Thursday, February 28, 2019
Run the Race
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s low budget “Friday Night Lights” meets “MacFarlane, USA” for the Truett brothers, Zach & Dave, in little ole Bessler, Alabama. Their mother died from cancer & they were abandoned by their drunken dead beat dad. Zach is the high school star quarterback living his glory days & hoping for the golden ticket out of their two bit town for him & his younger brother until a devastating injury puts him on the sidelines. Then, brotherly love steps up to the plate trying to put things back on track. Toss in a pretty young nurse intern to complicate Zach’s life. This is a Christian film about doubting God’s plan & finding one’s faith. Mykelti Williamson, Frances Fisher, Mario Van Peeples have supporting roles. Tim & Robbie Tebow are producers.
Alien gives it 3 “Go Rebels” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s low budget “Friday Night Lights” meets “MacFarlane, USA” for the Truett brothers, Zach & Dave, in little ole Bessler, Alabama. Their mother died from cancer & they were abandoned by their drunken dead beat dad. Zach is the high school star quarterback living his glory days & hoping for the golden ticket out of their two bit town for him & his younger brother until a devastating injury puts him on the sidelines. Then, brotherly love steps up to the plate trying to put things back on track. Toss in a pretty young nurse intern to complicate Zach’s life. This is a Christian film about doubting God’s plan & finding one’s faith. Mykelti Williamson, Frances Fisher, Mario Van Peeples have supporting roles. Tim & Robbie Tebow are producers.
Alien gives it 3 “Go Rebels” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Arctic
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A plane crash in the Arctic Circle tests a man’s (Mads Mikkelsen) survival skills. Hopes for an aerial extraction dim when a rescue helicopter crashes killing the pilot & severely injuring its passenger. As precious time passes, a decision must be made as to whether to remain in their sheltered camp or trudge onwards climbing out of the icy valley & risking exposure to the dangers ahead. Mikkelsen is terrific as the desperate man struggling for survival against nature. Suspense & drama drive this survival story without hardly any dialogue & just a few subtitles.
Alien gives it 3 “blizzard’s biting blast” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A plane crash in the Arctic Circle tests a man’s (Mads Mikkelsen) survival skills. Hopes for an aerial extraction dim when a rescue helicopter crashes killing the pilot & severely injuring its passenger. As precious time passes, a decision must be made as to whether to remain in their sheltered camp or trudge onwards climbing out of the icy valley & risking exposure to the dangers ahead. Mikkelsen is terrific as the desperate man struggling for survival against nature. Suspense & drama drive this survival story without hardly any dialogue & just a few subtitles.
Alien gives it 3 “blizzard’s biting blast” stars out of 4.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Five Feet Apart
From a cancer support group to a cystic fibrosis hospital ward, it’s “The Fault In Our Stars” for teens Stella (Haley Lu Richardson) & Will (Cole Sprouse) who meet & fall in love but have to resist temptation that could kill them. CF patients must stay 6 feet apart to avoid possible infection. Richardson & Sprouse are terrific as the couple you’ll want to root for but you feel they are always on the edge of impending doom. See how they struggle to be normal while their disease makes it impossible. At St. Grace Hospital, we also meet fellow patient Poe & their caring nurse Barb. For you incurable romantics, this is a wonderful bittersweet tearjerker so bring your tissues. How far would you go for your loved one?
Alien gives it 3 “cue stick” stars out of 4.
From a cancer support group to a cystic fibrosis hospital ward, it’s “The Fault In Our Stars” for teens Stella (Haley Lu Richardson) & Will (Cole Sprouse) who meet & fall in love but have to resist temptation that could kill them. CF patients must stay 6 feet apart to avoid possible infection. Richardson & Sprouse are terrific as the couple you’ll want to root for but you feel they are always on the edge of impending doom. See how they struggle to be normal while their disease makes it impossible. At St. Grace Hospital, we also meet fellow patient Poe & their caring nurse Barb. For you incurable romantics, this is a wonderful bittersweet tearjerker so bring your tissues. How far would you go for your loved one?
