Monday, April 30, 2018
Avengers: Infinity War
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The Russo brothers/directors bring to the big screen the culmination of 10 years of Marvel Studios storytelling to part one of the epic confrontations between our now beloved superheroes and Thanos the Mad Titan (Josh Brolin) & his minions. On a quest to obtain all of the Infinity Stones, Thanos is the misguided enemy who believes his mission to wipe out half the universe is for the good of all. Expect epic battle scenes & Marvel-esque humor. Tune in to see who lives & who dies, who is MIA, who gets rescued in the nick of time, & what price is paid as critical decisions must be made. This is the darkest of the Marvel films & is designed to leave audiences in shock & awe as well as in a state of confusion after 2 hrs 40 mins. But don’t worry, Marvel fans, because there is a part two & Thanos will be back. Also, there’s always hope & nothing is impossible in the comic book universe. It’s #19 of a tremendous franchise series, so no one should have to tell you to look for the Stan Lee cameo or to stay seated for a possible clip after the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3½ “just one chance” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The Russo brothers/directors bring to the big screen the culmination of 10 years of Marvel Studios storytelling to part one of the epic confrontations between our now beloved superheroes and Thanos the Mad Titan (Josh Brolin) & his minions. On a quest to obtain all of the Infinity Stones, Thanos is the misguided enemy who believes his mission to wipe out half the universe is for the good of all. Expect epic battle scenes & Marvel-esque humor. Tune in to see who lives & who dies, who is MIA, who gets rescued in the nick of time, & what price is paid as critical decisions must be made. This is the darkest of the Marvel films & is designed to leave audiences in shock & awe as well as in a state of confusion after 2 hrs 40 mins. But don’t worry, Marvel fans, because there is a part two & Thanos will be back. Also, there’s always hope & nothing is impossible in the comic book universe. It’s #19 of a tremendous franchise series, so no one should have to tell you to look for the Stan Lee cameo or to stay seated for a possible clip after the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3½ “just one chance” stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Traffik
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After some disappointing news, investigative reporter Brea (Paula Patton) & her boyfriend John (Omar Epps) head up to the mountains for a romantic weekend but their plans get derailed by some unexpected visitors. Biker gang types come looking for their property & will do anything to protect the secret. This thriller is typical good guys must run for lives from the ruthless bad guys. Shot mostly at night, dramatic lighting is use so not to keep the audiences in the dark about what’s happening. This film with a big message is good but not great. The conclusion was somewhat disappointing because I was hoping for something more clever for the ending. The credits say this was filmed entirely in the Sacramento, California, area. So somewhere in the foothills is this fancy home estate & a gas station that locals might recognize.
Alien gives it 3 “July the Fourth” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After some disappointing news, investigative reporter Brea (Paula Patton) & her boyfriend John (Omar Epps) head up to the mountains for a romantic weekend but their plans get derailed by some unexpected visitors. Biker gang types come looking for their property & will do anything to protect the secret. This thriller is typical good guys must run for lives from the ruthless bad guys. Shot mostly at night, dramatic lighting is use so not to keep the audiences in the dark about what’s happening. This film with a big message is good but not great. The conclusion was somewhat disappointing because I was hoping for something more clever for the ending. The credits say this was filmed entirely in the Sacramento, California, area. So somewhere in the foothills is this fancy home estate & a gas station that locals might recognize.
Alien gives it 3 “July the Fourth” stars out of 4.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Super Troopers 2
Vermont’s most idiotic Highway Patrol officers are back for more jokes, pranks, & shenanigans. This critic has never seen the 2001 original which had moderate success & has become a cult favorite. It’s taken 16 years for the American comedy troupe Broken Lizard to raise enough funds for a sequel disguising some of their recycled plot & jokes. Instead of battling local cops, these stupid troopers tussle with some Canadian Mounties & uncover a drug smuggling operation. Lynda Carter reprises her small role as governor. Rob Lowe plays it over-the-top as a French Canadian mayor. Look for some surprise cameos. Learning that this team of writer/actors were all members of Beta Theta Pi explains a lot. Evidently, these former frat boys never grew up humor-wise & think their raunchy jokes, lame gags, & childish pranks are actually funny. If you like mean spirited & unsophisticated low brow comedy, you may be entertained. Look for a gag reel in the middle of the credits and a surprise bit at the beginning as well as at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 1½ “Flova Scotia” stars out of 4.
