Sunday, March 31, 2019
Hotel Mumbai
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 2008, a massive terrorist attack was unleashed on a dozen sites in the city of Mumbai, India. This film focuses on the attack inside the luxurious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The heavily armed fanatical gunmen take rich foreigners hostage & cold-bloodily execute many. The hotel staff go to way beyond their call of duty to protect their guests. Kitchen worker Arjun (Dev Patel) also finds himself without proper footwear in his version of the fictitious Nakatomi Plaza incident. However, he is no cowboy nor a fly in the ointment, but he does risk his life to help others. This is a brutal, nail biting, hang on to the edge of your seat, gripping action thriller as you ponder whether decisions to stay put or flee could mean life or death. See the heroics of ordinary people in the middle of deadly tragedy. Photos & film footage of the real aftermath play at the end.
Alien gives it 3 “at the Taj, the guest is god” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In 2008, a massive terrorist attack was unleashed on a dozen sites in the city of Mumbai, India. This film focuses on the attack inside the luxurious Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The heavily armed fanatical gunmen take rich foreigners hostage & cold-bloodily execute many. The hotel staff go to way beyond their call of duty to protect their guests. Kitchen worker Arjun (Dev Patel) also finds himself without proper footwear in his version of the fictitious Nakatomi Plaza incident. However, he is no cowboy nor a fly in the ointment, but he does risk his life to help others. This is a brutal, nail biting, hang on to the edge of your seat, gripping action thriller as you ponder whether decisions to stay put or flee could mean life or death. See the heroics of ordinary people in the middle of deadly tragedy. Photos & film footage of the real aftermath play at the end.
Alien gives it 3 “at the Taj, the guest is god” stars out of 4.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Unplanned
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story of Abby Johnson’s experiences with abortions & Planned Parenthood. Abby was one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in this country, worked for 8 years at this Texas clinic, & even received an employee of the year award. However, one critical moment at her clinic changed the course of her life in the opposite direction. This film is based on a true story. Graphic scenes of abortion effects may be a little hard to stomach in this very pro-life slanted film. The film paints Planned Parenthood as the evil Empire seducing young Abby to the dark side of abortion clinics.
Alien gives it 2½ “13 weeks gestation” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story of Abby Johnson’s experiences with abortions & Planned Parenthood. Abby was one of the youngest Planned Parenthood clinic directors in this country, worked for 8 years at this Texas clinic, & even received an employee of the year award. However, one critical moment at her clinic changed the course of her life in the opposite direction. This film is based on a true story. Graphic scenes of abortion effects may be a little hard to stomach in this very pro-life slanted film. The film paints Planned Parenthood as the evil Empire seducing young Abby to the dark side of abortion clinics.
Alien gives it 2½ “13 weeks gestation” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Dumbo
Director Tim Burton remolds & expands Disney’s 1941 animated classic flying elephant fable. Ringmaster Maximillian Medici (Danny DeVito) runs a struggling circus in 1919. Former circus star, now disabled war veteran, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) is relegated to handling the elephants. Holt is also widowed with 2 charming kids. When mama elephant, Jumbo, gives birth to her baby with over-sized ears, he is first a source of embarrassment but eventually he becomes the show stopper attraction. Then, entrepreneur V.A. Vandermere (Michael Keaton) & aerialist Colette (Eva Green) arrive to offer a permanent job for the circus folk at Dreamland, a new state-of-the-art amusement park. The visuals are dazzling with spectacular special effects. This is a fun family film but beware parents with very young kids because of scenes reflecting a strong sense of peril. Look for some Disney related Easter Eggs.
Alien gives it 3 “nothing is impossible” stars out of 4.
Director Tim Burton remolds & expands Disney’s 1941 animated classic flying elephant fable. Ringmaster Maximillian Medici (Danny DeVito) runs a struggling circus in 1919. Former circus star, now disabled war veteran, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) is relegated to handling the elephants. Holt is also widowed with 2 charming kids. When mama elephant, Jumbo, gives birth to her baby with over-sized ears, he is first a source of embarrassment but eventually he becomes the show stopper attraction. Then, entrepreneur V.A. Vandermere (Michael Keaton) & aerialist Colette (Eva Green) arrive to offer a permanent job for the circus folk at Dreamland, a new state-of-the-art amusement park. The visuals are dazzling with spectacular special effects. This is a fun family film but beware parents with very young kids because of scenes reflecting a strong sense of peril. Look for some Disney related Easter Eggs.
