Thursday, May 31, 2018
Hereditary
Meet the dysfunctional Graham family for some horror fun & games. Annie (Toni Collette) is the miniature model building matriarch whose reclusive, secretive, domineering mother has just passed away. Charlie is the weird 13-year-old daughter who seems almost autistic. Peter is the teenage weed smoking son. Steve (Gabriel Byrnes) is the rational voice of reason husband. As tragedies befall the family & secrets are slowly uncovered, grief overwhelms Annie who then seeks comfort in a support group. The first half in a slow burn of uneasiness & unsettling things that will make you wonder where is this film going. Is it about ghosts, the supernatural, possession, witches, or maybe the occult? Collette is fantastic as the mom. Is she an innocent pawn or the root of evilness? Things start to get creepier & weird as the story accelerates to the end.
Alien gives it 2½ “decapitation” stars out of 4.
Meet the dysfunctional Graham family for some horror fun & games. Annie (Toni Collette) is the miniature model building matriarch whose reclusive, secretive, domineering mother has just passed away. Charlie is the weird 13-year-old daughter who seems almost autistic. Peter is the teenage weed smoking son. Steve (Gabriel Byrnes) is the rational voice of reason husband. As tragedies befall the family & secrets are slowly uncovered, grief overwhelms Annie who then seeks comfort in a support group. The first half in a slow burn of uneasiness & unsettling things that will make you wonder where is this film going. Is it about ghosts, the supernatural, possession, witches, or maybe the occult? Collette is fantastic as the mom. Is she an innocent pawn or the root of evilness? Things start to get creepier & weird as the story accelerates to the end.
Alien gives it 2½ “decapitation” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Adrift
It’s 1983 when we meet 24-year-old free spirit Tami (Shailene Woodley) who is traveling the world looking for adventure & is also running away from home. In Tahiti, a chance meeting with Richard (Sam Claflin), an Englishman with a boat he built himself, sets this young couple on a course for romance & disaster as they sail across the Pacific only to run into a hurricane. This inspirational true story is a bittersweet love story being tested by an horrendous ordeal that would challenge one’s survival skills on the open ocean on a crippled ship adrift for many days. Facing starvation, thirst, injuries, sunburns, & hallucinations, it is a test of the human spirit for survival & resilience. Woodley & Claflin are convincing as these soul mates portrayed adrift at sea. Photos of this real couple & a follow up summary runs at the end of the movie.
Alien gives it 3 “bilge pump & peanut butter ” stars out of 4.
It’s 1983 when we meet 24-year-old free spirit Tami (Shailene Woodley) who is traveling the world looking for adventure & is also running away from home. In Tahiti, a chance meeting with Richard (Sam Claflin), an Englishman with a boat he built himself, sets this young couple on a course for romance & disaster as they sail across the Pacific only to run into a hurricane. This inspirational true story is a bittersweet love story being tested by an horrendous ordeal that would challenge one’s survival skills on the open ocean on a crippled ship adrift for many days. Facing starvation, thirst, injuries, sunburns, & hallucinations, it is a test of the human spirit for survival & resilience. Woodley & Claflin are convincing as these soul mates portrayed adrift at sea. Photos of this real couple & a follow up summary runs at the end of the movie.
Alien gives it 3 “bilge pump & peanut butter ” stars out of 4.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Pope Francis: A Man of His Word
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Get to know Pope Francis as he travels the globe & expresses his views on the important issues of the day & the future. He speaks out on wealth & poverty, social injustice, as well as ecological impacts on our planet. See his wisdom & intellect. Only if all world leaders held such positive views & goals for the world. This is a terrific documentary about a man with a great vision for the world.
Alien gives it 3 “Man of God” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Get to know Pope Francis as he travels the globe & expresses his views on the important issues of the day & the future. He speaks out on wealth & poverty, social injustice, as well as ecological impacts on our planet. See his wisdom & intellect. Only if all world leaders held such positive views & goals for the world. This is a terrific documentary about a man with a great vision for the world.
