Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Free Solo
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is a documentary featuring the first & only man free solo climb the face on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Alone with no ropes or other safety devices, Alex Honnold successfully accomplishes this amazing feat. He does have a team of climber/photographers to record this historic moment & the steps leading up to it. The film explores what makes this hometown born & raised in Sacramento boy tick. Get insights to this man through interviews with Honnold himself & all of those around him. See his lifestyle, his regimen, & his quirks. See his falls & injuries. This is a fascinating film to watch.
Alien gives it 3 “confidence conquers death” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is a documentary featuring the first & only man free solo climb the face on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Alone with no ropes or other safety devices, Alex Honnold successfully accomplishes this amazing feat. He does have a team of climber/photographers to record this historic moment & the steps leading up to it. The film explores what makes this hometown born & raised in Sacramento boy tick. Get insights to this man through interviews with Honnold himself & all of those around him. See his lifestyle, his regimen, & his quirks. See his falls & injuries. This is a fascinating film to watch.
Alien gives it 3 “confidence conquers death” stars out of 4.
The Nutcracker & the Four Realms
On Christmas Eve, Clara receives a locked gift from her deceased mom which sets her off on a fantasy adventure to find the missing key & bring stability to the 4 Realms. This is Disney’s variation of the classic ballet. Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, & Morgan Freeman are in the supporting cast. The “Narnia” like version with a sense of peril may be better suited for older kids but even then the ballet portion may just bore them. This attempt to appeal to today’s audiences is only fairly successful. It is entertaining & visually stunning but nothing great.
Alien gives 2½ “anamatronics” stars out of 4.
On Christmas Eve, Clara receives a locked gift from her deceased mom which sets her off on a fantasy adventure to find the missing key & bring stability to the 4 Realms. This is Disney’s variation of the classic ballet. Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, & Morgan Freeman are in the supporting cast. The “Narnia” like version with a sense of peril may be better suited for older kids but even then the ballet portion may just bore them. This attempt to appeal to today’s audiences is only fairly successful. It is entertaining & visually stunning but nothing great.
Alien gives 2½ “anamatronics” stars out of 4.
Friday, October 26, 2018
The Old Man & the Gun
A 74-year-old bank robber (Robert Redford) is described by witnesses as polite, a gentleman, & smiling. Car trouble provides an opportunity for a little romance to bloom. Sissy Spacek plays the love interest. I love see these two back on the big screen again. Set in 1981, John Hunt (Casey Affleck) is the detective on the trail of this elusive bank robber. Age has weathered Redford’s face but he still his charm & youthful smile. This delightful story is a lightweight crime drama that relies more on Redford’s natural charm to carry the show.
Alien gives it 2½ “Over The Hill Gang” stars out of 4.
A 74-year-old bank robber (Robert Redford) is described by witnesses as polite, a gentleman, & smiling. Car trouble provides an opportunity for a little romance to bloom. Sissy Spacek plays the love interest. I love see these two back on the big screen again. Set in 1981, John Hunt (Casey Affleck) is the detective on the trail of this elusive bank robber. Age has weathered Redford’s face but he still his charm & youthful smile. This delightful story is a lightweight crime drama that relies more on Redford’s natural charm to carry the show.
Alien gives it 2½ “Over The Hill Gang” stars out of 4.
Mid90s
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is a coming of age story for a 13-year-old boy growing up in LA in the 1990’s. Stevie lives in a modest home with his single mom & ill-tempered violent older brother. In an attempt to escape his troubled home life, he tries to fit in with a group of older kids hanging out at a local skate shop. These borderline juvenile delinquents give him the nickname “Sunburn”and introduce him to skateboarding, swearing, smoking, drinking, drugs, & girls as part of his rite of passage. Director/writer Jonah Hill fabulously recreates his childhood memories using young non actors at the core. This film is touching & raw as sweet little Stevie endures the growing pains of finding himself & bonding with new friends.
Alien gives it 3 “Motor Avenue” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is a coming of age story for a 13-year-old boy growing up in LA in the 1990’s. Stevie lives in a modest home with his single mom & ill-tempered violent older brother. In an attempt to escape his troubled home life, he tries to fit in with a group of older kids hanging out at a local skate shop. These borderline juvenile delinquents give him the nickname “Sunburn”and introduce him to skateboarding, swearing, smoking, drinking, drugs, & girls as part of his rite of passage. Director/writer Jonah Hill fabulously recreates his childhood memories using young non actors at the core. This film is touching & raw as sweet little Stevie endures the growing pains of finding himself & bonding with new friends.