Alien gives it 3 “nothing is impossible” stars out of 4.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Gloria Bell
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Gloria Bell (Julianne Moore) is a middle aged single mom divorced for 12 years & with 2 adult children. She loves music & dancing so she visits dance clubs where she falls in love with Arthur (John Turturro), also divorced with 2 adult children. They enjoy each other’s company but their relationship is a rocky one showing some of the pitfalls of late-in-life dating. See how this strong woman perseveres. Among the fine supporting cast is Michael Cera, Holland Taylor, Rita Wilson, Brad Garrett, Jeanne Tripplehorn, & Sean Astin. Rated “R” for nudity, drug use, & the sexuality display by the over 50’s crowd.
Alien gives it 3 “hairless cat” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Gloria Bell (Julianne Moore) is a middle aged single mom divorced for 12 years & with 2 adult children. She loves music & dancing so she visits dance clubs where she falls in love with Arthur (John Turturro), also divorced with 2 adult children. They enjoy each other’s company but their relationship is a rocky one showing some of the pitfalls of late-in-life dating. See how this strong woman perseveres. Among the fine supporting cast is Michael Cera, Holland Taylor, Rita Wilson, Brad Garrett, Jeanne Tripplehorn, & Sean Astin. Rated “R” for nudity, drug use, & the sexuality display by the over 50’s crowd.
Alien gives it 3 “hairless cat” stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
The Best of Enemies
In 1971 Durham, North Carolina, the topic of school integration becomes a hot issue for debate. Anna Atwater (Taraji P. Henson), an advocate for black rights & the poor, and C.P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell), the head of the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, are key players in finding a solution for displaced students after a fire destroys classrooms. Based on a true story, Henson & Rockwell carry off remarkable performances as their real life counterparts. This is an inspirational story about people working together to effect a change for the good. Audio recordings of Atwater & Ellis begin the story & film footage of them as friends plays at the end.
Alien gives it 3 “charrette” stars of 4.
In 1971 Durham, North Carolina, the topic of school integration becomes a hot issue for debate. Anna Atwater (Taraji P. Henson), an advocate for black rights & the poor, and C.P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell), the head of the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, are key players in finding a solution for displaced students after a fire destroys classrooms. Based on a true story, Henson & Rockwell carry off remarkable performances as their real life counterparts. This is an inspirational story about people working together to effect a change for the good. Audio recordings of Atwater & Ellis begin the story & film footage of them as friends plays at the end.
Alien gives it 3 “charrette” stars of 4.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Us
Scissors, baseball bat, & fireplace poker... oh my!
It’s shades of the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” when the Wilson family meet their doppelgängers while on vacation in Santa Cruz. Lupita Nyong’o & Winston Duke are amazing as the parents along with Elisabeth Moss who plays one of their friends. All of the key characters get to play dual roles, which shows off their creepy side. If you like unsettling, intense dramas, you might enjoy this horror genre film. However, if your tidy mind needs closure, you may be bothered by the lack of certain details. So for a good time, don’t sweat the missing subterranean details & just let the action drive your emotions. Producer/writer/director Jordan Peele is back at it with a Twilight Zone inspired episode, “Mirror Image”, which poses the question: What do you do when they think like you?
Alien gives it 3 “Boardwalk Funhouse” stars out of 4.
Scissors, baseball bat, & fireplace poker... oh my!
It’s shades of the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” when the Wilson family meet their doppelgängers while on vacation in Santa Cruz. Lupita Nyong’o & Winston Duke are amazing as the parents along with Elisabeth Moss who plays one of their friends. All of the key characters get to play dual roles, which shows off their creepy side. If you like unsettling, intense dramas, you might enjoy this horror genre film. However, if your tidy mind needs closure, you may be bothered by the lack of certain details. So for a good time, don’t sweat the missing subterranean details & just let the action drive your emotions. Producer/writer/director Jordan Peele is back at it with a Twilight Zone inspired episode, “Mirror Image”, which poses the question: What do you do when they think like you?
Alien gives it 3 “Boardwalk Funhouse” stars out of 4.