Alien gives it 3 “Man of God” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Show Dogs
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's “Turner & Hooch” meets “Best in Show” meets “The Amazing Panda Adventure” when a NYPD dog Max & a FBI agent Frank (Will Arnet) team up to go undercover as contestants in a Las Vegas dog show in order to prevent animal trafficking. For the laughs, this leads to over-the-top acting in this canine comedy. For example, a suspect gets interrogated by good cop/ bad dog. CGIed creatures share screen time with live action humans for the entertainment of older children & dog lovers. Even though the film is a light hearted romp of fun & cuteness, it’s not without some recent controversy that may lead to some soon to be deleted scenes. Apparently, a normal part of show dog judging involves inspection & touching of the genitals. It is part of an innocent running gag that some people have denounced as inappropriate behavior for young children to see because of child predators situations. Look for the gag reel to run during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “papillon” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It's “Turner & Hooch” meets “Best in Show” meets “The Amazing Panda Adventure” when a NYPD dog Max & a FBI agent Frank (Will Arnet) team up to go undercover as contestants in a Las Vegas dog show in order to prevent animal trafficking. For the laughs, this leads to over-the-top acting in this canine comedy. For example, a suspect gets interrogated by good cop/ bad dog. CGIed creatures share screen time with live action humans for the entertainment of older children & dog lovers. Even though the film is a light hearted romp of fun & cuteness, it’s not without some recent controversy that may lead to some soon to be deleted scenes. Apparently, a normal part of show dog judging involves inspection & touching of the genitals. It is part of an innocent running gag that some people have denounced as inappropriate behavior for young children to see because of child predators situations. Look for the gag reel to run during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “papillon” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Solo: A Star Wars Story
See how your favorite scoundrel smuggler from “A New Hope” came to be in this space western/heist film prequel. Two childhood friends, Han (Alden Ehrenreich) & Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) are growing up on Corellia & doing whatever they must just to survive so they can escape their miserable planet. Han eventually teams up with smuggler/thief/mentor Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) & Val (Thandie Newton) on a mission to steal fuel cells. Soon, Han finds himself in the middle of a struggle between crime lord Dryden Vos (Paul Bettanÿ) & some mysterious marauders, space pirates. This action packed fun film is filled with so many nods to the original storyline. See how Han meets Chewbacca & Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). Learn how Han got his name. Witness the infamous Kessel run. See the Millennium Falcon looking brand spanking new. Of course, a humorous new droid is introduced to help cut the tension à la C3PO & K-2SO. Are you getting concerned because you have never seen the original trilogy? Don’t worry, just sit back & enjoy the thrill ride & humor. For those big Star Wars fans, this an idealistic young Han before that real galaxy far, far away reshaped him. Look for director Ron Howard’s traditional nepotism cameo placement of his younger brother Clint Howard.
Alien gives it 4 “good guy or outlaw” stars out of 4.
See how your favorite scoundrel smuggler from “A New Hope” came to be in this space western/heist film prequel. Two childhood friends, Han (Alden Ehrenreich) & Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) are growing up on Corellia & doing whatever they must just to survive so they can escape their miserable planet. Han eventually teams up with smuggler/thief/mentor Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) & Val (Thandie Newton) on a mission to steal fuel cells. Soon, Han finds himself in the middle of a struggle between crime lord Dryden Vos (Paul Bettanÿ) & some mysterious marauders, space pirates. This action packed fun film is filled with so many nods to the original storyline. See how Han meets Chewbacca & Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover). Learn how Han got his name. Witness the infamous Kessel run. See the Millennium Falcon looking brand spanking new. Of course, a humorous new droid is introduced to help cut the tension à la C3PO & K-2SO. Are you getting concerned because you have never seen the original trilogy? Don’t worry, just sit back & enjoy the thrill ride & humor. For those big Star Wars fans, this an idealistic young Han before that real galaxy far, far away reshaped him. Look for director Ron Howard’s traditional nepotism cameo placement of his younger brother Clint Howard.