Alien gives it 3 “Motor Avenue” stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
What They Had
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
When Ruth (Blythe Danner) wanders off during a snowstorm in Chicago during the middle of the night, her family members convene to discuss what is best for dear old mom who is suffering from Alzheimer’s /dementia. Stubborn husband Bert (Robert Forster) wants the love of his life to remain home thinking his care is best for her. Son Nick (Michael Shannon) is equally adamant that she needs to be in a nursing home. Daughter Bridget (Hilary Swank) & granddaughter Emma (Taissa Farmiga) fly in from California. Bridget is pressured by both sides. This is an emotionally powerful film addressing the many issues concerning aging loved ones who are facing the loss memory & awareness. As the stress of the situation increases, long suppressed issues begin to surface. Director/writer Elizabeth Chomko paints a realistic drama about the love of family under difficult circumstances. The entire cast is terrific in this touching movie.
Alien gives it 3½ “oh you turkey” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
When Ruth (Blythe Danner) wanders off during a snowstorm in Chicago during the middle of the night, her family members convene to discuss what is best for dear old mom who is suffering from Alzheimer’s /dementia. Stubborn husband Bert (Robert Forster) wants the love of his life to remain home thinking his care is best for her. Son Nick (Michael Shannon) is equally adamant that she needs to be in a nursing home. Daughter Bridget (Hilary Swank) & granddaughter Emma (Taissa Farmiga) fly in from California. Bridget is pressured by both sides. This is an emotionally powerful film addressing the many issues concerning aging loved ones who are facing the loss memory & awareness. As the stress of the situation increases, long suppressed issues begin to surface. Director/writer Elizabeth Chomko paints a realistic drama about the love of family under difficult circumstances. The entire cast is terrific in this touching movie.
Alien gives it 3½ “oh you turkey” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Hunter Killer
It’s “Run Silent, Run Deep” meets “Lone Survivor” when a U.S. Hunter-Killer class submarine disappearance & a Russian military coup puts the planet on the brink of world war. An untested & unconventional submarine commander (Gerard Butler) & crew are sent into Russian territory to investigate while a covert navy seal team is dispatched to spy on a Russian military installation. Back at home, military personnel (Gary Oldman & Common) butt heads as DEFCON levels escalate. These 2 teams combine into a rescue mission that I’ll designate as “Moscow Has Fallen”. This is an intense action thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the situation progressively worsens.
Alien gives it 3½ “hard right rudder” stars out of 4.
It’s “Run Silent, Run Deep” meets “Lone Survivor” when a U.S. Hunter-Killer class submarine disappearance & a Russian military coup puts the planet on the brink of world war. An untested & unconventional submarine commander (Gerard Butler) & crew are sent into Russian territory to investigate while a covert navy seal team is dispatched to spy on a Russian military installation. Back at home, military personnel (Gary Oldman & Common) butt heads as DEFCON levels escalate. These 2 teams combine into a rescue mission that I’ll designate as “Moscow Has Fallen”. This is an intense action thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the situation progressively worsens.
Alien gives it 3½ “hard right rudder” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Bohemian Rhapsody
Fired-before-completion director Brian Singer crafts a powerfully entertaining biopic about the meteoric rise of Freddy Mercury (Rami Malek) & Queen and then their subsequent breakup. Driven by the unconventional beat of their many hit songs, this film paints a dramatic picture of the lead singer & this band of misfits struggling to find fame & dealing with success. Get in on the creation of some of those now famous tunes. It’s also about family, the one you are born into & the one you create. Although this film feels glossed over & Hollywoodized, it is highly entertaining with a sense of humor. It is a classic rock & roll fame story with the ups & downs faced on the road to success. The filmmakers here were just very cautious about making it too dark, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Malek gives his best performance to date as he mimics icon legend’s flamboyant style & recreates Mercury’s internal struggles.
Alien gives it 3½ “Live Aid” stars out of 4.
Fired-before-completion director Brian Singer crafts a powerfully entertaining biopic about the meteoric rise of Freddy Mercury (Rami Malek) & Queen and then their subsequent breakup. Driven by the unconventional beat of their many hit songs, this film paints a dramatic picture of the lead singer & this band of misfits struggling to find fame & dealing with success. Get in on the creation of some of those now famous tunes. It’s also about family, the one you are born into & the one you create. Although this film feels glossed over & Hollywoodized, it is highly entertaining with a sense of humor. It is a classic rock & roll fame story with the ups & downs faced on the road to success. The filmmakers here were just very cautious about making it too dark, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Malek gives his best performance to date as he mimics icon legend’s flamboyant style & recreates Mercury’s internal struggles.