Vermont’s most idiotic Highway Patrol officers are back for more jokes, pranks, & shenanigans. This critic has never seen the 2001 original which had moderate success & has become a cult favorite. It’s taken 16 years for the American comedy troupe Broken Lizard to raise enough funds for a sequel disguising some of their recycled plot & jokes. Instead of battling local cops, these stupid troopers tussle with some Canadian Mounties & uncover a drug smuggling operation. Lynda Carter reprises her small role as governor. Rob Lowe plays it over-the-top as a French Canadian mayor. Look for some surprise cameos. Learning that this team of writer/actors were all members of Beta Theta Pi explains a lot. Evidently, these former frat boys never grew up humor-wise & think their raunchy jokes, lame gags, & childish pranks are actually funny. If you like mean spirited & unsophisticated low brow comedy, you may be entertained. Look for a gag reel in the middle of the credits and a surprise bit at the beginning as well as at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 1½ “Flova Scotia” stars out of 4.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1917, a stray mutt forms a bond with a American soldier, Robert Conroy, during boot camp training where he becomes the troop mascot. Named Stubby, he manages to board a troop ship & ends up in the front line trenches in France battling the Germans. Based on a true story, this is another example of real life being more incredible that fiction. This remarkable dog manages locate wounded soldiers buried under collapsed trenches & caught in no man’s land, give early warnings for missile & mustard gas attacks, and captures a German spy. For these achievements, Stubby becomes the most decorated dog in U.S. military history. This computer animated film is a great educational tool for teaching older children about WWI but I’m not so sure if the wee younglings would be as entertained. If you are a dog lover, you’ll want to check out this heart warming story about man’s best friend. Stay for the credits & see old photos of the real Sgt. Stubby & Corporal Robert Conroy.
Alien gives it 3½ “The Three Musketeers” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1917, a stray mutt forms a bond with a American soldier, Robert Conroy, during boot camp training where he becomes the troop mascot. Named Stubby, he manages to board a troop ship & ends up in the front line trenches in France battling the Germans. Based on a true story, this is another example of real life being more incredible that fiction. This remarkable dog manages locate wounded soldiers buried under collapsed trenches & caught in no man’s land, give early warnings for missile & mustard gas attacks, and captures a German spy. For these achievements, Stubby becomes the most decorated dog in U.S. military history. This computer animated film is a great educational tool for teaching older children about WWI but I’m not so sure if the wee younglings would be as entertained. If you are a dog lover, you’ll want to check out this heart warming story about man’s best friend. Stay for the credits & see old photos of the real Sgt. Stubby & Corporal Robert Conroy.
Alien gives it 3½ “The Three Musketeers” stars out of 4.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Chappaquiddick
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In July of 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) becomes involved in an incident at Chappaquiddick that results in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne (Rooney Mara). This is a dramatization of the Kennedy political fix-it team’s reaction to protect the senator from Massachusetts. Clarke gives a remarkable performance as the last surviving son of Joe Kennedy Sr (Bruce Dern, a very short but outstanding performance) who must live under the huge shadows of his brothers Joe, Jack, & Bobby. Clarke manages to become Ted Kennedy without overdoing the accent or any mannerisms. Although we will never really know the true story of that tragic night, this version does tarnish the Kennedy public image but seems to pull its punches & stops just short of making Ted politically unsympathetic. Ironically, one JFK’s programs eclipses the newspaper headlines just a few days later. Two funny men, Ed Helms & Jim Gaffigan play it straight as trusted inner circle people,
Alien gives it 3 “boiler room girls” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In July of 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) becomes involved in an incident at Chappaquiddick that results in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne (Rooney Mara). This is a dramatization of the Kennedy political fix-it team’s reaction to protect the senator from Massachusetts. Clarke gives a remarkable performance as the last surviving son of Joe Kennedy Sr (Bruce Dern, a very short but outstanding performance) who must live under the huge shadows of his brothers Joe, Jack, & Bobby. Clarke manages to become Ted Kennedy without overdoing the accent or any mannerisms. Although we will never really know the true story of that tragic night, this version does tarnish the Kennedy public image but seems to pull its punches & stops just short of making Ted politically unsympathetic. Ironically, one JFK’s programs eclipses the newspaper headlines just a few days later. Two funny men, Ed Helms & Jim Gaffigan play it straight as trusted inner circle people,
Alien gives it 3 “boiler room girls” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Beirut
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After leaving his Beirut post a decade earlier due to a tragic event, former American diplomat Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm) returns during the Lebanese civil war to assist in recovery of a former colleague being held hostage. Rosamund Pike & Dean Norris are CIA operatives assigned to assist in the complicated exchange. This is a gritty espionage thriller full of suspense & political intrigue set in this volatile powder keg backdrop. Hamm is at his dramatic best as the reluctant mission inductee with a drinking problem who must step it up when caught in the crossfire.