Alien gives it 4 “good guy or outlaw” stars out of 4.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Nostalgia
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released, apparently back in January/February & available on DVD & through streaming beginning in the month of May. This was an AARP Movies for Grownups event screening.
This is a collection of sad stories of love & loss and how different people try to cope & deal with their tragic situations. These are unpleasant experiences that are difficult to face & for most people would rather avoid if possible. When someone dies or when a fire decimates a home, what becomes of the objects, artifacts, photographs, etc. that are left behind? Do they have a worth/value? Is there a memory or sentimental attachment? Or are they just things to be sold or to be trashed? Do the young & the old look at these things the same? These are just some of the issues raised in this slow moving hard to watch film. Just when you think things can’t get any worse, they do. Among the stellar cast, we find Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn, John Hamm, Catherine Keener, Amber Tamblyn, Nick Offerman, & Patton Oswald. The film is well acted but a real Debbie Downer where you’ll wallow in depression & drown in sorrows.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released, apparently back in January/February & available on DVD & through streaming beginning in the month of May. This was an AARP Movies for Grownups event screening.
This is a collection of sad stories of love & loss and how different people try to cope & deal with their tragic situations. These are unpleasant experiences that are difficult to face & for most people would rather avoid if possible. When someone dies or when a fire decimates a home, what becomes of the objects, artifacts, photographs, etc. that are left behind? Do they have a worth/value? Is there a memory or sentimental attachment? Or are they just things to be sold or to be trashed? Do the young & the old look at these things the same? These are just some of the issues raised in this slow moving hard to watch film. Just when you think things can’t get any worse, they do. Among the stellar cast, we find Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn, John Hamm, Catherine Keener, Amber Tamblyn, Nick Offerman, & Patton Oswald. The film is well acted but a real Debbie Downer where you’ll wallow in depression & drown in sorrows.
Alien gives it 2 “saudade” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Book Club
Four women (Diana Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, & Mary Steenburgen) are life long friends now in their 60’s & members of their own book club. Their lives take a drastic but hilarious turn when their current read is Fifty Shades of Grey. Each re-examines her current love life situation or lack of it & decide to make some changes. This guilty pleasure is for all of those secret 50 Shades readers that are too embarrassed to admit it. Audiences will erupt at the double entendres sex jokes & those embarrassing situations. Craig T. Nelson, Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, Ed Begley Jr, Richard Dreyfuss, & Alicia Silverstone add to the film’s fun & laughter. This is definitely a girls night film.
Alien gives it 3½ “AARP romance hilarity” stars out of 4.
Four women (Diana Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, & Mary Steenburgen) are life long friends now in their 60’s & members of their own book club. Their lives take a drastic but hilarious turn when their current read is Fifty Shades of Grey. Each re-examines her current love life situation or lack of it & decide to make some changes. This guilty pleasure is for all of those secret 50 Shades readers that are too embarrassed to admit it. Audiences will erupt at the double entendres sex jokes & those embarrassing situations. Craig T. Nelson, Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, Ed Begley Jr, Richard Dreyfuss, & Alicia Silverstone add to the film’s fun & laughter. This is definitely a girls night film.
Alien gives it 3½ “AARP romance hilarity” stars out of 4.
Monday, May 14, 2018
RBG
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This terrific documentary is a intimate portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice & defender of gender equality & women rights. This is a fascinating story about her rise & development on her road to the highest court in the land. Not only do you hear about her landmark court cases but get to know her wonderful supportive husband & learn about her pastimes. Included are tributes from her colleagues as well as politicians with opposing views. She may look like a frail, tiny, soft-spoken woman but she is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. It is a must see film to truly appreciate her part in the women’s movement. This is a film too many will pass over without realizing what a groundbreaking superstar/superhero we have in our midst.
