy Serkis) are always the key to a great thriller. This is an amazing hidden kingdom hiding in plan sight. Forest Whitaker, Angela Basset, Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya, & Martin Freeman round out the cast with Letitia Wright as Shuri, stealing her scenes. Expect the now the Marvel standards: a sense of humor, the Stan Lee cameo, & the mid-credit/end-of-credit reveals. Coogler makes his statements about strong roles for woman & about the angry black man’s persona. He also pays tribute to the African culture & his hometown roots in Oakland, California.
Alien gives it 4 “Wakanda Forever“ stars out of 4.
Monday, February 12, 2018
The 15:17 to Paris
This not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Based on the true events aboard a high-speed train going from Amsterdam to Paris on August 21, 2015, three childhood friends on a backpacking trip across Europe spring into action & thwart a lone terrorist’s plan to massacre all the passengers. Director Clint Eastwood takes a big risk here by casting the real life heroes to play themselves (Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, & Anthony Sadler). Although these three are not polished actors by any means, the trade off here is these are the real heroes of the day who actually experienced the dangerous drama that unfolded. Most of the film tells the back story of how these three met & became friends. Then to go on their separate ways only to reunite on that fateful day. It is important to note that these are just ordinary young men who stepped up during a crisis to save hundreds of lives. These were kids who seemingly were prone to misbehaving at school & discounted by many as they struggle in life. Eastwood does his best to entertain & tell a story based on 15 minutes of fame. This is more of a tribute to these men honoring their courage under fire. How many times have we seen films & wondered what the real people portrayed were truly like. Sure, the dialog along the way is heavy handed setting up the finale but I️ don't think I’d want it any other way. In mid credit, look for the parade thrown by the city of Sacramento honoring their local hometown heroes.
Alien gives it 3 “fate, luck, & courage” stars out of 4.
This not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Based on the true events aboard a high-speed train going from Amsterdam to Paris on August 21, 2015, three childhood friends on a backpacking trip across Europe spring into action & thwart a lone terrorist’s plan to massacre all the passengers. Director Clint Eastwood takes a big risk here by casting the real life heroes to play themselves (Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, & Anthony Sadler). Although these three are not polished actors by any means, the trade off here is these are the real heroes of the day who actually experienced the dangerous drama that unfolded. Most of the film tells the back story of how these three met & became friends. Then to go on their separate ways only to reunite on that fateful day. It is important to note that these are just ordinary young men who stepped up during a crisis to save hundreds of lives. These were kids who seemingly were prone to misbehaving at school & discounted by many as they struggle in life. Eastwood does his best to entertain & tell a story based on 15 minutes of fame. This is more of a tribute to these men honoring their courage under fire. How many times have we seen films & wondered what the real people portrayed were truly like. Sure, the dialog along the way is heavy handed setting up the finale but I️ don't think I’d want it any other way. In mid credit, look for the parade thrown by the city of Sacramento honoring their local hometown heroes.
Alien gives it 3 “fate, luck, & courage” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Early Man
Chickens, Were-Rabbits, & Pirates... oh my!
It’s “One Million Years B.C.” meets “Escape to Victory” as the people of the Stone Age clash with the people of the Bronze Age. Exiled into the volcanic badlands, these rabbit hunters fight to reclaim their homes in the valley by winning a challenge match of soccer. Once again Aardman Animations has created a delightful stop-motion claymation that can be enjoyed by both the kids & the adults. It’s hilarious.prehistoric wackiness as the underdog cavemen play against a stacked deck. At the end of the credits is a final dinosaur tribute the late Ray Harryhausen.
Alien gives it 3½ “Dug & Hognob” stars out of 4.
Chickens, Were-Rabbits, & Pirates... oh my!
It’s “One Million Years B.C.” meets “Escape to Victory” as the people of the Stone Age clash with the people of the Bronze Age. Exiled into the volcanic badlands, these rabbit hunters fight to reclaim their homes in the valley by winning a challenge match of soccer. Once again Aardman Animations has created a delightful stop-motion claymation that can be enjoyed by both the kids & the adults. It’s hilarious.prehistoric wackiness as the underdog cavemen play against a stacked deck. At the end of the credits is a final dinosaur tribute the late Ray Harryhausen.
