Thursday, March 29, 2018
The Miracle Season
It’s 2011 & the Iowa City West High School defending girls volleyball State championship team begins their new season with the devastating loss of their team captain & senior setter, Caroline Found. Known as Line or Liner, she was the pulse & the heart of the team. Based on a true story, see how her family, teammates, coaches, schoolmates, city, & community deal the loss of this spirited & motivated girl. This is an amazing underdog story featuring her best friend who has to step up, a tough coach (Helen Hunt), & a grieving dad (William Hurt). This is one of those film that make you wonder if that really happened or was that just a cheesy Hollywood embellishment to jazz up the story. Pay attention to some real life photos & video footage that runs during the credits answer those questions.
Alien gives it 3 “Live Like Line” stars out of 4.
It’s 2011 & the Iowa City West High School defending girls volleyball State championship team begins their new season with the devastating loss of their team captain & senior setter, Caroline Found. Known as Line or Liner, she was the pulse & the heart of the team. Based on a true story, see how her family, teammates, coaches, schoolmates, city, & community deal the loss of this spirited & motivated girl. This is an amazing underdog story featuring her best friend who has to step up, a tough coach (Helen Hunt), & a grieving dad (William Hurt). This is one of those film that make you wonder if that really happened or was that just a cheesy Hollywood embellishment to jazz up the story. Pay attention to some real life photos & video footage that runs during the credits answer those questions.
Alien gives it 3 “Live Like Line” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
I️ Feel Pretty
It’s introspective “Shallow Hal” without the visual transformation when insecure overweight Renee (Amy Schumer) bumps her head during a spin class. After her head trauma, she sees herself different & becomes very self confident. This is a romantic comedy with a humorous social commentary America’s obsession with beauty & being model skinny. Schumer has the ability to pull off this act. Michelle Williams also costars as one of the model perfect stereotypes. You have never seen like this before & you may have to do a double take to realize it is her. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder & through true confidence your inner beauty will shine is the message here. Depending on your sense of humor & your attitude towards fat shaming, you might like this “Fat Amy Show” either more or less.
Alien give it 2½ “Lily Le Claire” stars out of 4.
It’s introspective “Shallow Hal” without the visual transformation when insecure overweight Renee (Amy Schumer) bumps her head during a spin class. After her head trauma, she sees herself different & becomes very self confident. This is a romantic comedy with a humorous social commentary America’s obsession with beauty & being model skinny. Schumer has the ability to pull off this act. Michelle Williams also costars as one of the model perfect stereotypes. You have never seen like this before & you may have to do a double take to realize it is her. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder & through true confidence your inner beauty will shine is the message here. Depending on your sense of humor & your attitude towards fat shaming, you might like this “Fat Amy Show” either more or less.
Alien give it 2½ “Lily Le Claire” stars out of 4.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Ready Player One
Gamers, log off & head to the theaters. Steven Spielberg has crafted this awesome experience for you. It’s 2045 in dystopian Columbus, Ohio, where a young man, Wade, escapes his bleak world of surviving in the “Stacks” to virtually live in the OASIS where he can be whoever he wants to be. As it turns out, the entire planet is obsessed with the OASIS, trying to win coins, acquiring things, finding keys, & searching for clues. This amazing film is built on tons of Easter Eggs as endless 80’s pop culture references come streaming at you during this action packed adrenaline thrill ride featuring stunning digital special effects. This is ultimate on-line gaming experience explored on the big screen where the lines between fantasy & reality are blurred and pros & cons of the value of gaming are weighed.
Alien gives it 4 “High-5” stars out of 4.
Gamers, log off & head to the theaters. Steven Spielberg has crafted this awesome experience for you. It’s 2045 in dystopian Columbus, Ohio, where a young man, Wade, escapes his bleak world of surviving in the “Stacks” to virtually live in the OASIS where he can be whoever he wants to be. As it turns out, the entire planet is obsessed with the OASIS, trying to win coins, acquiring things, finding keys, & searching for clues. This amazing film is built on tons of Easter Eggs as endless 80’s pop culture references come streaming at you during this action packed adrenaline thrill ride featuring stunning digital special effects. This is ultimate on-line gaming experience explored on the big screen where the lines between fantasy & reality are blurred and pros & cons of the value of gaming are weighed.
