Friday, September 28, 2018
Hell Fest
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Welcome to Hell Fest, huge traveling carnival haunted house theme park for those who liked to be frightened. Three young adult couples go in for a night of fun but they meet a grizzly fate at the hands of a mysterious stalker. He is a big masked quiet type in a hoodie wearing steel toed shoes who sometimes hums some unrecognizable tune. His film is a throwback to the teenage slasher genre where individuals get isolated & picked off one by one. If you love being scared in those Halloween haunted houses, you may just enjoy this horror film. But more so fun, if you drag your scaredy cat friends to the theaters to watch them jump & cringe. Honestly, this film is more silly fun than actually scary, other than the expected jump scares. With enough success, audience may be rewarded with an annual Halloween return of this faceless serial killer/stalker with a cupboard of masks.
Alien gives it 3 “VIP wrist band” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Welcome to Hell Fest, huge traveling carnival haunted house theme park for those who liked to be frightened. Three young adult couples go in for a night of fun but they meet a grizzly fate at the hands of a mysterious stalker. He is a big masked quiet type in a hoodie wearing steel toed shoes who sometimes hums some unrecognizable tune. His film is a throwback to the teenage slasher genre where individuals get isolated & picked off one by one. If you love being scared in those Halloween haunted houses, you may just enjoy this horror film. But more so fun, if you drag your scaredy cat friends to the theaters to watch them jump & cringe. Honestly, this film is more silly fun than actually scary, other than the expected jump scares. With enough success, audience may be rewarded with an annual Halloween return of this faceless serial killer/stalker with a cupboard of masks.
Alien gives it 3 “VIP wrist band” stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Fahrenheit 11/9
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Filmmaker Michael Moore creates another humorous & enlightening political documentary. This time he focuses on the Trump administration, bad water supply in Flint, Michigan, teacher strike in West Virginia, & the Parkland, Florida, shootings as interviews people across the country on social, economical, & political issues across the country. He examines how Trump got elected & ponders what do from here. Whether you agree with Moore or not, his films are always skillfully edited to provocatively entertain & persuade.
Alien gives it 3 “day after the 2016 elections, 11/9” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Filmmaker Michael Moore creates another humorous & enlightening political documentary. This time he focuses on the Trump administration, bad water supply in Flint, Michigan, teacher strike in West Virginia, & the Parkland, Florida, shootings as interviews people across the country on social, economical, & political issues across the country. He examines how Trump got elected & ponders what do from here. Whether you agree with Moore or not, his films are always skillfully edited to provocatively entertain & persuade.
Alien gives it 3 “day after the 2016 elections, 11/9” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s tale about the March family returns to the big screen on the 150 year anniversary of the novel’s first publication. However, filmmakers have added a contemporary twist to appeal to a today’s young generation. The hopes & dreams of the 4 sisters, Jo, Beth, Meg, & Amy, are explored as they grow up, fall in love, suffer loss, & find success. Lea Thompson plays the mom, Marmee. As we follow Jo’s writer’s path, we can’t help but sense Alcott has poured herself into this character. Plus there are the many similarities between Jo’s sisters & Louisa’s sisters. But that’s what makes this story feel so real & relatable even today. Regretfully, I️ have never read the novel nor viewed any of the earlier film versions so I️ cannot make any comparisons. I did enjoy this chick flick tear jerker set in modern times.
Alien gives it 3½ “castle in the clouds” stars out of 4.
Louisa May Alcott’s tale about the March family returns to the big screen on the 150 year anniversary of the novel’s first publication. However, filmmakers have added a contemporary twist to appeal to a today’s young generation. The hopes & dreams of the 4 sisters, Jo, Beth, Meg, & Amy, are explored as they grow up, fall in love, suffer loss, & find success. Lea Thompson plays the mom, Marmee. As we follow Jo’s writer’s path, we can’t help but sense Alcott has poured herself into this character. Plus there are the many similarities between Jo’s sisters & Louisa’s sisters. But that’s what makes this story feel so real & relatable even today. Regretfully, I️ have never read the novel nor viewed any of the earlier film versions so I️ cannot make any comparisons. I did enjoy this chick flick tear jerker set in modern times.
