Thursday, May 30, 2019
Late Night
A legendary late night TV talk show host, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson), is threatened to be replaced by a younger, hipper, more relevant personality. Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling) is a chemical plant efficiency expert who becomes the new diversity hire trying to fit into a team of all white male comedy writers. This smart comedy/drama was written & produced by Kaling. It tackles many issues including ageism, nepotism, elitism, gender discrimination, & the power of social media. The film is about not giving up on your dreams in the face of much adversity & modifying your public opinion perception image. Due to much audience laughter, a second viewing may be deemed necessary to hear the remainder of continued dialogue drowned out in response to certain hilarious moments.
Alien gives it 3 “standup routine” stars out of 4.
A legendary late night TV talk show host, Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson), is threatened to be replaced by a younger, hipper, more relevant personality. Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling) is a chemical plant efficiency expert who becomes the new diversity hire trying to fit into a team of all white male comedy writers. This smart comedy/drama was written & produced by Kaling. It tackles many issues including ageism, nepotism, elitism, gender discrimination, & the power of social media. The film is about not giving up on your dreams in the face of much adversity & modifying your public opinion perception image. Due to much audience laughter, a second viewing may be deemed necessary to hear the remainder of continued dialogue drowned out in response to certain hilarious moments.
Alien gives it 3 “standup routine” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Rocketman
Elton John’s (Taron Egerton) rise to fame is told in this musical fantasy. It is not exactly a biopic. Built around Elton John songs, the film creatively illustrates his childhood & wild ride to success. The selected Elton John songs are used to set the mood of the moment & not necessarily match any actual chronological timeline. It is a wonderful period piece capturing the look & feel of the times. Egerton is excellent. He previously sang “I’m Still Standing” as Johnny in the animated “Sing”. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elton’s mom & Jaime Bell plays Bernie Taupin, Elton’s longtime songwriting partner. See what a phenomenal piano prodigy young Reggie Dwight was before he renamed himself. See how drugs & alcohol almost derailed his career. If you aren’t a fan of musicals where all of the characters suddenly break out in song & if you don’t like the arrangements of your favorite songs tampered with, you may find this film less enjoyable. Filmmakers here took their lead from their featured character & went big to present a crazy colorful spectacle of a show. Comparison photos at the end show you how hard the filmmakers tried to reproduce those iconic images of Elton John.
Alien gives it 3 “sex, drugs, & rock ‘n’ roll” stars out of 4.
Elton John’s (Taron Egerton) rise to fame is told in this musical fantasy. It is not exactly a biopic. Built around Elton John songs, the film creatively illustrates his childhood & wild ride to success. The selected Elton John songs are used to set the mood of the moment & not necessarily match any actual chronological timeline. It is a wonderful period piece capturing the look & feel of the times. Egerton is excellent. He previously sang “I’m Still Standing” as Johnny in the animated “Sing”. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elton’s mom & Jaime Bell plays Bernie Taupin, Elton’s longtime songwriting partner. See what a phenomenal piano prodigy young Reggie Dwight was before he renamed himself. See how drugs & alcohol almost derailed his career. If you aren’t a fan of musicals where all of the characters suddenly break out in song & if you don’t like the arrangements of your favorite songs tampered with, you may find this film less enjoyable. Filmmakers here took their lead from their featured character & went big to present a crazy colorful spectacle of a show. Comparison photos at the end show you how hard the filmmakers tried to reproduce those iconic images of Elton John.
Alien gives it 3 “sex, drugs, & rock ‘n’ roll” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Just when think Iron Man & the Avengers have rid Earth of the Mad Titan, another “Thanos” has a misguided plan to save mankind from self-destruction, overpopulation, pollution, & depletion of natural resources. Not only is Godzilla back from the 2014 remake, but so are the secret government Monarch scientists Serizawa & Graham (Ken Watanabe & Sally Hawkins). Of course, this outrageous plan to wake up 17 titan monsters backfires, but it sets that classic battle question: who would win if so-and-so fought so-and-so. This film lines up some Japanese classics to go at it: Ghidorah, Mothra, & Rodan. Vera Farmiga, Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, & O’Shea Jackson Jr. join in the fun & mass destruction involving militant eco-fighters, saving the planet, invasive species, & secret government bunkers. The special effects driven battles drag on way too long. But come & cheer for your favorite kaiju monster. If you loved those old Japanese monster flicks with the guy in a rubber suit stomping on cardboard miniatures, you’ll likely overlook the improbableness of certain scenes & actions as you view thru nostalgic eyes. The many references to Skull Island is more than a subtle hint to Godzilla’s next match. Stay for another sequel hint at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 2½ “balance of nature” stars out of 4.