Alien gives it 3½ “The Notorious R.B.G.” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This terrific documentary is a intimate portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice & defender of gender equality & women rights. This is a fascinating story about her rise & development on her road to the highest court in the land. Not only do you hear about her landmark court cases but get to know her wonderful supportive husband & learn about her pastimes. Included are tributes from her colleagues as well as politicians with opposing views. She may look like a frail, tiny, soft-spoken woman but she is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. It is a must see film to truly appreciate her part in the women’s movement. This is a film too many will pass over without realizing what a groundbreaking superstar/superhero we have in our midst.
Alien gives it 3½ “The Notorious R.B.G.” stars out of 4.
Friday, May 11, 2018
Disobedience
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After the sudden death of her father, New York photographer/estranged daughter Ronit (Rachel Weisz) returns to the strict Orthodox Jewish community she grew up in and that shunned her years ago. Now back in London, she has an awkward reunion with her old friends, Dovid & Esti (Rachel McAdams). A past childhood attraction re-ignites old passions & leads to complex love story as the boundaries of faith and sexuality are explored. Weisz & McAdams are outstanding portraying these women who are struggling between the desires of the hearts & minds.
Alien gives it 3 “freedom of choice” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
After the sudden death of her father, New York photographer/estranged daughter Ronit (Rachel Weisz) returns to the strict Orthodox Jewish community she grew up in and that shunned her years ago. Now back in London, she has an awkward reunion with her old friends, Dovid & Esti (Rachel McAdams). A past childhood attraction re-ignites old passions & leads to complex love story as the boundaries of faith and sexuality are explored. Weisz & McAdams are outstanding portraying these women who are struggling between the desires of the hearts & minds.
Alien gives it 3 “freedom of choice” stars out of 4.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Deadpool 2
Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), the Merc with a Mouth, is back for more hilarious hijinx & outrageous action sequences. This cult favorite anti-hero forms a team, X-Force, in an effort to save a mutant boy from a time-traveling soldier from the future, Cable (Josh Brolin). This sequel doesn’t pulls any punches as script takes jabs at everyone while the fight sequences will dazzle your senses. It’s a entertaining time while making fun of its own genre. Domino (Zazie Beetz) delightfully steals her scenes. Deadpool fans shouldn’t be disappointed. Don’t get up too soon at the end of the movie because maybe they have saved the best gags for the conclusion.
Alien gives it 3½ “quips faster than a speeding bullet” stars out of 4.
Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), the Merc with a Mouth, is back for more hilarious hijinx & outrageous action sequences. This cult favorite anti-hero forms a team, X-Force, in an effort to save a mutant boy from a time-traveling soldier from the future, Cable (Josh Brolin). This sequel doesn’t pulls any punches as script takes jabs at everyone while the fight sequences will dazzle your senses. It’s a entertaining time while making fun of its own genre. Domino (Zazie Beetz) delightfully steals her scenes. Deadpool fans shouldn’t be disappointed. Don’t get up too soon at the end of the movie because maybe they have saved the best gags for the conclusion.
Alien gives it 3½ “quips faster than a speeding bullet” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 09, 2018
Breaking In
Upon her father’s sudden death, estranged daughter Shaun (Gabrielle Union) takes 2 kids to her dad’s high tech summer home in order to settle his estate. However, 4 criminals have inside information about a hidden safe. Shaun finds herself outside with her kids being held hostage inside by the bad guys. Don’t underestimate the power a woman, especially a mama bear trying to protect her cubs. This thriller’s outcome isn’t too hard to predict. The audience is just not sure how the plot is going to get there.
Alien gives it 3 “Greedy Crooks & the 3 Bears” stars out of 4.