Alien gives it 3½ “castle in the clouds” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Night School
Actor/writer/producer Kevin Hart plays Teddy Walker, a high school dropout who must attend night school to earn his G.E.D. Hart is that lovable loser who is mentally challenged & is haunted by every bridge that he has ever burnt. Tiffany Haddish is the strict but funny night school teacher with a classroom of misfits. Tarran Killam, Rob Riggle, & Mary Lynn Rajskub are among the supporting cast. If you enjoy the comedy stylings of Hart & Haddish, you’ll have lots of laughs in this funny tale about second chances. There are no wild surprises as the script follows that predictable comedic pattern.
Alien gives it 2½ “learning herpes” stars out of 4.
Actor/writer/producer Kevin Hart plays Teddy Walker, a high school dropout who must attend night school to earn his G.E.D. Hart is that lovable loser who is mentally challenged & is haunted by every bridge that he has ever burnt. Tiffany Haddish is the strict but funny night school teacher with a classroom of misfits. Tarran Killam, Rob Riggle, & Mary Lynn Rajskub are among the supporting cast. If you enjoy the comedy stylings of Hart & Haddish, you’ll have lots of laughs in this funny tale about second chances. There are no wild surprises as the script follows that predictable comedic pattern.
Alien gives it 2½ “learning herpes” stars out of 4.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Lizzie
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Many people only know the story of Lizzie Borden though this infamous rhyme:
Lizzie Borden took an axe,
And gave her mother forty whacks;
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.
This latest film version is based on some facts & conjectures telling a possible explanation of how Lizzie’s father & step-mother were murdered with a hatchet. It paints a picture of how Lizzie (Chloë Sevigny) & live-in servant Bridget Sullivan (Kristen Stewart) were abused & mistreated by Lizzie’s father. This period piece set in 1892 Massachusetts is dry & moves painfully slow. This version speculates Lizzie’s & Bridget’s friendship developed into a lesbian relationship. This “R” rated film features nude images of these two actresses but it doesn’t involve an intimate love scene rather a hatchet. Summary captions at the film’s end recount what ensued for these two after the murders.
Alien gives it 1½ “unsettling Fall River Murders” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Many people only know the story of Lizzie Borden though this infamous rhyme:
Lizzie Borden took an axe,
And gave her mother forty whacks;
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.
This latest film version is based on some facts & conjectures telling a possible explanation of how Lizzie’s father & step-mother were murdered with a hatchet. It paints a picture of how Lizzie (Chloë Sevigny) & live-in servant Bridget Sullivan (Kristen Stewart) were abused & mistreated by Lizzie’s father. This period piece set in 1892 Massachusetts is dry & moves painfully slow. This version speculates Lizzie’s & Bridget’s friendship developed into a lesbian relationship. This “R” rated film features nude images of these two actresses but it doesn’t involve an intimate love scene rather a hatchet. Summary captions at the film’s end recount what ensued for these two after the murders.
Alien gives it 1½ “unsettling Fall River Murders” stars out of 4.
The Wife
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Joe & Joan Castleman’s (Jonathon Pryce & Glenn Close) 40 year old secret is about to destroy their relationship when Joe accepts the Nobel Prize for his body of work in literature. Close is amazing as the long suffering wife who rather avoid the spotlight while Pryce portrays the self indulging, attention seeking spouse. They complement each other in their deception to the world. Their secret is slowly divulged in a series of flashbacks. Christian Slater plays the probing reporter.
Alien gives it 3 “breaking point” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Joe & Joan Castleman’s (Jonathon Pryce & Glenn Close) 40 year old secret is about to destroy their relationship when Joe accepts the Nobel Prize for his body of work in literature. Close is amazing as the long suffering wife who rather avoid the spotlight while Pryce portrays the self indulging, attention seeking spouse. They complement each other in their deception to the world. Their secret is slowly divulged in a series of flashbacks. Christian Slater plays the probing reporter.