Alien gives it 3 “cue stick” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
Hiccup, Astrid, & Toothless are back for more fun & adventure in the third & probably the last chapter of their story. Hiccup is now chief & leader of his village of Berk. These peaceful dragon riders’ clashes with Grimmel the Grisly & other dragon hunters forces Hiccup & company to search for safe haven at the ends of the world based on a mythical legend. Toothless, Hiccup’s alpha male Night Fury, becomes enthralled with an equally rare female Light Fury. Excellent animation, exciting action, charming humor, & the perfect story drive this wonderful family film.
Alien gives it 3½ “dragon utopia” stars out of 4.
Hiccup, Astrid, & Toothless are back for more fun & adventure in the third & probably the last chapter of their story. Hiccup is now chief & leader of his village of Berk. These peaceful dragon riders’ clashes with Grimmel the Grisly & other dragon hunters forces Hiccup & company to search for safe haven at the ends of the world based on a mythical legend. Toothless, Hiccup’s alpha male Night Fury, becomes enthralled with an equally rare female Light Fury. Excellent animation, exciting action, charming humor, & the perfect story drive this wonderful family film.
Alien gives it 3½ “dragon utopia” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Isn’t It Romantic
New York City architect Natalie (Rebel Wilson) feels overlooked & under appreciated at her work & in her personal life. After a traumatic subway mugging, Natalie finds herself awaken in a PG-13 rom-com nightmare as the leading lady in this beautifully perfect alternate reality. This film explores & pokes fun at all of the unquestioned flaws of the genre. Adam Devine, Liam Hemsworth, & Priyanka Chopra costar. Look for some creative song & dance numbers. Wilson & company are very funny in their over the top performances but this gimmick ironically becomes repetitiously predictable after a while. This is a nice try but I️ prefer my romantic comedies just the way they are without this critical analysis.
Alien gives it 2½ “Aussie accents” stars out of 4.
New York City architect Natalie (Rebel Wilson) feels overlooked & under appreciated at her work & in her personal life. After a traumatic subway mugging, Natalie finds herself awaken in a PG-13 rom-com nightmare as the leading lady in this beautifully perfect alternate reality. This film explores & pokes fun at all of the unquestioned flaws of the genre. Adam Devine, Liam Hemsworth, & Priyanka Chopra costar. Look for some creative song & dance numbers. Wilson & company are very funny in their over the top performances but this gimmick ironically becomes repetitiously predictable after a while. This is a nice try but I️ prefer my romantic comedies just the way they are without this critical analysis.
Alien gives it 2½ “Aussie accents” stars out of 4.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Happy Death Day 2U
It’s dejà vu at Bayfield University again for “Tree” Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) & company who are caught in another time loop but now with a “Big Bang Theory” twist. This is a sequel to the 2017 horror/comedy original which many likened to “Groundhog Day” or “Edge of Tomorrow” but I️ characterized it to be more closely like “Before I️ Fall”. After seeing the original, I️ couldn’t fathom where a Part 2 could take audiences & still feel new given the already repetitive nature of the plot. But the filmmakers were creative here as they tell the same story but it still has a different new twist. Once again, Rothe is terrific as only person who knows the day (her birthday) is repeating & must find out whose is killing her & her friends. Tree also must make difficult decision involving her loved ones. Although it is not absolutely necessary to see the first film to enjoy this one, but it is more fun if you did. This film leans more towards comedy than to the horror genre in case you worried. Stay seated for one more humorous mid-credit clip.
Alien gives it 3 “SISSY” stars out of 4.