Alien gives it 4 “High-5” stars out of 4.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
The Strangers: Prey at Night
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s terror in the trailer park as 3 masked psychopaths attack a family of 4 on a road trip. Troubled teen Kinsey (Bailee Madison) is being shipped off to boarding school when Doll Face, Pin-Up Girl, & Man in the Mask begin their relentless night of terror. It’s basic chase, hunt, escape, & fight for survival. Although the situations feel conveniently contrived, the film gives you those usual jump scares & threat that keeps coming. It’s not too hard to figure out where things are headed so just sit back & enjoy bloody thrills. These 3 murderous strangers first appeared at the door of another house in the 2008 American horror film titled “The Strangers”. Will this be the last time we get a visit from those now iconic images of evil?
Alien gives it 3 “knock, knock” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s terror in the trailer park as 3 masked psychopaths attack a family of 4 on a road trip. Troubled teen Kinsey (Bailee Madison) is being shipped off to boarding school when Doll Face, Pin-Up Girl, & Man in the Mask begin their relentless night of terror. It’s basic chase, hunt, escape, & fight for survival. Although the situations feel conveniently contrived, the film gives you those usual jump scares & threat that keeps coming. It’s not too hard to figure out where things are headed so just sit back & enjoy bloody thrills. These 3 murderous strangers first appeared at the door of another house in the 2008 American horror film titled “The Strangers”. Will this be the last time we get a visit from those now iconic images of evil?
Alien gives it 3 “knock, knock” stars out of 4.
Midnight Sun
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “Everything, Everthing” meets “Cinderella” when these star-crossed lovers have an awkward moment at the train station. Katie (Bella Throne) has a rare genetic disease that has her confined to home during the day. This is a coming of age story as Katie finally meets her long time crush Charlie ( Patrick Schwarzenegger) & they fall in love. This tearjerker is for the incurable romantic. Watch their young love blossom. Life is sometimes full of difficult decisions on your way to find true happiness & love.
Alien gives it 3 “sailing dreams” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “Everything, Everthing” meets “Cinderella” when these star-crossed lovers have an awkward moment at the train station. Katie (Bella Throne) has a rare genetic disease that has her confined to home during the day. This is a coming of age story as Katie finally meets her long time crush Charlie ( Patrick Schwarzenegger) & they fall in love. This tearjerker is for the incurable romantic. Watch their young love blossom. Life is sometimes full of difficult decisions on your way to find true happiness & love.
Alien gives it 3 “sailing dreams” stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Sherlock Gnomes (3D)
First introduced in 2011, Gnomeo & Juliet are back on the big screen along with their garden ornamental friends. After their recent move to a new garden in London, Gnomeo & Juliet discover their friends have gone missing. That’s when Sherlock Gnomes & his sidekick Watson come jolly on the spot & the game is afoot taking us thru the famous sights of London. Songs by Elton John & his writing partner, Bernie Taupin, highlight the soundtrack. This one panders more to the kids with less appeal for the adults but it still is a cute little show. Once again, the 3D effects add little to the film.
Alien gives it 2½ “partners in crime” stars out of 4.
First introduced in 2011, Gnomeo & Juliet are back on the big screen along with their garden ornamental friends. After their recent move to a new garden in London, Gnomeo & Juliet discover their friends have gone missing. That’s when Sherlock Gnomes & his sidekick Watson come jolly on the spot & the game is afoot taking us thru the famous sights of London. Songs by Elton John & his writing partner, Bernie Taupin, highlight the soundtrack. This one panders more to the kids with less appeal for the adults but it still is a cute little show. Once again, the 3D effects add little to the film.
Alien gives it 2½ “partners in crime” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Isle of Dogs
With the outbreak of a dog flu epidemic, the cat-loving mayor of Megasaki City has decreed that the infected dogs be exiled to nearby Trash Island. Then, a young boy, Atari, steals off to the island in search for Spots, his pet/security guard dog aka Dog Zero. There, a team of dogs assist Atari in his rescue mission. This animated fantasy of director/writer Wes Anderson is creative, witty, & quirky. It is steeped in Japanese society & culture. The dogs actually speak as a convenient plot device but the things they say may surprise the owners of man’s best friend. This is a complex story about political corruption, grassroots protests, a massive quarantine, & the love of our pet dogs. The doggie characters will draw you in & have you chuckle over the sly humor. You may think this is for the little kiddies just because it’s animated but it is truly for adults with a sophisticated sense of humor as well those dog lovers. If you like quirkiness & don’t mind a few subtitles, you might want to check out this quasi-dystopian Japanese society featuring dogs.