Upon her father’s sudden death, estranged daughter Shaun (Gabrielle Union) takes 2 kids to her dad’s high tech summer home in order to settle his estate. However, 4 criminals have inside information about a hidden safe. Shaun finds herself outside with her kids being held hostage inside by the bad guys. Don’t underestimate the power a woman, especially a mama bear trying to protect her cubs. This thriller’s outcome isn’t too hard to predict. The audience is just not sure how the plot is going to get there.
Alien gives it 3 “Greedy Crooks & the 3 Bears” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 08, 2018
Life of the Party
A middle-aged mom Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) decides to return to college to finally complete her degree. However, she enrolls in the same university as her daughter Maddie & tries to be the cool mom. Hilarity ensues as maternal instincts cause daughter’s embarrassment in this fish out of water themed comedy scenario. While on campus, Deanna fully embraces college life, the frats, frat parties, & frat boys. After some awkward mother/daughter moments, she becomes acceptable to the girls of Maddie’s sorority. McCarthy is always a funny lady & creates on of her more endearing characters here. This is the fourth collaboration between actress/writer McCarthy & her husband/writer/director Ben Falcone. Look for a surprise cameo.
Alien gives it 3 “the old college try” stars out of 4.
A middle-aged mom Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) decides to return to college to finally complete her degree. However, she enrolls in the same university as her daughter Maddie & tries to be the cool mom. Hilarity ensues as maternal instincts cause daughter’s embarrassment in this fish out of water themed comedy scenario. While on campus, Deanna fully embraces college life, the frats, frat parties, & frat boys. After some awkward mother/daughter moments, she becomes acceptable to the girls of Maddie’s sorority. McCarthy is always a funny lady & creates on of her more endearing characters here. This is the fourth collaboration between actress/writer McCarthy & her husband/writer/director Ben Falcone. Look for a surprise cameo.
Alien gives it 3 “the old college try” stars out of 4.
Sunday, May 06, 2018
Bad Samaritan
This is not a sneak preview. This film has released.
A young parking valet’s plan to rob a rich patron’s home goes awry when he finds a chained & gagged girl locked in a secured room. Unfortunately for the flawed hero, this homeowner is an obsessed psychopath (David Tennant) who turns the tables on the would be thief with a moral compass. Of course, law enforcement is slow to believe his captive girl story. Tennant is absolutely frightening as the raving lunatic in this suspenseful & intense thriller. Although improbable, this is a gripping story will keep you on the edge of your seat. For a good time, don’t sweat the little stuff & enjoy the ride.
Alien gives it 3 “trust fund” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has released.
A young parking valet’s plan to rob a rich patron’s home goes awry when he finds a chained & gagged girl locked in a secured room. Unfortunately for the flawed hero, this homeowner is an obsessed psychopath (David Tennant) who turns the tables on the would be thief with a moral compass. Of course, law enforcement is slow to believe his captive girl story. Tennant is absolutely frightening as the raving lunatic in this suspenseful & intense thriller. Although improbable, this is a gripping story will keep you on the edge of your seat. For a good time, don’t sweat the little stuff & enjoy the ride.
Alien gives it 3 “trust fund” stars out of 4.
Friday, May 04, 2018
Tully
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director Jason Reitman & writer Diablo Cody team up again in new drama about the all too real struggles of motherhood. Charlize Theron stars as Marlo, mother of two but soon to be three. She has her hands full trying to keep it together while overworked, sleep deprived, & with an inattentive clueless husband. But things seem to change for the better after her rich brother suggests a night nanny (Mackenzie Davis) to assist her. If you have ever raised kids, you’ll understand & appreciate Marlo’s hardships & pain. Just when you think she’s got this, things get weird & take a turn in this introspective examination of a woman. Theron & Davis are wonderful in their roles.