Alien gives it 3½ “The Negotiator” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After leaving his Beirut post a decade earlier due to a tragic event, former American diplomat Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm) returns during the Lebanese civil war to assist in recovery of a former colleague being held hostage. Rosamund Pike & Dean Norris are CIA operatives assigned to assist in the complicated exchange. This is a gritty espionage thriller full of suspense & political intrigue set in this volatile powder keg backdrop. Hamm is at his dramatic best as the reluctant mission inductee with a drinking problem who must step it up when caught in the crossfire.
Alien gives it 3½ “The Negotiator” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Truth or Dare
Good girl Olivia’s (Lucy Hale) humanitarian plans get sabotaged by her best friend Markie (Violett Beane) who convinces her to celebrate their last spring break together in Mexico with some friends. There, she meets a stranger who lures them into a deadly version of truth or dare. This is your typical teen slasher horror flick where one by one the players either admit to some terrible truth or suffer a horrible grizzly death. This is fairly predictable entertainment for people who enjoy mean spirited torture (and you twisted people know who you are). As with all films of this genre, audiences try to guess who will survive & how will they put an end to this curse. Of course, these stories are always left open ended for more sequel possibilities. The trick here is to devise a clever transition for a future possibility. The truth is that the ending is disappointing. If you don’t believe me, I️ dare you so go see this mediocre film for yourself.
Alien gives it 2 “messed up Snapchat filter grin” stars out of 4.
Good girl Olivia’s (Lucy Hale) humanitarian plans get sabotaged by her best friend Markie (Violett Beane) who convinces her to celebrate their last spring break together in Mexico with some friends. There, she meets a stranger who lures them into a deadly version of truth or dare. This is your typical teen slasher horror flick where one by one the players either admit to some terrible truth or suffer a horrible grizzly death. This is fairly predictable entertainment for people who enjoy mean spirited torture (and you twisted people know who you are). As with all films of this genre, audiences try to guess who will survive & how will they put an end to this curse. Of course, these stories are always left open ended for more sequel possibilities. The trick here is to devise a clever transition for a future possibility. The truth is that the ending is disappointing. If you don’t believe me, I️ dare you so go see this mediocre film for yourself.
Alien gives it 2 “messed up Snapchat filter grin” stars out of 4.
Monday, April 09, 2018
Rampage
1980’s arcade gamers rejoice. George, Lizzie, & Ralph are coming to the big screen!
Shades of “Alien” kicks off the film when a rogue genetic editing experiment goes awry causing an albino silverback gorilla, a crocodile, & a wolf to be enhanced with accelerated speed, strength, & regeneration along with increased size & aggression. Duane Johnson stars as a primatologist/former special forces operative & friend of George the gorilla. Naomie Harris plays a discredited geneticist. Jeffrey Dean Morgan appears as a mysterious government agent. Malin Akerman is half of the brother/sister team evil Engyne execs. Joe Manganiello is the leader of Killers R Us. It’s predictable cheesy fun as the larger than life presence of “The Rock” holds his own against 3 supersized creatures who reek havoc & destruction over everyone & anything in their path. It’s stunning special effects with a sense of humor appealing to your sense of guilty pleasure.
Alien gives it 3½ “CRISPR” stars out of 4.