It’s dejà vu at Bayfield University again for “Tree” Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) & company who are caught in another time loop but now with a “Big Bang Theory” twist. This is a sequel to the 2017 horror/comedy original which many likened to “Groundhog Day” or “Edge of Tomorrow” but I️ characterized it to be more closely like “Before I️ Fall”. After seeing the original, I️ couldn’t fathom where a Part 2 could take audiences & still feel new given the already repetitive nature of the plot. But the filmmakers were creative here as they tell the same story but it still has a different new twist. Once again, Rothe is terrific as only person who knows the day (her birthday) is repeating & must find out whose is killing her & her friends. Tree also must make difficult decision involving her loved ones. Although it is not absolutely necessary to see the first film to enjoy this one, but it is more fun if you did. This film leans more towards comedy than to the horror genre in case you worried. Stay seated for one more humorous mid-credit clip.
Alien gives it 3 “SISSY” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 09, 2019
Prodigy
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In the spirit of the “Bad Seed” & “The Omen”, a family’s gifted son grows up to terrorize everyone around him. When young Miles begins to show signs of unusual behavior, his mom seeks professional help but things just get creepier from there. Is it demonic possession or some weird reincarnation case? If you are frightened by evil emanating from the innocence of a child, beware. What would you do to save your child?
Alien gives it 3 “unfinished business” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In the spirit of the “Bad Seed” & “The Omen”, a family’s gifted son grows up to terrorize everyone around him. When young Miles begins to show signs of unusual behavior, his mom seeks professional help but things just get creepier from there. Is it demonic possession or some weird reincarnation case? If you are frightened by evil emanating from the innocence of a child, beware. What would you do to save your child?
Alien gives it 3 “unfinished business” stars out of 4.
Cold Pursuit
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Revenge is a dish best served cold when a humble snowplow driver & Kehoe’s “Citizen of the Year” Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson) investigates his son’s sudden death. When leads point to a Denver drug cartel, it triggers an avalanche of dead bodies. This action thriller/dark comedy is full of sly laughs & punctuated with bloody deaths. Nels has no “special skill sets” but no one f*cks with the Coxman. It's over the top fun amidst a turf war & gangster nick names with a family message at the core.
Alien gives it 3 “teepee tent” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Revenge is a dish best served cold when a humble snowplow driver & Kehoe’s “Citizen of the Year” Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson) investigates his son’s sudden death. When leads point to a Denver drug cartel, it triggers an avalanche of dead bodies. This action thriller/dark comedy is full of sly laughs & punctuated with bloody deaths. Nels has no “special skill sets” but no one f*cks with the Coxman. It's over the top fun amidst a turf war & gangster nick names with a family message at the core.
Alien gives it 3 “teepee tent” stars out of 4.
What Men Want
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Taraji P. Henson stars as Ali Davis, a female sports agent not taken seriously by her male colleagues, in this role reversal remake of the 2000 “What Women Want”. Passed over for a promotion to partner, everything begins to change after a night involving her BFFs, a psychic, some funky tea, clubbing, & a bump on the head. Suddenly, she can now read men’s minds & she decides to use it to her advantage to get ahead in her boys club world. Perfect for a girls night out, it’s a classic rom/com plot as hilarity breaks out in this R-rated film. Henson is perfect for the part as she stretches her comedic chops. Look for a bunch of cameo appearances spread through out the film. It’s predictable but it will make you laugh.
Alien gives it 3 “Summit Worldwide Management” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Taraji P. Henson stars as Ali Davis, a female sports agent not taken seriously by her male colleagues, in this role reversal remake of the 2000 “What Women Want”. Passed over for a promotion to partner, everything begins to change after a night involving her BFFs, a psychic, some funky tea, clubbing, & a bump on the head. Suddenly, she can now read men’s minds & she decides to use it to her advantage to get ahead in her boys club world. Perfect for a girls night out, it’s a classic rom/com plot as hilarity breaks out in this R-rated film. Henson is perfect for the part as she stretches her comedic chops. Look for a bunch of cameo appearances spread through out the film. It’s predictable but it will make you laugh.