Alien gives it 3 “breaking point” stars out of 4.
Smallfoot
In a story twist, a Yeti named Migo & his friends go in search of Smallfoot (humans) to prove to their tribe that they do existence. It’s “Androcles & the Lion” when Migo first meets up with reporter Percy hunting for a big news story. This is fun family entertainment with lots of funny sight gags & many misunderstandings for laughs. Along the way, certain truths are uncovered in this animated film with some lyrical songs. Will Yetis & humans learn to live in harmony or continue to fear each other as monsters? Look for one last mid-credit gag.
Alien gives it 3 “written in stone” stars out of 4.
In a story twist, a Yeti named Migo & his friends go in search of Smallfoot (humans) to prove to their tribe that they do existence. It’s “Androcles & the Lion” when Migo first meets up with reporter Percy hunting for a big news story. This is fun family entertainment with lots of funny sight gags & many misunderstandings for laughs. Along the way, certain truths are uncovered in this animated film with some lyrical songs. Will Yetis & humans learn to live in harmony or continue to fear each other as monsters? Look for one last mid-credit gag.
Alien gives it 3 “written in stone” stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Assassination Nation
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
There is big trouble brewing in the small town of Salem. It’s “Gossip Girl” meets “The Purge” when an unknown hacker exposes the town’s dirty little secrets. This thinly veiled “Crucible” story updated with today's social media obsession is a very very dark thriller/comedy. Scandalous pictures & texts, unfounded accusations, water boarding, misogynistic attitudes, righteousness, & hypocrisy drive this modern day witch hunt. The audience is boldly forewarned about the “R” rated content from the get-go. This film uses low budget stylistic “shock & awe” tactics to titillate & push boundaries. Expect horror genre blood & guts effects. It’s a satirical statement about the evil side of the web as Lily & her besties fight for their lives against mob mentality run amok. Bella Thorne & Joel McKale are the big name draws, but don’t get your hopes up. You may find this fun if you don’t take it seriously.
Alien gives it 2½ “red slickers” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
There is big trouble brewing in the small town of Salem. It’s “Gossip Girl” meets “The Purge” when an unknown hacker exposes the town’s dirty little secrets. This thinly veiled “Crucible” story updated with today's social media obsession is a very very dark thriller/comedy. Scandalous pictures & texts, unfounded accusations, water boarding, misogynistic attitudes, righteousness, & hypocrisy drive this modern day witch hunt. The audience is boldly forewarned about the “R” rated content from the get-go. This film uses low budget stylistic “shock & awe” tactics to titillate & push boundaries. Expect horror genre blood & guts effects. It’s a satirical statement about the evil side of the web as Lily & her besties fight for their lives against mob mentality run amok. Bella Thorne & Joel McKale are the big name draws, but don’t get your hopes up. You may find this fun if you don’t take it seriously.
Alien gives it 2½ “red slickers” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
The House with a Clock in its Walls
Warlocks, witches, & topiary griffins... oh my!
After the death of his parents, 10-year-old Lewis goes to live with his odd Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) in a most peculiar house with an unknown source of a ticking clock sound. He also meets Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett) who is the friendly neighbor. Lewis soon discovers his uncle & this neighbor dabbles in the mystical art of magic & begs them to teach him some spells. As Lewis struggles trying to fit in at his new school, he unwittingly casts a forbidden spell that sets off a chain of deadly events in motion. Black is consistently funny & off-beat as usual. Blanchett is always a chameleon creating a unique new personality in each of her films. Based on a book, this film targets 10-12 year old boys with its magical fantasies & bathroom humor.
Alien gives it 3 “indomitable” stars out of 4.
Warlocks, witches, & topiary griffins... oh my!
After the death of his parents, 10-year-old Lewis goes to live with his odd Uncle Jonathan (Jack Black) in a most peculiar house with an unknown source of a ticking clock sound. He also meets Mrs. Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett) who is the friendly neighbor. Lewis soon discovers his uncle & this neighbor dabbles in the mystical art of magic & begs them to teach him some spells. As Lewis struggles trying to fit in at his new school, he unwittingly casts a forbidden spell that sets off a chain of deadly events in motion. Black is consistently funny & off-beat as usual. Blanchett is always a chameleon creating a unique new personality in each of her films. Based on a book, this film targets 10-12 year old boys with its magical fantasies & bathroom humor.