Alien gives it 3 “canine saturation” stars out of 4.
With the outbreak of a dog flu epidemic, the cat-loving mayor of Megasaki City has decreed that the infected dogs be exiled to nearby Trash Island. Then, a young boy, Atari, steals off to the island in search for Spots, his pet/security guard dog aka Dog Zero. There, a team of dogs assist Atari in his rescue mission. This animated fantasy of director/writer Wes Anderson is creative, witty, & quirky. It is steeped in Japanese society & culture. The dogs actually speak as a convenient plot device but the things they say may surprise the owners of man’s best friend. This is a complex story about political corruption, grassroots protests, a massive quarantine, & the love of our pet dogs. The doggie characters will draw you in & have you chuckle over the sly humor. You may think this is for the little kiddies just because it’s animated but it is truly for adults with a sophisticated sense of humor as well those dog lovers. If you like quirkiness & don’t mind a few subtitles, you might want to check out this quasi-dystopian Japanese society featuring dogs.
Alien gives it 3 “canine saturation” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Pacific Rim: Uprising
It’s 10 years after the Battle of the Breach (2013’s original Pacific Rim movie). The Pan Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC) are training the new recruit pilots for their Jaeger program when a new Kaiju threat immerses featuring a rogue Jaeger & the attack of the drones. Scott Eastwood, John Boyega, & Cailee Spaeny take on the featured roles as the veteran ranger, disgraced son of a legend, & young hacker who all come together to save the world. It’s Godzilla meets Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots in a predictable but fun action packed thriller with stunning special effects. Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, & Rinko Kikuchi return to reprise their roles. This film leans more on its action than the story. By the end, there’s a hint to which direction Part III may be headed.
Alien gives it 3 “Scapper” stars out of 4.
It’s 10 years after the Battle of the Breach (2013’s original Pacific Rim movie). The Pan Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC) are training the new recruit pilots for their Jaeger program when a new Kaiju threat immerses featuring a rogue Jaeger & the attack of the drones. Scott Eastwood, John Boyega, & Cailee Spaeny take on the featured roles as the veteran ranger, disgraced son of a legend, & young hacker who all come together to save the world. It’s Godzilla meets Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots in a predictable but fun action packed thriller with stunning special effects. Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, & Rinko Kikuchi return to reprise their roles. This film leans more on its action than the story. By the end, there’s a hint to which direction Part III may be headed.
Alien gives it 3 “Scapper” stars out of 4.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Unsane
It’s “A Cure for Wellness” meets “Misery” when poor Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy) involuntarily checks herself into a mental institution due to her stalker paranoia. This psychological thriller plays out slowly with flashbacks used to fill in some of the gaps. As with all films in this genre, audience will begin to question the patient’s sanity. Are her claims reality or delusions? Foy is terrific as the desperate woman trying to convince people that she doesn’t belong locked up. The film may have tipped its hand a little too soon & could have stretch the suspense longer. It is an unsettling & agonizing film to watch as Sawyer’s plight goes from bad to worse to oh hell. The film also makes a statement about health insurance & mental institutions. Look for some words of wisdom from a surprise cameo.
Alien gives it 2½ “obsessed” stars out of 4.
It’s “A Cure for Wellness” meets “Misery” when poor Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy) involuntarily checks herself into a mental institution due to her stalker paranoia. This psychological thriller plays out slowly with flashbacks used to fill in some of the gaps. As with all films in this genre, audience will begin to question the patient’s sanity. Are her claims reality or delusions? Foy is terrific as the desperate woman trying to convince people that she doesn’t belong locked up. The film may have tipped its hand a little too soon & could have stretch the suspense longer. It is an unsettling & agonizing film to watch as Sawyer’s plight goes from bad to worse to oh hell. The film also makes a statement about health insurance & mental institutions. Look for some words of wisdom from a surprise cameo.
Alien gives it 2½ “obsessed” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Love, Simon
Simon Spier (Nick Robinson) seems to be an ordinary high school senior but he has a deep dark secret that he is afraid to admit to. This an amazing story detailing the many facets of being gay & trying to cope with the situation. This film draws audiences in with a dear & charming performance by Robinson but then the mood shifts as disaster strikes poor Simon. This very well written script will keep you guessing about the final outcome. This moving story involves concepts about love, tolerance, blackmail, humiliation, friendships, family, inspiration, & bravery. Josh Duhamel & Jennifer Garner give terrific performances as Simon’s parents. If you are looking for a good love story with drama, mystery, & humor, go check out it out.