Just when think Iron Man & the Avengers have rid Earth of the Mad Titan, another “Thanos” has a misguided plan to save mankind from self-destruction, overpopulation, pollution, & depletion of natural resources. Not only is Godzilla back from the 2014 remake, but so are the secret government Monarch scientists Serizawa & Graham (Ken Watanabe & Sally Hawkins). Of course, this outrageous plan to wake up 17 titan monsters backfires, but it sets that classic battle question: who would win if so-and-so fought so-and-so. This film lines up some Japanese classics to go at it: Ghidorah, Mothra, & Rodan. Vera Farmiga, Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, & O’Shea Jackson Jr. join in the fun & mass destruction involving militant eco-fighters, saving the planet, invasive species, & secret government bunkers. The special effects driven battles drag on way too long. But come & cheer for your favorite kaiju monster. If you loved those old Japanese monster flicks with the guy in a rubber suit stomping on cardboard miniatures, you’ll likely overlook the improbableness of certain scenes & actions as you view thru nostalgic eyes. The many references to Skull Island is more than a subtle hint to Godzilla’s next match. Stay for another sequel hint at the end of the credits.
Alien gives it 2½ “balance of nature” stars out of 4.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Brightburn
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
What if Brightburn, Kansas, was an alternate universe version of Smallville from the “Man of Steel”. When Tori & Kyle Breyer (Elizabeth Banks & David Denham) have trouble conceiving, their prayers seem to be answered by a gift from above; rescuing an alien baby whose spacecraft crashes on their farm. They name him Brandon & raise him as their own. However, as he reaches 12 years old, his superpowers reveal themselves & things get sinister. Banks is terrific as the doting overprotective mother in denial. Denham is the suspicious parent. The people of Brightburn are the bloody victims. Brandon Breyer is down right creepy when someone crosses him. If you like your superhero tales dark & gruesome, you may enjoy this horror twist to the Superboy genre.
Alien gives it 3 “uncontrolled vengeance” stars out of 4.
The White Crow
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story of Russian ballet star Rudolf Nureyev’s defection from the Soviet Union. Director & costar Joseph Fiennes creates a fascinating film about this arrogant diva who sets high standards for himself & refuses to be denied. If you like ballet, the arts, and/or period pieces, you may enjoy this true story. Fiennes interlaces flashbacks to paint his picture but at times it is difficult to distinguish present from the recent past scenes. See how Nureyev’s past has shaped his life & brings him to this critical life changing moment. The film’s intensity ramps up for the final scenes at the French airport. Some reading of subtitles for the Russian & French dialogues is required. Watch some entertaining ballet performances.
Alien gives it 3 “belaya vorona: outsider or nonconformist” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is the story of Russian ballet star Rudolf Nureyev’s defection from the Soviet Union. Director & costar Joseph Fiennes creates a fascinating film about this arrogant diva who sets high standards for himself & refuses to be denied. If you like ballet, the arts, and/or period pieces, you may enjoy this true story. Fiennes interlaces flashbacks to paint his picture but at times it is difficult to distinguish present from the recent past scenes. See how Nureyev’s past has shaped his life & brings him to this critical life changing moment. The film’s intensity ramps up for the final scenes at the French airport. Some reading of subtitles for the Russian & French dialogues is required. Watch some entertaining ballet performances.
Alien gives it 3 “belaya vorona: outsider or nonconformist” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Aladdin (3D)
Director Guy Richie’s live-action musical fantasy remake of Disney’s 1992 animated classic comes to the big screen with Will Smith starring as the Genie. Robin Williams’ voice performance in the Disney original was a fantastic one-of-a-kind experience but “Big Willie” puts his own spin the character & does an incredible job because he is an amazing actor, comedian, & rapper. It’s the classic Indian folktale about a street urchin/thief, a princess, a sultan, an evil advisor, a monkey, a magic lamp, & a flying carpet. It’s one man’s obsession with power, 2 people trapped in their worlds, & 2 love stories all rolled into one. The film has wonderful song & dance numbers, beautiful sets & costumes, & stunning special effects. Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) is a strong female role model. Look for some Disney humor. The big Disney machine has worked its magic & has created another family fun winner. My one gripe is that the screen images frequently felt dark, but that might have been a byproduct of viewing thru the RealD 3D glasses.
Alien gives it 3½ “be careful what you wish for” stars out of 4.