Alien gives it 3½ “Live Aid” stars out of 4.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
The Sisters Brothers
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1851 during the gold rush in the West, Charlie & Eli Sisters (Joaquin Phoenix & John C. Reilly) are brothers & hired gunslingers chasing down people for their boss, The Commodore. This is not your glamorous cowboy western but a gritty & brutal journey from Oregon to California leaving behind a trail of bullet riddled corpses. With authentic looking sets, this buddy film is dialogue driven with loud outbursts of blazing gunfire as the hunters become the hunted & gold fever takes over. Jake Gyllenhaal & Riz Amed round the main characters. These interesting characters will keep you engaged in the story to see where it is headed.
Alien gives it 2½ “brother’s keeper” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 1851 during the gold rush in the West, Charlie & Eli Sisters (Joaquin Phoenix & John C. Reilly) are brothers & hired gunslingers chasing down people for their boss, The Commodore. This is not your glamorous cowboy western but a gritty & brutal journey from Oregon to California leaving behind a trail of bullet riddled corpses. With authentic looking sets, this buddy film is dialogue driven with loud outbursts of blazing gunfire as the hunters become the hunted & gold fever takes over. Jake Gyllenhaal & Riz Amed round the main characters. These interesting characters will keep you engaged in the story to see where it is headed.
Alien gives it 2½ “brother’s keeper” stars out of 4.
The Oath
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A Thanksgiving family gathering erupts in violence & mayhem when the politics of “The Patriot’s Oath”, a pledge of loyalty to the President, comes into play. This black comedy written, directed, & starring Ike Barinholtz is so dark & disturbing that it may difficult for many to see the humor buried in the script. This “R” rated dystopian plot is full of f-bombs & swear words as well as very bloody graphic violence. The comedic talents of this normally funny cast (the likes of Tiffany Haddish,Nora Dunn, & John Cho) seem to be wasted here. Issues of sibling rivalries, racism, liberals vs conservatives, & government overstepping its bounds are explored here. Unfortunately, some people may actually believe the Oath premise is a good thing. What would you do the protect your family?
Alien gives it 1½ “Black Friday” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A Thanksgiving family gathering erupts in violence & mayhem when the politics of “The Patriot’s Oath”, a pledge of loyalty to the President, comes into play. This black comedy written, directed, & starring Ike Barinholtz is so dark & disturbing that it may difficult for many to see the humor buried in the script. This “R” rated dystopian plot is full of f-bombs & swear words as well as very bloody graphic violence. The comedic talents of this normally funny cast (the likes of Tiffany Haddish,Nora Dunn, & John Cho) seem to be wasted here. Issues of sibling rivalries, racism, liberals vs conservatives, & government overstepping its bounds are explored here. Unfortunately, some people may actually believe the Oath premise is a good thing. What would you do the protect your family?
Alien gives it 1½ “Black Friday” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Halloween
It has been 40 years since Michael Myers first went on his killing spree attacking Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) & company on Halloween night in Haddonfield, Illinois. In this direct sequel to the 1978 teenage slasher original (ignoring the 9 other installments in between), everyone’s favorite pure evil masked killer once again escapes imprisonment to return home to terrorize the town & in particular the Strode women. Laurie has an estranged daughter Karen (Judy Greer) & a granddaughter Allyson. It’s good old silly stalker fun with the usual jump scares, a sense of humor, uneasy tension, blood, & gore. Of course, you got to overlook all of the obvious plot flaws & convenient coincidences. Disturbingly, there seems to be more than a couple of abnormally behaving people here. Is this destined to the final confrontation or just another chapter? We’ll just have to keep an eye out each Halloween season.
Alien gives it 3 “prepared for this day” stars out of 4.
It has been 40 years since Michael Myers first went on his killing spree attacking Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) & company on Halloween night in Haddonfield, Illinois. In this direct sequel to the 1978 teenage slasher original (ignoring the 9 other installments in between), everyone’s favorite pure evil masked killer once again escapes imprisonment to return home to terrorize the town & in particular the Strode women. Laurie has an estranged daughter Karen (Judy Greer) & a granddaughter Allyson. It’s good old silly stalker fun with the usual jump scares, a sense of humor, uneasy tension, blood, & gore. Of course, you got to overlook all of the obvious plot flaws & convenient coincidences. Disturbingly, there seems to be more than a couple of abnormally behaving people here. Is this destined to the final confrontation or just another chapter? We’ll just have to keep an eye out each Halloween season.