Alien gives it 4 “riding on a Ferris wheel” stars out of 4.
Simon Spier (Nick Robinson) seems to be an ordinary high school senior but he has a deep dark secret that he is afraid to admit to. This an amazing story detailing the many facets of being gay & trying to cope with the situation. This film draws audiences in with a dear & charming performance by Robinson but then the mood shifts as disaster strikes poor Simon. This very well written script will keep you guessing about the final outcome. This moving story involves concepts about love, tolerance, blackmail, humiliation, friendships, family, inspiration, & bravery. Josh Duhamel & Jennifer Garner give terrific performances as Simon’s parents. If you are looking for a good love story with drama, mystery, & humor, go check out it out.
Alien gives it 4 “riding on a Ferris wheel” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Tomb Raider
Based on a popular video game character, Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) is back in a reboot of the 2001 film & 2003 sequel starring Angelina Jolie. This time Croft is a struggling bicycle courier trying to eke out a living because she refuses to accept the fact that her 7-year missing father is dead. However, solving one puzzle sets her off on a wild adventure to a island cloaked in the mystery of an ancient Japanese queen. Vikander has worked hard to manifest such an iconic character & resculpt her dancer body into muscular toned condition capable of handling all of the dire physically challenging stunts facing this daring adventurer. This is a fun nonstop action thriller played out just like a video game. At the end of the film, there is a hint of what’s next for our heroine.
Alien gives it 3 “secrets of Himiko” stars out of 4.
Based on a popular video game character, Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) is back in a reboot of the 2001 film & 2003 sequel starring Angelina Jolie. This time Croft is a struggling bicycle courier trying to eke out a living because she refuses to accept the fact that her 7-year missing father is dead. However, solving one puzzle sets her off on a wild adventure to a island cloaked in the mystery of an ancient Japanese queen. Vikander has worked hard to manifest such an iconic character & resculpt her dancer body into muscular toned condition capable of handling all of the dire physically challenging stunts facing this daring adventurer. This is a fun nonstop action thriller played out just like a video game. At the end of the film, there is a hint of what’s next for our heroine.
Alien gives it 3 “secrets of Himiko” stars out of 4.
Monday, March 12, 2018
🐓 Blockers
Paranoid parents Hunter (Ike Barinholtz), Lisa (Leslie Mann), & Mitchell (John Cena) clash with their teenage daughters’ sexual curiosity & prom night dreams. It’s hilarious hijinks as this crazy trio tries to protect their children from making the big mistake. This “R” rated comedy romp pushes to the edges of naughtiness as it explores the sexual views of adults & teens. Mann & Cena go over the top to deliver their scene stealing laughs. If one isn’t overly sensitive to to sexual content material, this film may turn out better than one would imagine as it pokes fun at human nature. It’s forbidden guilty pleasure fun. Look for a funny clip near the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “prom night sex pact” stars out of 4.
Paranoid parents Hunter (Ike Barinholtz), Lisa (Leslie Mann), & Mitchell (John Cena) clash with their teenage daughters’ sexual curiosity & prom night dreams. It’s hilarious hijinks as this crazy trio tries to protect their children from making the big mistake. This “R” rated comedy romp pushes to the edges of naughtiness as it explores the sexual views of adults & teens. Mann & Cena go over the top to deliver their scene stealing laughs. If one isn’t overly sensitive to to sexual content material, this film may turn out better than one would imagine as it pokes fun at human nature. It’s forbidden guilty pleasure fun. Look for a funny clip near the beginning of the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “prom night sex pact” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 07, 2018
Gringo
It’s “Where’s Harold?” or “Whatever Happens in Mexico...” when a pharmaceutical business trip to Mexico goes way wrong for Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo). There are many twists & turns in this action-packed black comedy involving drug smuggling, a fake kidnapping, adultery, the Cartel, the DEA, & lots of double-crossing back-stabbing. Harold’s bosses (Charlize Theron & Joel Edgerton) are up to no good when they lose track of Harold & must send in a mercenary (Sharito Copley) on a rescue mission. Then toss in Thandie Newton & Amanda Seyfried into this hilarious madcap mishap.
Alien gives it 3 “Cannabix” stars out of 4.