Alien gives it 3 “Supermom” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director Jason Reitman & writer Diablo Cody team up again in new drama about the all too real struggles of motherhood. Charlize Theron stars as Marlo, mother of two but soon to be three. She has her hands full trying to keep it together while overworked, sleep deprived, & with an inattentive clueless husband. But things seem to change for the better after her rich brother suggests a night nanny (Mackenzie Davis) to assist her. If you have ever raised kids, you’ll understand & appreciate Marlo’s hardships & pain. Just when you think she’s got this, things get weird & take a turn in this introspective examination of a woman. Theron & Davis are wonderful in their roles.
Alien gives it 3 “Supermom” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 02, 2018
Overboard
Anna Faris & Eugenio Derbez star in a role reversal remake of the 1987 Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell romantic comedy but with a telenovela twist. The struggling single mother of 3 girls working 2 jobs takes advantage of a millionaire playboy with amnesia in order to recoup time & money she had lost due to his arrogance & rudeness. This version parallels the original film premise & is genre predictable. Faris & Derbez are genuinely funny but there doesn’t seem to be any real romantic spark between them. Slow readers may wonder if the jokes are funnier in Spanish than as translated for the limited subtitles. It is classic “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive”. At the end of the film & during the credits, look for clips from the key players.
Alien gives it 3 “Speedy Gonzalez” stars out of 4.
Anna Faris & Eugenio Derbez star in a role reversal remake of the 1987 Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell romantic comedy but with a telenovela twist. The struggling single mother of 3 girls working 2 jobs takes advantage of a millionaire playboy with amnesia in order to recoup time & money she had lost due to his arrogance & rudeness. This version parallels the original film premise & is genre predictable. Faris & Derbez are genuinely funny but there doesn’t seem to be any real romantic spark between them. Slow readers may wonder if the jokes are funnier in Spanish than as translated for the limited subtitles. It is classic “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive”. At the end of the film & during the credits, look for clips from the key players.
Alien gives it 3 “Speedy Gonzalez” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 01, 2018
Kings
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Good people are caught in a powder keg when a spark sets a community on fire. Millie (Halle Berry) is a bleeding heart single foster parent to 8 kids who bakes bunt cakes to supplement her income. She is the old lady who lived in a shoe with so many kids she didn’t know what to do. Obie (Daniel Craig) is a reclusive who drinks too much & tends to fire a shotgun out his window or push large appliances off his balcony when he is disturbed by loud commotions. He is Millie’s neighbor & apparently the only white man living in the hood. Their lives cross paths in the shadows of Rodney King beating & the trial of the 4 officers involved. Along with storylines involving the foster kids, it feels like a low budget artistic mess that doesn’t work. It’s hard to believe this misfire when you have a Bond girl & an new Bond with a sex dream & a weird experience involving handcuffs, a lamp post, taking off their pants, & a McGyver-esque maneuver during a riot (and that’s not a dream!). Apparently the title is supposed to in reference to the other famous King too but this film fails to mention MLK Jr.
Alien gives it 2 “double bracelets” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Good people are caught in a powder keg when a spark sets a community on fire. Millie (Halle Berry) is a bleeding heart single foster parent to 8 kids who bakes bunt cakes to supplement her income. She is the old lady who lived in a shoe with so many kids she didn’t know what to do. Obie (Daniel Craig) is a reclusive who drinks too much & tends to fire a shotgun out his window or push large appliances off his balcony when he is disturbed by loud commotions. He is Millie’s neighbor & apparently the only white man living in the hood. Their lives cross paths in the shadows of Rodney King beating & the trial of the 4 officers involved. Along with storylines involving the foster kids, it feels like a low budget artistic mess that doesn’t work. It’s hard to believe this misfire when you have a Bond girl & an new Bond with a sex dream & a weird experience involving handcuffs, a lamp post, taking off their pants, & a McGyver-esque maneuver during a riot (and that’s not a dream!). Apparently the title is supposed to in reference to the other famous King too but this film fails to mention MLK Jr.
Alien gives it 2 “double bracelets” stars out of 4.