Alien gives it 3 “indomitable” stars out of 4.
Friday, September 14, 2018
White Boy Rick
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story of a low life family living in Detroit during the 1980’s. The dad Rick Sr (Matthew McConaughey) is an illegal weapons dealer. The daughter Dawn (Bel Powley) is a runaway & junkie. The son Rick Jr (Richie Merritt) becomes a hustler & dreamer like his dad. In this gritty story about a teenage drug dealer, Rick Jr is coerced into becoming an informant for the FBI. McConaughey & Merritt give outstanding performances. While the drug dealing topic may not be a strong drawing point, it’s the strong sense of family that makes this film watchable. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bruce Dern, & Piper Laurie are in the supporting cast. This family is a train wreck but you can’t stop watching them. This based-on-a-true-story film plays an audio recording of the real Rick Wershe Jr at its conclusion.
Alien gives it 3 “frozen custard” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story of a low life family living in Detroit during the 1980’s. The dad Rick Sr (Matthew McConaughey) is an illegal weapons dealer. The daughter Dawn (Bel Powley) is a runaway & junkie. The son Rick Jr (Richie Merritt) becomes a hustler & dreamer like his dad. In this gritty story about a teenage drug dealer, Rick Jr is coerced into becoming an informant for the FBI. McConaughey & Merritt give outstanding performances. While the drug dealing topic may not be a strong drawing point, it’s the strong sense of family that makes this film watchable. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bruce Dern, & Piper Laurie are in the supporting cast. This family is a train wreck but you can’t stop watching them. This based-on-a-true-story film plays an audio recording of the real Rick Wershe Jr at its conclusion.
Alien gives it 3 “frozen custard” stars out of 4.
God Bless the Broken Road
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In small town Clarksville, Kentucky, where the diner, the auto garage, & the coffee shop all have first names like Rosie’s, Joe’s, & Matt’s in the titles, Amber Hill becomes a single mom when her army solder husband is killed in Afghanistan. She struggles to earn a living & support her 9-year-old girl, Bree. Facing foreclosure on her home & disagreements with her mother-in-law, she meets a down-on-his-luck race car driver Cody Jackson who is a Sunday School volunteer. This religious themed movie is about having faith when you are feeling lost. Does one stay on their broken road they know so well or do the take a chance on a new path that God has provided. Jordin Sparks, Robin Givens, Kim Delaney, & LaDainian Tomlinson co-star.
Alien gives it 2½ “go-cart” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In small town Clarksville, Kentucky, where the diner, the auto garage, & the coffee shop all have first names like Rosie’s, Joe’s, & Matt’s in the titles, Amber Hill becomes a single mom when her army solder husband is killed in Afghanistan. She struggles to earn a living & support her 9-year-old girl, Bree. Facing foreclosure on her home & disagreements with her mother-in-law, she meets a down-on-his-luck race car driver Cody Jackson who is a Sunday School volunteer. This religious themed movie is about having faith when you are feeling lost. Does one stay on their broken road they know so well or do the take a chance on a new path that God has provided. Jordin Sparks, Robin Givens, Kim Delaney, & LaDainian Tomlinson co-star.
Alien gives it 2½ “go-cart” stars out of 4.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Life Itself
Life’s rewards & tragedies are experienced by multi generations of two families across two continents tied together by one incident. Director/writer Dan Fogelman of TV’s “This is Us” fame constructs an intricate romantic comedy/drama about love, loss, & life. An all star cast including Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Mandy Patinkin, Jean Smart, Samuel L. Jackson, Annette Bening, Olivia Cooke, & Antonio Banderas takes us through life’s ups & downs, joys & sorrows, laughter & tears. The plot develops ever so slowly as our senses become overwhelmed with the sadness of a series of events. Expect one segment to be heavily subtitled. It’s an emotionally draining roller-coasting experience that one may either love or hate. The film has a powerful message about how to deal with life’s hardships & how we are a reflection of who we come from.