Alien gives it 3 “prepared for this day” stars out of 4.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Colette
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Based on the true story of famed French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, it begins to look like Glenn Close’s current film, “The Wife”. Country girl Gabrielle (Keira Knightley) marries a older man from Paris introducing her to a more sophisticated & intellectual social circle. She ends up ghostwriting for him while he basks in the glory. But then this story takes a racier turn as this avante garde woman born 100 years too soon, fights back for creative ownership while overcoming societal norms. Knightley is terrific in this fascinating period piece about an independent woman. As a curious side note, while the film is all in English, the written words are all in French keeping in sync with the setting. Pictures & a summary of the real Colette run at the film’s end.
Alien gives it 3 “Claudine” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Based on the true story of famed French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, it begins to look like Glenn Close’s current film, “The Wife”. Country girl Gabrielle (Keira Knightley) marries a older man from Paris introducing her to a more sophisticated & intellectual social circle. She ends up ghostwriting for him while he basks in the glory. But then this story takes a racier turn as this avante garde woman born 100 years too soon, fights back for creative ownership while overcoming societal norms. Knightley is terrific in this fascinating period piece about an independent woman. As a curious side note, while the film is all in English, the written words are all in French keeping in sync with the setting. Pictures & a summary of the real Colette run at the film’s end.
Alien gives it 3 “Claudine” stars out of 4.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A drug raid on an abortion clinic by Philadelphia PD, FBI, & DEA, uncovers evidence of possible unjustified deaths & illegal medical activities. Dr. Kermit Gosnell (Earl Billings) is investigated, arrested, & stands trial. It is basically “Law & Order” with Dean Cain, Michael Beach, & Janine Turner as supporting cast. This is a grim & disgusting tale about years of undetected malpractice by a smug & indifferent physician rationalizing his deeds. This film is based on a true story made even more horrific by some actual crime photos shown during the film’s credits.
Alien gives it 2 “Baby A photo” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A drug raid on an abortion clinic by Philadelphia PD, FBI, & DEA, uncovers evidence of possible unjustified deaths & illegal medical activities. Dr. Kermit Gosnell (Earl Billings) is investigated, arrested, & stands trial. It is basically “Law & Order” with Dean Cain, Michael Beach, & Janine Turner as supporting cast. This is a grim & disgusting tale about years of undetected malpractice by a smug & indifferent physician rationalizing his deeds. This film is based on a true story made even more horrific by some actual crime photos shown during the film’s credits.
Alien gives it 2 “Baby A photo” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
The Hate U Give
When sixteen year old Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) witnesses a black lives matters incident, her perfectly balanced life seems to spiral out of control. She lives in a poor black neighborhood but she goes to a nearly all white prep school. She tries to keep her 2 worlds separate. This is a powerful & moving story involving the police, drug dealers, activists, protesters, the grand jury, & racial tensions. It’s a complex story with many layers & deep seated to the roots of the African-American experience. Stenberg is a real talent & a rising star to keep an eye on. The terrific supporting cast included Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Common, & Anthony Mackie. This is an exceptional movie with a powerful message.
Alien gives it 3½ “THUG LIFE*” stars out of 4.
*The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everyone - 2Pac
When sixteen year old Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) witnesses a black lives matters incident, her perfectly balanced life seems to spiral out of control. She lives in a poor black neighborhood but she goes to a nearly all white prep school. She tries to keep her 2 worlds separate. This is a powerful & moving story involving the police, drug dealers, activists, protesters, the grand jury, & racial tensions. It’s a complex story with many layers & deep seated to the roots of the African-American experience. Stenberg is a real talent & a rising star to keep an eye on. The terrific supporting cast included Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Common, & Anthony Mackie. This is an exceptional movie with a powerful message.
Alien gives it 3½ “THUG LIFE*” stars out of 4.
*The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everyone - 2Pac
Tuesday, October 09, 2018
First Man
This film chronicles the life of the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) and the U.S. space program from 1961 to 1969. Director Damien Chazelle gives us an intense inside look at America’s struggle in the space race against the Soviets & at the test pilots/astronauts pioneering this new frontier. See how the pressures of family & work takes it toll on Armstrong & others around him. Claire Foy is excellent as the very worried wife, Janet Armstrong, who got more than she had bargained for. The film puts you right into those confined capsules for a jarring exhilarating ride & some near blackout tumbling spins. At 2 hours & 20 minutes, you may find the film drags on too long & could use a good trimming.