Alien gives it 3½ “Dug & Hognob” stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 08, 2018
Paul, Apostle of Christ
This is the story of two men’s struggles during the early days of Christianity. With the followers of Christ being persecuted, the Apostle Paul (James Faulkner) is imprisoned by Nero in Rome. His loyal friend & physician, Luke (Jim Caviezel), would visit Paul daily & documented his words of wisdom. Those who are not so religiously inclined may find this film rather slow paced & dry & shot mostly in dimly lit prison conditions & secret hideaways. The message here is to have faith & follow the teachings of Jesus. This is an extremely well crafted period piece. Although the movie isn’t going to be the most popular film subject, hopefully this story will inspire people to research a little more about these biblical characters & their ties to the Book of Acts. This film is scheduled to open on March 28, 2018.
Alien gives it 2½ “fight the good fight, finish the race, & keep the faith” stars of 4.
This is the story of two men’s struggles during the early days of Christianity. With the followers of Christ being persecuted, the Apostle Paul (James Faulkner) is imprisoned by Nero in Rome. His loyal friend & physician, Luke (Jim Caviezel), would visit Paul daily & documented his words of wisdom. Those who are not so religiously inclined may find this film rather slow paced & dry & shot mostly in dimly lit prison conditions & secret hideaways. The message here is to have faith & follow the teachings of Jesus. This is an extremely well crafted period piece. Although the movie isn’t going to be the most popular film subject, hopefully this story will inspire people to research a little more about these biblical characters & their ties to the Book of Acts. This film is scheduled to open on March 28, 2018.
Alien gives it 2½ “fight the good fight, finish the race, & keep the faith” stars of 4.
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Fifty Shades Freed
That horny couple, Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) & Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), is back for more kinky fun & games. See how the rich live as wedding bells, a grand honeymoon, & an act of sabotage kick off this third & hopefully final semester of this S&M 101 course. Still no real chemistry between these individuals seems to exist & except for their sexual attraction, they don’t seem to even know each other very well. Not only does their marriague hit a rough patch quickly but a stalker seems to have some kind of vendetta against them. Is this marriage doomed? Will they live happily ever after? Will there be some tragic ending? Even though film makers added a thriller element to this excuse to incite titillating sexual moments, this film seems likely to be as forgettable as the first two movies. Nevertheless, fans of the first two film will probably like this one too,
Alien gives it 2½ “jealousy & mistrust” stars out of 4.
That horny couple, Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) & Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), is back for more kinky fun & games. See how the rich live as wedding bells, a grand honeymoon, & an act of sabotage kick off this third & hopefully final semester of this S&M 101 course. Still no real chemistry between these individuals seems to exist & except for their sexual attraction, they don’t seem to even know each other very well. Not only does their marriague hit a rough patch quickly but a stalker seems to have some kind of vendetta against them. Is this marriage doomed? Will they live happily ever after? Will there be some tragic ending? Even though film makers added a thriller element to this excuse to incite titillating sexual moments, this film seems likely to be as forgettable as the first two movies. Nevertheless, fans of the first two film will probably like this one too,
Alien gives it 2½ “jealousy & mistrust” stars out of 4.
Monday, February 05, 2018
Game Night
Max (Jason Bateman) & Annie (Rachel McAdams) are a very competitive couple who enjoy winning at game night against their friends. They are also trying unsuccessfully to conceiving a baby. When Max’s older brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) comes to town & invites the group to his ultimate game night challenge, that’s when the hilarious insanity breaks out in this zany action comedy with surprise twists & turns. Everyone holds their own in this crazy night of a murder mystery gone awry. This will be the most fun you’ll ever have at game night . Be sure to stay until the end of the credits for one last funny scene from two of the film’s lesser characters.
Alien gives it 3½ “Fabergé egg” stars out of 4.