Alien gives it 3 “the unreliable narrator” stars out of 4.
Life’s rewards & tragedies are experienced by multi generations of two families across two continents tied together by one incident. Director/writer Dan Fogelman of TV’s “This is Us” fame constructs an intricate romantic comedy/drama about love, loss, & life. An all star cast including Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Mandy Patinkin, Jean Smart, Samuel L. Jackson, Annette Bening, Olivia Cooke, & Antonio Banderas takes us through life’s ups & downs, joys & sorrows, laughter & tears. The plot develops ever so slowly as our senses become overwhelmed with the sadness of a series of events. Expect one segment to be heavily subtitled. It’s an emotionally draining roller-coasting experience that one may either love or hate. The film has a powerful message about how to deal with life’s hardships & how we are a reflection of who we come from.
Alien gives it 3 “the unreliable narrator” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
A Simple Favor
When an energetic single super mom/Vblogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) is befriended by an cold enigmatic stylish demanding mom Emily (Blake Lively), a missing person mystery soon unfolds. This search for Emily takes many twists & turns as the clues to the past are slowly revealed & unraveled getting. As the plot progresses & darkens so does the humor of this subtly black comedy. Kendrick & Lively are perfectly cast. Don’t underestimate either of these two women with secrets. Henry Golding plays Emily’s husband Sean who is not above suspicion either in this complicated plot. If you like solving mysteries with ever increasing dark humor, you might want to check this simple little favor that turns lethal for someone. See if you can find the truth hidden among the many lies.
Alien gives it 3½ “Hope, Faith, & Charity” stars out of 4.
When an energetic single super mom/Vblogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) is befriended by an cold enigmatic stylish demanding mom Emily (Blake Lively), a missing person mystery soon unfolds. This search for Emily takes many twists & turns as the clues to the past are slowly revealed & unraveled getting. As the plot progresses & darkens so does the humor of this subtly black comedy. Kendrick & Lively are perfectly cast. Don’t underestimate either of these two women with secrets. Henry Golding plays Emily’s husband Sean who is not above suspicion either in this complicated plot. If you like solving mysteries with ever increasing dark humor, you might want to check this simple little favor that turns lethal for someone. See if you can find the truth hidden among the many lies.
Alien gives it 3½ “Hope, Faith, & Charity” stars out of 4.
Monday, September 10, 2018
The Predator
It’s “War of the Worlds” meets “The X-Files” meets “The A-Team” when those deadly outer space hunters return to Earth. An Army Ranger sniper gets caught in the cross-fire between these alien invaders & the covert government operation covering up these alien activities. This ranger rallies a rag tag band of military misfits to save a biologist (Olivia Munn), his autistic son (Jacob Tremblay), & the planet. Director/writer Shane Black puts a revolutionary spin to the Predator franchise to revive it & to set up a future story line. This action-packed thriller with terrific special effects is also loaded with unexpected humor. The movie even pokes fun at the predator label given to these alien creatures. Nevertheless, the film still couldn’t resist having the beautiful Munn strip herself naked not once but twice for good measure. Relive what you enjoyed previously about these unwelcomed visitors & be surprised by their evolution & their possible Earth mission. Rated “R” for language, violence, gore, and spillage of human & alien blood.
Alien gives it 3½ “alien hell hounds” stars out of 4.
It’s “War of the Worlds” meets “The X-Files” meets “The A-Team” when those deadly outer space hunters return to Earth. An Army Ranger sniper gets caught in the cross-fire between these alien invaders & the covert government operation covering up these alien activities. This ranger rallies a rag tag band of military misfits to save a biologist (Olivia Munn), his autistic son (Jacob Tremblay), & the planet. Director/writer Shane Black puts a revolutionary spin to the Predator franchise to revive it & to set up a future story line. This action-packed thriller with terrific special effects is also loaded with unexpected humor. The movie even pokes fun at the predator label given to these alien creatures. Nevertheless, the film still couldn’t resist having the beautiful Munn strip herself naked not once but twice for good measure. Relive what you enjoyed previously about these unwelcomed visitors & be surprised by their evolution & their possible Earth mission. Rated “R” for language, violence, gore, and spillage of human & alien blood.