Alien give 3 “claustrophobic deathtrap” stars out of 4.
This film chronicles the life of the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) and the U.S. space program from 1961 to 1969. Director Damien Chazelle gives us an intense inside look at America’s struggle in the space race against the Soviets & at the test pilots/astronauts pioneering this new frontier. See how the pressures of family & work takes it toll on Armstrong & others around him. Claire Foy is excellent as the very worried wife, Janet Armstrong, who got more than she had bargained for. The film puts you right into those confined capsules for a jarring exhilarating ride & some near blackout tumbling spins. At 2 hours & 20 minutes, you may find the film drags on too long & could use a good trimming.
Alien give 3 “claustrophobic deathtrap” stars out of 4.
Saturday, October 06, 2018
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween
R.L Stine (Jack Black) & Slappy the Dummy return in this Halloween sequel to the 2015 original. The Quinn family & their town of Wardenclyff become threaten by spooky creatures when a hidden book is discovered & becomes unlocked. It is fun family entertainment in this fantasy/action/comedy as a trio of kids try to recapture these magical menaces, reverse some transformations, & save their town. Wendi McLendon-Covey plays the mom, Chris Parnell is a pharmacist, & Ken Jeong is the over zealous neighbor. If your kids read the “Goosebumps” series, they will probably love this film.
Alien gives it 3 “Tesla Coil” stars out of 4.
R.L Stine (Jack Black) & Slappy the Dummy return in this Halloween sequel to the 2015 original. The Quinn family & their town of Wardenclyff become threaten by spooky creatures when a hidden book is discovered & becomes unlocked. It is fun family entertainment in this fantasy/action/comedy as a trio of kids try to recapture these magical menaces, reverse some transformations, & save their town. Wendi McLendon-Covey plays the mom, Chris Parnell is a pharmacist, & Ken Jeong is the over zealous neighbor. If your kids read the “Goosebumps” series, they will probably love this film.
Alien gives it 3 “Tesla Coil” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, October 03, 2018
Venom
A space mission returns to earth carrying 4 amorphous alien parasites. Investigating journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) unexpectedly is joined with one of these symbiotes to become a creature called Venom. The plot follows the go to Marvel formula of having this anti-hero battle the evil bad guy & his henchmen as well as a more powerful facsimile of itself. Michelle Williams plays Eddie’s girlfriend but there absolutely no chemistry between these two. The chase scenes through the streets of San Francisco seem to be over-the-top overkill just to make a big impact on screen. Mere mortal men don’t stand a chance against this powerful creature. Audiences will either be thrilled by this high energy action or bored by the repetition this gooey stretchy situation. It has buddy cop humor all rolled up into one character. Most likely due to any legal studio character ownership rights, don’t expect any friendly neighborhood web-slinging visitors, plus this venue is now on the west coast. But you can look for our Stan “The Man” Lee to make his trademark cameo appearance. It’s not a bad film but this Marvel character may fit better on the comic page than in live action. My logic just can’t buy into this symbiotic relationship as believable. This is “Upgrade” where the laws of nature & logical reasoning don’t count. So switch off your brain & enjoy the show. Look for a mid-credit clip with a reveal of the actor chosen to portray another Marvel character. At the end of the credits is an introduction to the Spider-Verse tease.
Alien gives it 2½ “voice in your head” stars out of 4.
A space mission returns to earth carrying 4 amorphous alien parasites. Investigating journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) unexpectedly is joined with one of these symbiotes to become a creature called Venom. The plot follows the go to Marvel formula of having this anti-hero battle the evil bad guy & his henchmen as well as a more powerful facsimile of itself. Michelle Williams plays Eddie’s girlfriend but there absolutely no chemistry between these two. The chase scenes through the streets of San Francisco seem to be over-the-top overkill just to make a big impact on screen. Mere mortal men don’t stand a chance against this powerful creature. Audiences will either be thrilled by this high energy action or bored by the repetition this gooey stretchy situation. It has buddy cop humor all rolled up into one character. Most likely due to any legal studio character ownership rights, don’t expect any friendly neighborhood web-slinging visitors, plus this venue is now on the west coast. But you can look for our Stan “The Man” Lee to make his trademark cameo appearance. It’s not a bad film but this Marvel character may fit better on the comic page than in live action. My logic just can’t buy into this symbiotic relationship as believable. This is “Upgrade” where the laws of nature & logical reasoning don’t count. So switch off your brain & enjoy the show. Look for a mid-credit clip with a reveal of the actor chosen to portray another Marvel character. At the end of the credits is an introduction to the Spider-Verse tease.
