Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Kin
This crime thriller is about 2 brothers: one recently released from prison, Jimmy, & a teen recently suspended from school, Eli. However, there is a sci-fi twist when scrap metal scavenger Eli finds a rectangular case that he later discovers is a powerful mysterious weapon. Eli becomes the unwitting hero as he & Jimmy go on the run trying to escape a tragic event & a villainous loan shark (James Franco). It’s explosive action as these 2 brothers tangle with the cops, the Feds, some shady characters, & beings trying to retrieve there lost weapon. Zoe Kravitz & Dennis Quaid costar. It is a mindless fun film about making good decisions. A surprise at the end hints at a possible sequel.
Alien gives it 3 “life is tough” stars out of 4.
This crime thriller is about 2 brothers: one recently released from prison, Jimmy, & a teen recently suspended from school, Eli. However, there is a sci-fi twist when scrap metal scavenger Eli finds a rectangular case that he later discovers is a powerful mysterious weapon. Eli becomes the unwitting hero as he & Jimmy go on the run trying to escape a tragic event & a villainous loan shark (James Franco). It’s explosive action as these 2 brothers tangle with the cops, the Feds, some shady characters, & beings trying to retrieve there lost weapon. Zoe Kravitz & Dennis Quaid costar. It is a mindless fun film about making good decisions. A surprise at the end hints at a possible sequel.
Alien gives it 3 “life is tough” stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
A.X.L.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “Monster Trucks” meets “Alpha” meets “Ex Machina” when motor-cross racer Miles Hill finds an escaped top secret cutting edge military weapon A.X.L. hiding in the desert. Miles & this robotic dog bond & build a trust between each other. Miles also finds an ally in graffiti artist Sara Reyes. Together these three must fight off the attacks from an evil teen rival & soldiers trying to reclaim their asset. It’s a far fetched but fun show to watch. Will A.X.L. be turned into scrap metal? Will A.X.L. be reprogrammed to kill for the government? Will these 3 BFFs return for a sequel?
Alien gives it 3 “war dog” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “Monster Trucks” meets “Alpha” meets “Ex Machina” when motor-cross racer Miles Hill finds an escaped top secret cutting edge military weapon A.X.L. hiding in the desert. Miles & this robotic dog bond & build a trust between each other. Miles also finds an ally in graffiti artist Sara Reyes. Together these three must fight off the attacks from an evil teen rival & soldiers trying to reclaim their asset. It’s a far fetched but fun show to watch. Will A.X.L. be turned into scrap metal? Will A.X.L. be reprogrammed to kill for the government? Will these 3 BFFs return for a sequel?
Alien gives it 3 “war dog” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
The Happytime Murders
It’s a murder mystery/buddy cop film/noir detective movie in a weird world where humans & puppets co-exist but the puppets are treated as second class citizens. Former LA police force partners, Detective Connie Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) & disgraced puppet cop turned private investigator Phil Phillips are forced to team up again in order solve the mystery of who is killing the cast members of a popular 80’s chidren’s show. This black comedy tries a little too hard for laughs using its R-rated gimmick as a juxtaposition to the wholesome Sesame Street/Muppet Show image. Director Brian Henson may be causing his dad, the Muppet master Jim Henson, to roll over in his grave. If you are a fan of Sesame Street Muppetry magic you may be offended unless your sense of humor runs a bit more bent & twisted. This crime scene comedy is edgy & pushes the boundaries of good taste. Although blood & guts have been replaced by stuffing & fluff, this film is definitely not for children. Maya Rudolph, Elizabeth Banks, & Joel McHale also costar. Look for McCarthy’s husband Ben Falcone to make another cameo here. Stay for the gag reel at the end to get an idea how this puppet magic is achieved.
Alien gives it 2½ “the cow & the octopus” stars out of 4.