Apollo 11
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Archival footage was used to create this fantastic documentary on the historic Apollo 11 mission landing the first men on the moon. From pre-launch to blastoff to lunar landing to re-entry to splashdown, see the behind-the-scenes footage, in the capsule shots, & on the moon film as well as the corresponding dialogue between astronauts & mission control. This is a marvelous account of this extraordinary journey to the moon & back by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Adrin, & Michael Collins. Enjoy the look of 60’s, see the amount of people & the equipment need to support this mission, as well the amount of spectators who turned out. More footage continues during the credits.
Alien gives it 3½ “the Eagle has landed” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Archival footage was used to create this fantastic documentary on the historic Apollo 11 mission landing the first men on the moon. From pre-launch to blastoff to lunar landing to re-entry to splashdown, see the behind-the-scenes footage, in the capsule shots, & on the moon film as well as the corresponding dialogue between astronauts & mission control. This is a marvelous account of this extraordinary journey to the moon & back by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Adrin, & Michael Collins. Enjoy the look of 60’s, see the amount of people & the equipment need to support this mission, as well the amount of spectators who turned out. More footage continues during the credits.
Alien gives it 3½ “the Eagle has landed” stars out of 4.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Captive State
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s been 10 years since an extra-terrestrial invasion & humans have relinquished control of the planet to these alien visitors with supposed good intentions. This dark sci-fi thriller focuses on the lives of some collaborators & dissidents in a Chicago neighborhood under secured lock down. It’s low tech/old school versus high tech surveillance in this slow-to-evolve plot shrouded in a murky mystery as rebels rise up to make their statement. John Goodman stars as the police detective on the case tracking down the “terrorists” to the alien regime. Vera Farmiga has brief but pivotal role. You got to stay to the end for the final piece of the puzzle.
Alien gives it 2½ “Peace, Unity, & Harmony” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s been 10 years since an extra-terrestrial invasion & humans have relinquished control of the planet to these alien visitors with supposed good intentions. This dark sci-fi thriller focuses on the lives of some collaborators & dissidents in a Chicago neighborhood under secured lock down. It’s low tech/old school versus high tech surveillance in this slow-to-evolve plot shrouded in a murky mystery as rebels rise up to make their statement. John Goodman stars as the police detective on the case tracking down the “terrorists” to the alien regime. Vera Farmiga has brief but pivotal role. You got to stay to the end for the final piece of the puzzle.
Alien gives it 2½ “Peace, Unity, & Harmony” stars out of 4.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
The Kid
This is not a sneak preview. The film has already released.
Rio & his sister Sara are on the run from their villainous uncle Grant Cutler (Chris Pratt) after a tragic incident involving their abusive father. During their escape, they manage to cross paths with none other than William Bonney aka Billy the Kid (Dane DeHaan) & Sheriff Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke), This is not the glamorous old Wild West but a down & dirty realistic look at New Mexico during the times with 2 famous men from both sides of the law. Will young Rio follow the path of the outlaw or the lawman? Based on some real events, this western drama slowly ambles along in the beginning but it’s a fascinating incite the possible personalities of these two western legends & their times.
Alien gives it 3 “idolizing” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. The film has already released.
Rio & his sister Sara are on the run from their villainous uncle Grant Cutler (Chris Pratt) after a tragic incident involving their abusive father. During their escape, they manage to cross paths with none other than William Bonney aka Billy the Kid (Dane DeHaan) & Sheriff Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke), This is not the glamorous old Wild West but a down & dirty realistic look at New Mexico during the times with 2 famous men from both sides of the law. Will young Rio follow the path of the outlaw or the lawman? Based on some real events, this western drama slowly ambles along in the beginning but it’s a fascinating incite the possible personalities of these two western legends & their times.
Alien gives it 3 “idolizing” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Long Shot
It’s “Madam Secretary” meets “Knocked Up” meets “The Candidate” meets “Save the Planet” when an exposeé journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) unexpectedly runs into his old babysitter, now Secretary of State, Charlotte Field (Chalize Theron). She needs a speech writer as she preps for a 2020 presidential run & he is recently unemployed. Rogen gives usual lovable blundering idiot performance that we all have come to expect. Theron naturally fits the bill as the beautiful, sophisticated, & powerful politician but she is at her best when she exposes her vulnerable side. It’s a predictable rom/com revolving around unlikely lovers. “Ambition vs Love” & “Principles vs Love” are being tested here under a political climate. R-rated for f-bombs, drug use, & sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 “evolving tatoo” stars out of 4.