It’s “Where’s Harold?” or “Whatever Happens in Mexico...” when a pharmaceutical business trip to Mexico goes way wrong for Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo). There are many twists & turns in this action-packed black comedy involving drug smuggling, a fake kidnapping, adultery, the Cartel, the DEA, & lots of double-crossing back-stabbing. Harold’s bosses (Charlize Theron & Joel Edgerton) are up to no good when they lose track of Harold & must send in a mercenary (Sharito Copley) on a rescue mission. Then toss in Thandie Newton & Amanda Seyfried into this hilarious madcap mishap.
Alien gives it 3 “Cannabix” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 06, 2018
A Wrinkle in Time
A troubled young girl Meg, her precocious little adopted brother Charles Wallace, & an older classmate Calvin are sent off on a mission to find & rescue her dad (Chris Pine) who has been missing for 4 years. Three spiritual beings (Oprah Winfrey, Reece Witherspoon, & Mindy Kaling) assist these kids on their amazing journey across the universe. With the House of Mouse behind this venture, the expectations run high, but alas, this feels more like Disney disappointment. These 3 kid actors are terrific but the talents of big name draws (including Zach Galifianakis, Michael Pena & Gugu Mbatha-Raw) are wasted here; either under utilized or miscast. This fantasy setting is ultra colorful with spectacular special effects. Some of the costuming & makeup is rather over-the-top. The film just tried too hard with these pieces that don’t really gel well together. It’s basically a story about good vs evil, light vs dark, with love at the center. The target audiences are the tweens, especially if they are facing issues of bullying, unstable home life, low self esteem, or fitting in. It's really not a bad film; everyone just holds Disney to a higher standard.
Alien gives it 2 “tesseract travel” stars out of 4.
A troubled young girl Meg, her precocious little adopted brother Charles Wallace, & an older classmate Calvin are sent off on a mission to find & rescue her dad (Chris Pine) who has been missing for 4 years. Three spiritual beings (Oprah Winfrey, Reece Witherspoon, & Mindy Kaling) assist these kids on their amazing journey across the universe. With the House of Mouse behind this venture, the expectations run high, but alas, this feels more like Disney disappointment. These 3 kid actors are terrific but the talents of big name draws (including Zach Galifianakis, Michael Pena & Gugu Mbatha-Raw) are wasted here; either under utilized or miscast. This fantasy setting is ultra colorful with spectacular special effects. Some of the costuming & makeup is rather over-the-top. The film just tried too hard with these pieces that don’t really gel well together. It’s basically a story about good vs evil, light vs dark, with love at the center. The target audiences are the tweens, especially if they are facing issues of bullying, unstable home life, low self esteem, or fitting in. It's really not a bad film; everyone just holds Disney to a higher standard.
Alien gives it 2 “tesseract travel” stars out of 4.
Saturday, March 03, 2018
Call Me By Your Name
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the summer of 1983 somewhere in Northern Italy where a 17-year-old Jewish Italian-American boy, Elio (Timothée Chalamet), begins exploring his sexual awareness, at first with his girlfriend. When an American grad student, Oliver (Armie Hammer) arrives to assist Elio’s archeology professor dad, Elio is originally annoyed by Oliver but ultimately they form a surprising secret bond. This coming of age romance story is not for everyone & may push some beyond their comfort zone. It’s “R” rated for sexual content & some nudity. Chalamet is outstanding as this introverted bibliophile discovering his sexuality. His brilliant performance culminates with a final series facial emotions ending the film. Hammer gives a strong performance contrasting against Elio. See the beauty of Italy’s rural countryside. Is it better to have loved & lost than to never have loved?
Alien gives it 3 “Elio & the peach” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the summer of 1983 somewhere in Northern Italy where a 17-year-old Jewish Italian-American boy, Elio (Timothée Chalamet), begins exploring his sexual awareness, at first with his girlfriend. When an American grad student, Oliver (Armie Hammer) arrives to assist Elio’s archeology professor dad, Elio is originally annoyed by Oliver but ultimately they form a surprising secret bond. This coming of age romance story is not for everyone & may push some beyond their comfort zone. It’s “R” rated for sexual content & some nudity. Chalamet is outstanding as this introverted bibliophile discovering his sexuality. His brilliant performance culminates with a final series facial emotions ending the film. Hammer gives a strong performance contrasting against Elio. See the beauty of Italy’s rural countryside. Is it better to have loved & lost than to never have loved?
Alien gives it 3 “Elio & the peach” stars out of 4.