It’s a murder mystery/buddy cop film/noir detective movie in a weird world where humans & puppets co-exist but the puppets are treated as second class citizens. Former LA police force partners, Detective Connie Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) & disgraced puppet cop turned private investigator Phil Phillips are forced to team up again in order solve the mystery of who is killing the cast members of a popular 80’s chidren’s show. This black comedy tries a little too hard for laughs using its R-rated gimmick as a juxtaposition to the wholesome Sesame Street/Muppet Show image. Director Brian Henson may be causing his dad, the Muppet master Jim Henson, to roll over in his grave. If you are a fan of Sesame Street Muppetry magic you may be offended unless your sense of humor runs a bit more bent & twisted. This crime scene comedy is edgy & pushes the boundaries of good taste. Although blood & guts have been replaced by stuffing & fluff, this film is definitely not for children. Maya Rudolph, Elizabeth Banks, & Joel McHale also costar. Look for McCarthy’s husband Ben Falcone to make another cameo here. Stay for the gag reel at the end to get an idea how this puppet magic is achieved.
Alien gives it 2½ “the cow & the octopus” stars out of 4.
Monday, August 20, 2018
BlacKkKlansman
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1979, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) becomes the first African-American to join the Colorado Springs police department & manages to infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. Since his contact was conducted through the telephone, a white officer (Adam Driver) is use for the in-person meet-ups. Talented director Spike Lee has crafted a highly entertaining film based on a true story dealing with White Power versus Black Power. Washington (Denzel’s real life son) is incredible as the ambitious rookie cop leading this breakthrough investigation. Lee has skillfully captured the look & feel of the times as he teleports audiences back to that era of civil rights unrest & protests. Throughout this serious subject matter, Lee has manage to inject a sense of humor to give this film a balance. At the conclusion of the film, some 2017 news footage revolving around the tragic White Supremacist rally incident in Charlottesville plays as a social commentary about continuing racism issues.
Alien gives it 4 “Plan B” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1979, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) becomes the first African-American to join the Colorado Springs police department & manages to infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. Since his contact was conducted through the telephone, a white officer (Adam Driver) is use for the in-person meet-ups. Talented director Spike Lee has crafted a highly entertaining film based on a true story dealing with White Power versus Black Power. Washington (Denzel’s real life son) is incredible as the ambitious rookie cop leading this breakthrough investigation. Lee has skillfully captured the look & feel of the times as he teleports audiences back to that era of civil rights unrest & protests. Throughout this serious subject matter, Lee has manage to inject a sense of humor to give this film a balance. At the conclusion of the film, some 2017 news footage revolving around the tragic White Supremacist rally incident in Charlottesville plays as a social commentary about continuing racism issues.
Alien gives it 4 “Plan B” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Mile 22
CIA operative James Silva (Mark Wahlberg) & his crack team of paramilitary soldiers must move their asset from the American Embassy in Southeast Asia to the airstrip for extraction... 22 miles, 27 minutes, 7 ghosts, & 1 package. Director Peter Berg creates an intense, action-packed, shoot-em-up, blow-em-up, knock-down, drag-out, thriller. Silva is one fast-talking, foul-mouth, mother-effing, s.o.b. determined to complete his mission. The mysterious asset (Iko Uwais) is a one-man killing machine with the key to averting radioactive disaster. There is a horde of bad guys lay in ambush with the Russians lurking in the background. Hang on to your seats & see who is left standing in the end. Rhonda Rousey, Lauren Cohan, & John Malkovich costar.
Alien gives it 3 “Operation Overlord” stars out of 4.
CIA operative James Silva (Mark Wahlberg) & his crack team of paramilitary soldiers must move their asset from the American Embassy in Southeast Asia to the airstrip for extraction... 22 miles, 27 minutes, 7 ghosts, & 1 package. Director Peter Berg creates an intense, action-packed, shoot-em-up, blow-em-up, knock-down, drag-out, thriller. Silva is one fast-talking, foul-mouth, mother-effing, s.o.b. determined to complete his mission. The mysterious asset (Iko Uwais) is a one-man killing machine with the key to averting radioactive disaster. There is a horde of bad guys lay in ambush with the Russians lurking in the background. Hang on to your seats & see who is left standing in the end. Rhonda Rousey, Lauren Cohan, & John Malkovich costar.