1980’s arcade gamers rejoice. George, Lizzie, & Ralph are coming to the big screen!
Shades of “Alien” kicks off the film when a rogue genetic editing experiment goes awry causing an albino silverback gorilla, a crocodile, & a wolf to be enhanced with accelerated speed, strength, & regeneration along with increased size & aggression. Duane Johnson stars as a primatologist/former special forces operative & friend of George the gorilla. Naomie Harris plays a discredited geneticist. Jeffrey Dean Morgan appears as a mysterious government agent. Malin Akerman is half of the brother/sister team evil Engyne execs. Joe Manganiello is the leader of Killers R Us. It’s predictable cheesy fun as the larger than life presence of “The Rock” holds his own against 3 supersized creatures who reek havoc & destruction over everyone & anything in their path. It’s stunning special effects with a sense of humor appealing to your sense of guilty pleasure.
Alien gives it 3½ “CRISPR” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, April 04, 2018
A Quiet Place
It’s “I️ Am Legend” meets “War of the Worlds” as a family of 5 become survivalists living in silence to avoid being discovered by these blind but hearing-sensitive “Alien/Predator” creatures. This horror genre film picks up some 80 plus days after some mystery event that seems to have nearly wiped out the entire world population. Screenwriter/director/actor John Krasinski stars as the dad with his real life wife Emily Blunt as the mom. With verbal dialog kept to a minimum (using sign language & subtitles), all of the natural background noises become heighten & add to the drama. The thrills & chills here are based more suspense & anticipated fear than the typical horror show shock & gore. There are only 6 actor names listed in the ending credits; Blunt’s performance is absolutely outstanding. These frightening creatures are deadly fast & at times seem to come out of nowhere. Deep down this film is about family & what would you do to protect your family. Hopefully, this film will have enough success & popularity to spawn a sequel telling us what is next for this family or possibly a prequel explaining where these vicious creatures came from.
Alien gives it 3½ “silence is survival” stars out of 4.
It’s “I️ Am Legend” meets “War of the Worlds” as a family of 5 become survivalists living in silence to avoid being discovered by these blind but hearing-sensitive “Alien/Predator” creatures. This horror genre film picks up some 80 plus days after some mystery event that seems to have nearly wiped out the entire world population. Screenwriter/director/actor John Krasinski stars as the dad with his real life wife Emily Blunt as the mom. With verbal dialog kept to a minimum (using sign language & subtitles), all of the natural background noises become heighten & add to the drama. The thrills & chills here are based more suspense & anticipated fear than the typical horror show shock & gore. There are only 6 actor names listed in the ending credits; Blunt’s performance is absolutely outstanding. These frightening creatures are deadly fast & at times seem to come out of nowhere. Deep down this film is about family & what would you do to protect your family. Hopefully, this film will have enough success & popularity to spawn a sequel telling us what is next for this family or possibly a prequel explaining where these vicious creatures came from.
Alien gives it 3½ “silence is survival” stars out of 4.
Sunday, April 01, 2018
Acrimony
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Producer/writer/director Tyler Perry brings to the big screen a vengeful tale of how obsession can blind a person from certain realities. Melinda (Taraji P. Henson) falls for & marries Robert (Lyriq Bent). Is he a struggling inventor or a loser leach? Is he an unfaithful husband? Is she a pathetic wife who falls her man’s lies over & over? Henson is perfect as the woman scorned. Witness her rage build & build. Perry has created melodrama about a relationship filled with love & hate along with some twists & turns.
Alien gives it 3 “acrimony, sunder, bewail, deranged, & inexorable” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Producer/writer/director Tyler Perry brings to the big screen a vengeful tale of how obsession can blind a person from certain realities. Melinda (Taraji P. Henson) falls for & marries Robert (Lyriq Bent). Is he a struggling inventor or a loser leach? Is he an unfaithful husband? Is she a pathetic wife who falls her man’s lies over & over? Henson is perfect as the woman scorned. Witness her rage build & build. Perry has created melodrama about a relationship filled with love & hate along with some twists & turns.
Alien gives it 3 “acrimony, sunder, bewail, deranged, & inexorable” stars out of 4.