Alien gives it 2½ “voice in your head” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, October 02, 2018
Bad Times at the El Royale
On a dark & stormy night in 1969, seven strangers with their own private secrets all end up at a rundown Tahoe motel in this noir crime thriller with a pulp fiction flavor. The terrific cast includes Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman, & Chris Hemsworth as these mysterious peculiar characters. A priest, a singer, a vacuum salesman, a rude lady, a possible hostage, an odd desk clerk, & a hippie cult leader make up this motley crew. Is it an ingenious mystery or a bloody mess? The story unfolds slowly in chapters representing different points of views & the bodies start to drop one by one. What are their real motives? Who will survive? The film takes us back to the time of rotary phones, vintage TVs, jukeboxes, & coin operated luncheonette dispenser walls. There’s good & bad news for Chris Hemsworth fans. He dances, prances, & pelvic thrusts his way across the big screen open-shirted to display his amazing abs, but he shows up rather late to party. For me, this wasn’t a bad time, just entertaining but not quite satisfying with a feeling of the puzzle pieces being forced together.
Alien gives it 2½ “Auto-Wich-omatic” stars out of 4.
On a dark & stormy night in 1969, seven strangers with their own private secrets all end up at a rundown Tahoe motel in this noir crime thriller with a pulp fiction flavor. The terrific cast includes Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Jon Hamm, Dakota Johnson, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman, & Chris Hemsworth as these mysterious peculiar characters. A priest, a singer, a vacuum salesman, a rude lady, a possible hostage, an odd desk clerk, & a hippie cult leader make up this motley crew. Is it an ingenious mystery or a bloody mess? The story unfolds slowly in chapters representing different points of views & the bodies start to drop one by one. What are their real motives? Who will survive? The film takes us back to the time of rotary phones, vintage TVs, jukeboxes, & coin operated luncheonette dispenser walls. There’s good & bad news for Chris Hemsworth fans. He dances, prances, & pelvic thrusts his way across the big screen open-shirted to display his amazing abs, but he shows up rather late to party. For me, this wasn’t a bad time, just entertaining but not quite satisfying with a feeling of the puzzle pieces being forced together.
Alien gives it 2½ “Auto-Wich-omatic” stars out of 4.
Monday, October 01, 2018
A Star Is Born (Regal RPX)
This is the third remake of 1937 original film. A hard drinking popular musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers a shy young singer/songwriter Ally (Lady Gaga) & pushes her into the spotlight. Due to his substance abuse, Jackson’s career is in decline while Ally’s is skyrocketing to fame. Cooper & Lady Gaga give amazing emotional performances. Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, & Dave Chappelle are terrific as the supporting cast. The soundtrack is fabulous. We all know that Lady Gaga can sing, but Cooper will surprise you with his musical performance. Lady Gaga has written many of the songs featured. Producer/writer/director/star Cooper is an unbelievable multi talent driving this passion project. You will feel the crew chemistry in this emotional love story. You will believe you are right in the middle of a rock concert as you absorb the power & the energy generated of the moment on stage. You will laugh & you will cry. You may be applauding by the end & may be yearning for an encore. It’s that good & Oscar worthy.
Alien gives it 4 “Jackson’s titties” stars out of 4.
This is the third remake of 1937 original film. A hard drinking popular musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers a shy young singer/songwriter Ally (Lady Gaga) & pushes her into the spotlight. Due to his substance abuse, Jackson’s career is in decline while Ally’s is skyrocketing to fame. Cooper & Lady Gaga give amazing emotional performances. Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, & Dave Chappelle are terrific as the supporting cast. The soundtrack is fabulous. We all know that Lady Gaga can sing, but Cooper will surprise you with his musical performance. Lady Gaga has written many of the songs featured. Producer/writer/director/star Cooper is an unbelievable multi talent driving this passion project. You will feel the crew chemistry in this emotional love story. You will believe you are right in the middle of a rock concert as you absorb the power & the energy generated of the moment on stage. You will laugh & you will cry. You may be applauding by the end & may be yearning for an encore. It’s that good & Oscar worthy.
Alien gives it 4 “Jackson’s titties” stars out of 4.