Alien gives it 3 “Operation Overlord” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Death of a Nation
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This political documentary uses historical reenactments to link WWII era fascism & Nazism to democratic socialism. The film argues that racism & white supremacy ideology are tools of the progressive left. It also likens the Trump presidency to Lincoln’s. Depending on whether your political leanings are more to the left or right, you may choose to agree or disagree the statements made in this film. I️ am neither a historical nor political expert but I️ sense this filmmaker may have cherry picked his facts to push his own agenda & offers no opposing views. Their examples provided could very be applied to the other political party they are trying to contrast against. The recreated bits of history are the best part of the film. The film attempts to unfairly brand one political group with many negative ties. Ironically, the film quotes Hitler’s words about telling the big lie often enough & people will start believing it. One can only wonder if this is the case here too. There was some applause at the end of my viewing, but I’d recommend that everyone form their own opinion after seeing this film for themselves.
Alien gives it 2 “nationalism & patriotism” stars out of 4,
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This political documentary uses historical reenactments to link WWII era fascism & Nazism to democratic socialism. The film argues that racism & white supremacy ideology are tools of the progressive left. It also likens the Trump presidency to Lincoln’s. Depending on whether your political leanings are more to the left or right, you may choose to agree or disagree the statements made in this film. I️ am neither a historical nor political expert but I️ sense this filmmaker may have cherry picked his facts to push his own agenda & offers no opposing views. Their examples provided could very be applied to the other political party they are trying to contrast against. The recreated bits of history are the best part of the film. The film attempts to unfairly brand one political group with many negative ties. Ironically, the film quotes Hitler’s words about telling the big lie often enough & people will start believing it. One can only wonder if this is the case here too. There was some applause at the end of my viewing, but I’d recommend that everyone form their own opinion after seeing this film for themselves.
Alien gives it 2 “nationalism & patriotism” stars out of 4,
Monday, August 13, 2018
The Meg
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Discredited deep sea rescuer Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is lured out of retirement after a diving incident involving an unknown creature traps a crew exploring uncharted waters. It’s a silly fun thrill ride as a thought-to-be-extinct 75-foot prehistoric shark, Megalodon, escapes to the surface to threaten everything in the water. Once again, Statham plays the rugged macho antihero that the script requires he has at least one shirtless scene. Funny man Rainn Wilson plays the billionaire backer of the multimillion dollar undersea research facility which features huge glass walls for optimum ocean viewing. Also on board is a pretty female to serve as Statham’s action counterpart & budding love interest. Of course, she has an adorable precocious little daughter who seems to be way smarter than her age. This high seas romp & chomp is guaranteed to trigger those iconic phrases from “Jaws” like “just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water” & “we’re going to need a bigger boat”. It's just mindless fun so hang on to your seats as beach lovers bob in their floaties soon to be a seafood buffet. Don’t sweat the plot holes, just enjoy action.
Alien gives it 3 “sacrifice & saving lives” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Discredited deep sea rescuer Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is lured out of retirement after a diving incident involving an unknown creature traps a crew exploring uncharted waters. It’s a silly fun thrill ride as a thought-to-be-extinct 75-foot prehistoric shark, Megalodon, escapes to the surface to threaten everything in the water. Once again, Statham plays the rugged macho antihero that the script requires he has at least one shirtless scene. Funny man Rainn Wilson plays the billionaire backer of the multimillion dollar undersea research facility which features huge glass walls for optimum ocean viewing. Also on board is a pretty female to serve as Statham’s action counterpart & budding love interest. Of course, she has an adorable precocious little daughter who seems to be way smarter than her age. This high seas romp & chomp is guaranteed to trigger those iconic phrases from “Jaws” like “just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water” & “we’re going to need a bigger boat”. It's just mindless fun so hang on to your seats as beach lovers bob in their floaties soon to be a seafood buffet. Don’t sweat the plot holes, just enjoy action.