It’s “Madam Secretary” meets “Knocked Up” meets “The Candidate” meets “Save the Planet” when an exposeé journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) unexpectedly runs into his old babysitter, now Secretary of State, Charlotte Field (Chalize Theron). She needs a speech writer as she preps for a 2020 presidential run & he is recently unemployed. Rogen gives usual lovable blundering idiot performance that we all have come to expect. Theron naturally fits the bill as the beautiful, sophisticated, & powerful politician but she is at her best when she exposes her vulnerable side. It’s a predictable rom/com revolving around unlikely lovers. “Ambition vs Love” & “Principles vs Love” are being tested here under a political climate. R-rated for f-bombs, drug use, & sexual content.
Alien gives it 3 “evolving tatoo” stars out of 4.
Saturday, March 09, 2019
Wonder Park
Encouraged by her mom, a creative 10-year-old girl, June, imagines a fantastical amusement park run by her favorite stuffed animals. After a disastrous experience with her real world simulation, she becomes obsessed with an indoor miniature version of her Wonderland. When her mom goes away for some serious medical treatment, June packs up & puts away her Wonderland creation. June ditches her Math Camp outing, only to stumble upon a deteriorating version of her park complete with her animal staff hidden in the deep forest. This is a fun family film & even more so if you are a Disney parks fan. Kids will enjoy this animated adventure into a child’s wild imagination. This film characterizes a child’s struggle to cope with a difficult traumatic emotion experience but in their own way.
Alien gives it 3 “chimpanzombies” stars out of 4.
Encouraged by her mom, a creative 10-year-old girl, June, imagines a fantastical amusement park run by her favorite stuffed animals. After a disastrous experience with her real world simulation, she becomes obsessed with an indoor miniature version of her Wonderland. When her mom goes away for some serious medical treatment, June packs up & puts away her Wonderland creation. June ditches her Math Camp outing, only to stumble upon a deteriorating version of her park complete with her animal staff hidden in the deep forest. This is a fun family film & even more so if you are a Disney parks fan. Kids will enjoy this animated adventure into a child’s wild imagination. This film characterizes a child’s struggle to cope with a difficult traumatic emotion experience but in their own way.
Alien gives it 3 “chimpanzombies” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, March 05, 2019
Captain Marvel
It’s Jason Bourne of Marvel Cinematic Universe as Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) struggles to remember her past while caught in a galactic war between 2 alien races, the Kree & the Skrull. Set in 1995, it’s a fun throwback to the 90s. Samuel L. Jackson finally gets more than a cameo role as younger Nick Fury. Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) also shows up. Both Jackson & Gregg have been digitally de-aged for the time period. Larson is absolutely fabulous as former US Air Force fighter pilot Carol Danvers turned elite Kree Starforce team member Vers turned Captain Marvel. Spectacular special effects & high energy action punctuate this background story while tying it to many previous Marvel films. Annette Bening, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Gemma Chan, & Jude Law are among the wonderful supporting cast of new & recurring characters. However, Goose (an “Early Edition“ kind of cat with a “Top Gun” reference name) steals all of his scenes. Amongst all of this drama with shape shifting aliens & only spotty flashback memories, Captain Marvel has a difficult time in her battle against the bad guys. Stan “The Man” Lee makes maybe one of his final cameo appearances & has a Mavel-ous tribute at the start. Look for a mid-credit clip & one at the end of the film. This terrific film should have you well primed for the next Marvel adventure. I, Alien Ink, did have a dejà vu moment when Fury & Vers entered that secret government installation. I️ know I’ve been there or one like it in the mid-70s.
Alien gives it 4 “Planet C-53” stars out of 4.