Alien gives it 3½ “alien hell hounds” stars out of 4.
Saturday, September 08, 2018
The Nun
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1952, Father Burke & Sister Irene are sent by the Vatican to investigate the death of a nun at a Romanian monastery. A local named Frenchie serves as their guide. There they deal with a demonic entity who is trying to escape via a human vessel. Filmmakers have crafted the perfect dark & creepy setting. Expect a few jump scares but there is nothing too frightening to handle unless you are faint-hearted. Look for a clip at the end connecting this film to the Warrens in the “Conjuring”. Another possible future Conjuring Universe connection stems from casting Vera Farmiga’s younger sister Taissa as Sister Irene. Could she be revealed related to Lorraine Warren in an upcoming film?
Alien gives it 2½ “Valak” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1952, Father Burke & Sister Irene are sent by the Vatican to investigate the death of a nun at a Romanian monastery. A local named Frenchie serves as their guide. There they deal with a demonic entity who is trying to escape via a human vessel. Filmmakers have crafted the perfect dark & creepy setting. Expect a few jump scares but there is nothing too frightening to handle unless you are faint-hearted. Look for a clip at the end connecting this film to the Warrens in the “Conjuring”. Another possible future Conjuring Universe connection stems from casting Vera Farmiga’s younger sister Taissa as Sister Irene. Could she be revealed related to Lorraine Warren in an upcoming film?
Alien gives it 2½ “Valak” stars out of 4.
Juliet, Naked
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Annie (Rose Byrne) & Duncan (Chris O’Dowd) are drifting apart. He runs a web site where he obsesses over the music & disappearance of alternative rocker Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawks). She develops an online relationship in this very funny romantic comedy. Byrne is absolutely delightful as the woman re-evaluating her life & relationships. Hawke plays a troubled likable loser who has run away from his past & is now trying to make amends. This cute & charming film is “R” rated for some language & sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 “Summer of ‘64” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Annie (Rose Byrne) & Duncan (Chris O’Dowd) are drifting apart. He runs a web site where he obsesses over the music & disappearance of alternative rocker Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawks). She develops an online relationship in this very funny romantic comedy. Byrne is absolutely delightful as the woman re-evaluating her life & relationships. Hawke plays a troubled likable loser who has run away from his past & is now trying to make amends. This cute & charming film is “R” rated for some language & sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 “Summer of ‘64” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, September 05, 2018
Peppermint
Move over Paul Kersey of “Death Wish” fame, there’s a new vigilante in town. When a nice soccer mom type Riley North (Jennifer Garner) & her family are gunned down in a gang related drive-by shooting & the corrupt judicial system fails her, she disappears having lost everything, but returns years later channeling Sarah Connors from “Terminator 2” in a vengeful rage. She is now a badass one-woman killing machine & an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Type casted as the sweet caring mom in her films lately, Garner draws upon her “Alias” & “Electra” skill sets to create a very dark & deadly assassin with nothing to lose. She is gunning for a crooked cop, a corrupt lawyer & judge, and members of a drug cartel. The story is extremely violent & predictable but fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 “peppermint, double scoop, for the birthday girl” stars out of 4.
Move over Paul Kersey of “Death Wish” fame, there’s a new vigilante in town. When a nice soccer mom type Riley North (Jennifer Garner) & her family are gunned down in a gang related drive-by shooting & the corrupt judicial system fails her, she disappears having lost everything, but returns years later channeling Sarah Connors from “Terminator 2” in a vengeful rage. She is now a badass one-woman killing machine & an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Type casted as the sweet caring mom in her films lately, Garner draws upon her “Alias” & “Electra” skill sets to create a very dark & deadly assassin with nothing to lose. She is gunning for a crooked cop, a corrupt lawyer & judge, and members of a drug cartel. The story is extremely violent & predictable but fun to watch.