Max (Jason Bateman) & Annie (Rachel McAdams) are a very competitive couple who enjoy winning at game night against their friends. They are also trying unsuccessfully to conceiving a baby. When Max’s older brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) comes to town & invites the group to his ultimate game night challenge, that’s when the hilarious insanity breaks out in this zany action comedy with surprise twists & turns. Everyone holds their own in this crazy night of a murder mystery gone awry. This will be the most fun you’ll ever have at game night . Be sure to stay until the end of the credits for one last funny scene from two of the film’s lesser characters.
Alien gives it 3½ “Fabergé egg” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 03, 2018
Peter Rabbit
What if General Hux met one of the Bridesmaids in an alternate Peter Rabbit universe?
Famed author Beatrix Potter's characters, Peter Rabbit, his triplet sisters (Flopsy, Mopsy, & Cottontail), cousin Benjamin, & old man Mr. McGregor come to the big screen in a modern update to children's classic tale. While Peter is still the "Dennis the Menace" of the rabbit world who continues to make mischief for his next door "Mr. Wilson", this new story reflects today's sense of humor & entertainment values. Being a kids movie, you can expect plenty of bathroom humor & silly situations. For the adults, there are jokes that will go right over the little kiddies' heads & an obvious budding romance story between the up tight controlling new owner of the McGregor estate (Domhnall Gleeson) & Bea (Rose Bryne), an animal loving artist neighbor. This is a cute & charming family film that has a little something for all. The moral of the story here is about making amends. As a tribute to the Peter Rabbit series author, iconic images of her works are featured in this CGI animated/live action film. Be sure to stay seated for one final scene shown in mid credits.
Alien gives it 3½ "garden feud" stars out of 4.
What if General Hux met one of the Bridesmaids in an alternate Peter Rabbit universe?
Famed author Beatrix Potter's characters, Peter Rabbit, his triplet sisters (Flopsy, Mopsy, & Cottontail), cousin Benjamin, & old man Mr. McGregor come to the big screen in a modern update to children's classic tale. While Peter is still the "Dennis the Menace" of the rabbit world who continues to make mischief for his next door "Mr. Wilson", this new story reflects today's sense of humor & entertainment values. Being a kids movie, you can expect plenty of bathroom humor & silly situations. For the adults, there are jokes that will go right over the little kiddies' heads & an obvious budding romance story between the up tight controlling new owner of the McGregor estate (Domhnall Gleeson) & Bea (Rose Bryne), an animal loving artist neighbor. This is a cute & charming family film that has a little something for all. The moral of the story here is about making amends. As a tribute to the Peter Rabbit series author, iconic images of her works are featured in this CGI animated/live action film. Be sure to stay seated for one final scene shown in mid credits.
Alien gives it 3½ "garden feud" stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 01, 2018
Winchester
Do you believe in ghosts, evil spirits, and/or demonic possession?
See how the directors of “Jigsaw” try to spice up a potentially dry but fascinating story about the Winchester rifle heiress (Helen Mirren) & her obsession with the continuous construction of her San Jose home to protection her family from the ghosts of those killed by this famous deadly weapon. Through the use of visual aids (haunting spirits), this fictionalized tale based on true events becomes your typical horror ghost story with the usual jump scares. You’ll learn a bit about Sarah Winchester, her superstitions, & her famous mystery house. The talented Mirren should draw an audience but both biopic/documentary & horror genre fans may be disappointed as this film splits the difference. Nevertheless, human curiosity about this building oddity & the hype behind it should attract a crowd. Summary captions run at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 2½ “roller skates & repeating arms” stars out of 4.
Do you believe in ghosts, evil spirits, and/or demonic possession?
See how the directors of “Jigsaw” try to spice up a potentially dry but fascinating story about the Winchester rifle heiress (Helen Mirren) & her obsession with the continuous construction of her San Jose home to protection her family from the ghosts of those killed by this famous deadly weapon. Through the use of visual aids (haunting spirits), this fictionalized tale based on true events becomes your typical horror ghost story with the usual jump scares. You’ll learn a bit about Sarah Winchester, her superstitions, & her famous mystery house. The talented Mirren should draw an audience but both biopic/documentary & horror genre fans may be disappointed as this film splits the difference. Nevertheless, human curiosity about this building oddity & the hype behind it should attract a crowd. Summary captions run at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 2½ “roller skates & repeating arms” stars out of 4.