Alien gives it 3 “sacrifice & saving lives” stars out of 4.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Slender Man
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Four disbelieving BFFs (Wren, Hallie, Chloe, & Katie) summon up the mythological legend Slender Man one night during a sleepover. Then in true horror fashion, one goes missing while the attempts the bring her back only insures on more encounters with the supernatural tall thin faceless being. It’s stupid girls frighten by a dumb villain in a lame plot. Dark shadowy settings, things that go bump in the night, some jump scares, fake realities, & distorting camera lens can’t save this disappointing non scary film.
Alien gives it 1½ “virally infected with madness or death” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Four disbelieving BFFs (Wren, Hallie, Chloe, & Katie) summon up the mythological legend Slender Man one night during a sleepover. Then in true horror fashion, one goes missing while the attempts the bring her back only insures on more encounters with the supernatural tall thin faceless being. It’s stupid girls frighten by a dumb villain in a lame plot. Dark shadowy settings, things that go bump in the night, some jump scares, fake realities, & distorting camera lens can’t save this disappointing non scary film.
Alien gives it 1½ “virally infected with madness or death” stars out of 4.
Thursday, August 09, 2018
Crazy Rich Asians
Chinese American New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is invited by her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to meet his family in Singapore while attending his best friend’s wedding. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Nick’s family is not just rich but super-I️-can’t-believe-it rich. This entertaining all Asian cast film has everything you’d want in a soap operatic romantic comedy: a sweet girl, a handsome guy, a disapproving mother/matriarch (Michelle Yeoh), quirky side characters (Awkwafina & Ken Jeong), lavish lifestyles of the rich & famous, spectacular glimpses of beautiful Singapore, & drama-drama-drama. It is a marvelous story about love, family, jealousy, sacrifice, & status. The film is steeped Chinese/Asian culture which is visually stimulating but unless you were actually raised in this cultural environment, it may be difficult to fully grasp & appreciate the subtle nuances & significance certain scenes that may trigger some childhood memories. This is book one of an internationally popular trilogy so maybe we can look forward to some sequels.
Alien gives it 4 “bawk, bawk, bitch” stars out of 4.
Chinese American New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is invited by her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to meet his family in Singapore while attending his best friend’s wedding. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Nick’s family is not just rich but super-I️-can’t-believe-it rich. This entertaining all Asian cast film has everything you’d want in a soap operatic romantic comedy: a sweet girl, a handsome guy, a disapproving mother/matriarch (Michelle Yeoh), quirky side characters (Awkwafina & Ken Jeong), lavish lifestyles of the rich & famous, spectacular glimpses of beautiful Singapore, & drama-drama-drama. It is a marvelous story about love, family, jealousy, sacrifice, & status. The film is steeped Chinese/Asian culture which is visually stimulating but unless you were actually raised in this cultural environment, it may be difficult to fully grasp & appreciate the subtle nuances & significance certain scenes that may trigger some childhood memories. This is book one of an internationally popular trilogy so maybe we can look forward to some sequels.
Alien gives it 4 “bawk, bawk, bitch” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 08, 2018
Alpha
Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee), son of the tribal chief, is on his first big hunting expedition for Steppe bison some 20,000 years ago when he suffers an unfortunate accident. In this coming of age story, he must use all of the survival skills taught to him if he is going to survive & find his way home as winter springs upon him. He befriends an injured wild wolf that he names Alpha & together these two look out for each other. This is a visually stunning film revealing how life in prehistoric times may have been. Complete with subtitles to translate this unknown caveman language just adds to the authentic feel. Smit-McPhee is amazing & draws you into the story.
Alien gives it 3½ “memorial markers“ stars out of 4.
Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee), son of the tribal chief, is on his first big hunting expedition for Steppe bison some 20,000 years ago when he suffers an unfortunate accident. In this coming of age story, he must use all of the survival skills taught to him if he is going to survive & find his way home as winter springs upon him. He befriends an injured wild wolf that he names Alpha & together these two look out for each other. This is a visually stunning film revealing how life in prehistoric times may have been. Complete with subtitles to translate this unknown caveman language just adds to the authentic feel. Smit-McPhee is amazing & draws you into the story.