Alien gives it 3 “Summit Worldwide Management” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
Stan & Ollie
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story about the famous comedy duo of Laurel & Hardy who reached their peak by 1937. Steve Coogan plays Stan Laurel & John C. Reilly plays Oliver Hardy. These two outstandingly play the iconic comedy pair. They expertly capture their speech patterns & mannerisms. This film revolves mostly around their twilight years as they try to recapture their glory days on a tour of England & Ireland. If you are unfamiliar with this duo & their skits, you may not fully appreciate the subtle nuances of their performances. See the special chemistry, collaboration, friendship, & bond between Stan & Ollie even though they had the differences & disagreements. This is a marvelous personal look at these two talented men with parts of their hilarious act interwoven into the storyline. As a surprise bonus, their wives in the film carry off some very funny moments too. This movie is a great tribute to the Laurel & Hardy legend. At the end, see footage & photos of the real Stan & Ollie.
Alien gives it 3 “hard boiled egg & nuts” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story about the famous comedy duo of Laurel & Hardy who reached their peak by 1937. Steve Coogan plays Stan Laurel & John C. Reilly plays Oliver Hardy. These two outstandingly play the iconic comedy pair. They expertly capture their speech patterns & mannerisms. This film revolves mostly around their twilight years as they try to recapture their glory days on a tour of England & Ireland. If you are unfamiliar with this duo & their skits, you may not fully appreciate the subtle nuances of their performances. See the special chemistry, collaboration, friendship, & bond between Stan & Ollie even though they had the differences & disagreements. This is a marvelous personal look at these two talented men with parts of their hilarious act interwoven into the storyline. As a surprise bonus, their wives in the film carry off some very funny moments too. This movie is a great tribute to the Laurel & Hardy legend. At the end, see footage & photos of the real Stan & Ollie.
Alien gives it 3 “hard boiled egg & nuts” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 02, 2019
They Shall Not Grow Old
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
For the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, director Peter Jackson has taken archival footage along with interviews with war veterans & magically edited all into a wonderfully moving documentary telling the story of the war through eyes & voices of those solders fighting in it. Through computer colorization & modern film restoration techniques, Jackson’s team has created an amazing piece of realistic storytelling right from the trenches of the front line. Bringing film & tape to life, the visuals are cheerful at times but devastatingly real at times too.
Alien gives it 3 “Mademoiselle from Armentières, parlez vous?” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
For the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, director Peter Jackson has taken archival footage along with interviews with war veterans & magically edited all into a wonderfully moving documentary telling the story of the war through eyes & voices of those solders fighting in it. Through computer colorization & modern film restoration techniques, Jackson’s team has created an amazing piece of realistic storytelling right from the trenches of the front line. Bringing film & tape to life, the visuals are cheerful at times but devastatingly real at times too.
Alien gives it 3 “Mademoiselle from Armentières, parlez vous?” stars out of 4.
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
Emmet Brickowski & friends are back for more fun & adventure parodying & poking fun of many movies as well as LEGOs itself. In a battle of LEGOs vs DUPLOs & brother vs sister, Emmet goes on a rescue mission to save his friends taken by General Mayhem & Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi. As with Part I️, this feels sequel feels like a huge product placement ad. Still great family fun for all ages but especially if you are a lover of those little tiny bricks of creative imagination. This wacky tale of building up & breaking apart is brick-tastic.
Alien gives it 3 “Rex Dangervest” stars out of 4.
Emmet Brickowski & friends are back for more fun & adventure parodying & poking fun of many movies as well as LEGOs itself. In a battle of LEGOs vs DUPLOs & brother vs sister, Emmet goes on a rescue mission to save his friends taken by General Mayhem & Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi. As with Part I️, this feels sequel feels like a huge product placement ad. Still great family fun for all ages but especially if you are a lover of those little tiny bricks of creative imagination. This wacky tale of building up & breaking apart is brick-tastic.
Alien gives it 3 “Rex Dangervest” stars out of 4.