It’s Jason Bourne of Marvel Cinematic Universe as Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) struggles to remember her past while caught in a galactic war between 2 alien races, the Kree & the Skrull. Set in 1995, it’s a fun throwback to the 90s. Samuel L. Jackson finally gets more than a cameo role as younger Nick Fury. Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) also shows up. Both Jackson & Gregg have been digitally de-aged for the time period. Larson is absolutely fabulous as former US Air Force fighter pilot Carol Danvers turned elite Kree Starforce team member Vers turned Captain Marvel. Spectacular special effects & high energy action punctuate this background story while tying it to many previous Marvel films. Annette Bening, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Gemma Chan, & Jude Law are among the wonderful supporting cast of new & recurring characters. However, Goose (an “Early Edition“ kind of cat with a “Top Gun” reference name) steals all of his scenes. Amongst all of this drama with shape shifting aliens & only spotty flashback memories, Captain Marvel has a difficult time in her battle against the bad guys. Stan “The Man” Lee makes maybe one of his final cameo appearances & has a Mavel-ous tribute at the start. Look for a mid-credit clip & one at the end of the film. This terrific film should have you well primed for the next Marvel adventure. I, Alien Ink, did have a dejà vu moment when Fury & Vers entered that secret government installation. I️ know I’ve been there or one like it in the mid-70s.
Alien gives it 4 “Planet C-53” stars out of 4.
Sunday, March 03, 2019
A Madea Family Funeral
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director/writer/actor Tyler Perry is back supposedly for the last time playing Madea, that funny black woman with attitude. Perry also plays Madea’s brothers Joe & Heathrow as well as nephew Brian. This drama/comedy about family gathering for an anniversary party turned grim with a family member death along with exposing some dirty family secrets. It’s a delicate balance of humor & tragic human infidelity. If you are a fan of this franchise, you’ll probably have a good time. However, Perry has pretty much worn out any freshness with these characters & their crazy situations. It’s mostly old people uttering outrageous statements without any filters. For farewell Madea film, it’s rather disappointing because there is nothing special here to celebrate as a finale, just more of the same old humor & storyline. Look for a surprise cameo at the end of the film. Stay seated for a gag reel in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 2 “funeral coordinator” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director/writer/actor Tyler Perry is back supposedly for the last time playing Madea, that funny black woman with attitude. Perry also plays Madea’s brothers Joe & Heathrow as well as nephew Brian. This drama/comedy about family gathering for an anniversary party turned grim with a family member death along with exposing some dirty family secrets. It’s a delicate balance of humor & tragic human infidelity. If you are a fan of this franchise, you’ll probably have a good time. However, Perry has pretty much worn out any freshness with these characters & their crazy situations. It’s mostly old people uttering outrageous statements without any filters. For farewell Madea film, it’s rather disappointing because there is nothing special here to celebrate as a finale, just more of the same old humor & storyline. Look for a surprise cameo at the end of the film. Stay seated for a gag reel in the middle of the credits.
Alien gives it 2 “funeral coordinator” stars out of 4.
Friday, March 01, 2019
Greta
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “Misery” meets “Psycho” meets “Hansel & Gretel” sans Hans in this twisted modern day stalker fairy tale. Poor naive New York waitress Frances (Chloë Grace Moritz) falls prey to a lonely old lady Greta (Isabelle Huppert) who isn’t all she seems to be. Instead of a house made of cake, candy, & sweets, Greta uses a supposed lost purse left on the subway as bait to lure her victims in this psychological thriller where this seemingly sweet old lady just gets creepier & creepier as the plot thickens. It’s a formulaic plot that’s not too hard to predict. If you like this genre, you might enjoy this film. If you are too smart for your own good, you’ll probably find this film just too silly to be believable. By the end, will this be the last we’ll see of this crazy lady?
Alien gives it 3 “the box” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s “Misery” meets “Psycho” meets “Hansel & Gretel” sans Hans in this twisted modern day stalker fairy tale. Poor naive New York waitress Frances (Chloë Grace Moritz) falls prey to a lonely old lady Greta (Isabelle Huppert) who isn’t all she seems to be. Instead of a house made of cake, candy, & sweets, Greta uses a supposed lost purse left on the subway as bait to lure her victims in this psychological thriller where this seemingly sweet old lady just gets creepier & creepier as the plot thickens. It’s a formulaic plot that’s not too hard to predict. If you like this genre, you might enjoy this film. If you are too smart for your own good, you’ll probably find this film just too silly to be believable. By the end, will this be the last we’ll see of this crazy lady?
Alien gives it 3 “the box” stars out of 4.