Alien gives it 3½ “memorial markers“ stars out of 4.
Tuesday, August 07, 2018
Dog Days
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the dog days of summer in LA for 12 people & 5 dogs whose individual stories become interconnected by the end of the film. Married couples, singles, siblings, a old man, & a teen struggle with life & relationships. Dog lovers will able to relate to these pet situations. Cute dogs and heartwarming & emotional moments will please the people people. This feel good film has its corny but lovable moments. Predictable but enjoyable sappy romcom. Vanessa Hudgens & Eva Longoria costar. Look for a gag reel to run throughout the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “Gertrude, Charlie, Mabel, Brandy, & Sam” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the dog days of summer in LA for 12 people & 5 dogs whose individual stories become interconnected by the end of the film. Married couples, singles, siblings, a old man, & a teen struggle with life & relationships. Dog lovers will able to relate to these pet situations. Cute dogs and heartwarming & emotional moments will please the people people. This feel good film has its corny but lovable moments. Predictable but enjoyable sappy romcom. Vanessa Hudgens & Eva Longoria costar. Look for a gag reel to run throughout the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “Gertrude, Charlie, Mabel, Brandy, & Sam” stars out of 4.
The Spy Who Dumped Me
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
BFFs Audrey (Mila Kunis) & Morgan (Kate McKinnon) become involved in a deadly European espionage thriller when it turns out Audrey’s ex (Justin Theroux) turns out to be a CIA agent. As expected, these 2 very funny ladies bring their hilarious A game to the spy game. What may surprise some is that this film is played as a straight up action spy thriller with a wild car chase, a huge gun battle a stylish assassin, & some surprises but all with a comical twist. Look for some familiar faces in some minor roles. This action comedy is rated “R” for some language, sexual content, & violence. A clip at the end of the film may spawn a sequel possibility. Faux news interviews run during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “besties not to be underestimated” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
BFFs Audrey (Mila Kunis) & Morgan (Kate McKinnon) become involved in a deadly European espionage thriller when it turns out Audrey’s ex (Justin Theroux) turns out to be a CIA agent. As expected, these 2 very funny ladies bring their hilarious A game to the spy game. What may surprise some is that this film is played as a straight up action spy thriller with a wild car chase, a huge gun battle a stylish assassin, & some surprises but all with a comical twist. Look for some familiar faces in some minor roles. This action comedy is rated “R” for some language, sexual content, & violence. A clip at the end of the film may spawn a sequel possibility. Faux news interviews run during the credits.
Alien gives it 3 “besties not to be underestimated” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
The Darkest Minds
It’s “The X-men” meets “Maze Runner” meets “Red Dawn” with a touch of “Infinity War” when a mysterious disease wipes 98% of the kids but the remaining 2% develop special superpowers feared by the adults. Ten year old Rudy is taken away to a rehabilitation camp where kids like her can be controlled & weaponized. This fairly mediocre sci-fi tale about survival with a little romance is based on a young adult novel. It is predictable story about family, loss, sacrifice, & how power corrupts. Mandy Moore & Bradley Whitford are the name draws but have minor roles. The conclusion plays like part one of a trilogy but don’t hold your breath waiting to see the return of these color kids.
Alien gives it 2½ “beware of the oranges & reds” stars out of 4.
It’s “The X-men” meets “Maze Runner” meets “Red Dawn” with a touch of “Infinity War” when a mysterious disease wipes 98% of the kids but the remaining 2% develop special superpowers feared by the adults. Ten year old Rudy is taken away to a rehabilitation camp where kids like her can be controlled & weaponized. This fairly mediocre sci-fi tale about survival with a little romance is based on a young adult novel. It is predictable story about family, loss, sacrifice, & how power corrupts. Mandy Moore & Bradley Whitford are the name draws but have minor roles. The conclusion plays like part one of a trilogy but don’t hold your breath waiting to see the return of these color kids.
Alien gives it 2½ “beware of the oranges & reds” stars out of 4.