Alien gives it 3 “peppermint, double scoop, for the birthday girl” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, September 04, 2018
Operation Finale
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Fifteen years after WWII, Israeli operative Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac) leads a top secret Mossad team to Argentina to find notorious Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley) & bring him back to stay trial. This gripping espionage film is based on a true story. Isaac & Kingsley are excellent in their cat & mouse game working towards covert extraction. The film explores both sides of the situation. The musical soundtrack includes a tango selection as film, documents, & money was stealthily passed from person to person. Photos of the real Peter Malkin & Adolf Eichmann, the trial, & some of the Holocaust atrocities appear at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “Mastermind of the Final Solution” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Fifteen years after WWII, Israeli operative Peter Malkin (Oscar Isaac) leads a top secret Mossad team to Argentina to find notorious Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley) & bring him back to stay trial. This gripping espionage film is based on a true story. Isaac & Kingsley are excellent in their cat & mouse game working towards covert extraction. The film explores both sides of the situation. The musical soundtrack includes a tango selection as film, documents, & money was stealthily passed from person to person. Photos of the real Peter Malkin & Adolf Eichmann, the trial, & some of the Holocaust atrocities appear at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “Mastermind of the Final Solution” stars out of 4.
Monday, September 03, 2018
Papillon
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A safe cracker (Charlie Hunnan) & a forger (Rami Malek) bond together for security at & escaping from the penal colony at French Guyana. This is the true story of Henri Charrière aka Papillon for the butterfly tattooed on his chest. It’s also a remake of 1973 movie starring Steve McQueen & Dustin Hoffman. This is a testament to a man’s endurance for survival & his dedication to loyalty. Hunnan undergoes a remarkable transformation for his role. It’s an amazing story. Photos & film footage at the end demonstrate the attention to details use to recreate some of the scenes.
Alien gives it 3 “the jungle or the sea” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A safe cracker (Charlie Hunnan) & a forger (Rami Malek) bond together for security at & escaping from the penal colony at French Guyana. This is the true story of Henri Charrière aka Papillon for the butterfly tattooed on his chest. It’s also a remake of 1973 movie starring Steve McQueen & Dustin Hoffman. This is a testament to a man’s endurance for survival & his dedication to loyalty. Hunnan undergoes a remarkable transformation for his role. It’s an amazing story. Photos & film footage at the end demonstrate the attention to details use to recreate some of the scenes.
Alien gives it 3 “the jungle or the sea” stars out of 4.
The Little Stranger
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A childhood fascination with the Ayers family & their lavish estate rekindles for a humble country doctor (Domhnall Gleeson) when he is summoned for a house call visit to treat a patient. As he becomes more involved with this troubled family, more & more odd occurrences turn up. Is this family and/or their estate cursed or haunted? This Gothic tale has an uneasy, unsettling feel to it. It’s a terrific looking period piece with an excellent cast, but it’s very slow paced & may leave you unsatisfied at the end. This film may be hard to figure out it is headed. The trailer paints it as a possible supernatural or ghost story. Is this quirky family in decline like their crumbling manor? Or are they just delusional? Some viewers may just question themselves as to what did we just see.
Alien gives it 2 “Hundreds Hall” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A childhood fascination with the Ayers family & their lavish estate rekindles for a humble country doctor (Domhnall Gleeson) when he is summoned for a house call visit to treat a patient. As he becomes more involved with this troubled family, more & more odd occurrences turn up. Is this family and/or their estate cursed or haunted? This Gothic tale has an uneasy, unsettling feel to it. It’s a terrific looking period piece with an excellent cast, but it’s very slow paced & may leave you unsatisfied at the end. This film may be hard to figure out it is headed. The trailer paints it as a possible supernatural or ghost story. Is this quirky family in decline like their crumbling manor? Or are they just delusional? Some viewers may just question themselves as to what did we just see.
Alien gives it 2 “Hundreds Hall” stars out of 4.