Director Guy Richie’s live-action musical fantasy remake of Disney’s 1992 animated classic comes to the big screen with Will Smith starring as the Genie. Robin Williams’ voice performance in the Disney original was a fantastic one-of-a-kind experience but “Big Willie” puts his own spin the character & does an incredible job because he is an amazing actor, comedian, & rapper. It’s the classic Indian folktale about a street urchin/thief, a princess, a sultan, an evil advisor, a monkey, a magic lamp, & a flying carpet. It’s one man’s obsession with power, 2 people trapped in their worlds, & 2 love stories all rolled into one. The film has wonderful song & dance numbers, beautiful sets & costumes, & stunning special effects. Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) is a strong female role model. Look for some Disney humor. The big Disney machine has worked its magic & has created another family fun winner. My one gripe is that the screen images frequently felt dark, but that might have been a byproduct of viewing thru the RealD 3D glasses.
Alien gives it 3½ “be careful what you wish for” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
Super assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) the “Baba Yaga” is back for Round 3 with more brutal bloody mayhem. First, they steal Wick’s car & kill his dog. Then, Wick breaks a cardinal rule & must go on the run with a 14 million dollar bounty on his head. This film picks up where chapter 2 ended. Brace yourself for outrageous choreographed fight scenes: knife fights, gun fights, sword fights, horse fights, belt fights, & dog fights. From NYC to Morocco & back, whether trick riding on horseback or playing ninja motorbikes on the Verrazano Bridge or walking thru the dessert on foot, Wick ups the ante to entertain the JW fans. It’s the fascinating mysterious world of hired killers run by the High Table organization where the Hotel Continental is sanctuary with people called The Director (Anjelica Huston), The Elder, & The Adjudicator are in control. Wick does get a little assist from hotel manager Winston (Ian McShane), the concierge Charon, The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), & Sofia (Halle Berry). Don’t worry dog lovers. No dogs were killed in this one. In attack mode, Sofia’s pet dogs tend to go for the appendages: arms, legs, & the crotch. True to their training, assassins mostly go for head shots. Audiences will certainly cringe at those many special death blow moments. By the end of this exhausting 2 hours 23 minutes of amazing action scenes sprinkled with humor, you’ll be wondering if this sets up things for John Wick 4. We can only hope this boogeyman will return again to push the envelope even further.
Alien gives it 4 “rules & consequences” stars out of 4.
Super assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) the “Baba Yaga” is back for Round 3 with more brutal bloody mayhem. First, they steal Wick’s car & kill his dog. Then, Wick breaks a cardinal rule & must go on the run with a 14 million dollar bounty on his head. This film picks up where chapter 2 ended. Brace yourself for outrageous choreographed fight scenes: knife fights, gun fights, sword fights, horse fights, belt fights, & dog fights. From NYC to Morocco & back, whether trick riding on horseback or playing ninja motorbikes on the Verrazano Bridge or walking thru the dessert on foot, Wick ups the ante to entertain the JW fans. It’s the fascinating mysterious world of hired killers run by the High Table organization where the Hotel Continental is sanctuary with people called The Director (Anjelica Huston), The Elder, & The Adjudicator are in control. Wick does get a little assist from hotel manager Winston (Ian McShane), the concierge Charon, The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), & Sofia (Halle Berry). Don’t worry dog lovers. No dogs were killed in this one. In attack mode, Sofia’s pet dogs tend to go for the appendages: arms, legs, & the crotch. True to their training, assassins mostly go for head shots. Audiences will certainly cringe at those many special death blow moments. By the end of this exhausting 2 hours 23 minutes of amazing action scenes sprinkled with humor, you’ll be wondering if this sets up things for John Wick 4. We can only hope this boogeyman will return again to push the envelope even further.
Alien gives it 4 “rules & consequences” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
A Dog’s Journey
Bailey “Boss Dog” is back for more reincarnation adventures in this sequel to 2017’s “A Dog’s Purpose”. This time, he returns to watch over Ethan’s (Dennis Quaid) granddaughter C.J. Once again it’s drama & humor with some emotional moments. See how the spirit of one dog can bring people together. New dogs can remember old tricks. This one is for dog lovers. If you liked the original, you’ll like this one too.
Alien gives it 3 “doggie reincarnation: the next generation “ stars out of 4.
Bailey “Boss Dog” is back for more reincarnation adventures in this sequel to 2017’s “A Dog’s Purpose”. This time, he returns to watch over Ethan’s (Dennis Quaid) granddaughter C.J. Once again it’s drama & humor with some emotional moments. See how the spirit of one dog can bring people together. New dogs can remember old tricks. This one is for dog lovers. If you liked the original, you’ll like this one too.
Alien gives it 3 “doggie reincarnation: the next generation “ stars out of 4.
Poms
This is not a sneak preview. The film has already released.
It’s “Bring It On” for senior citizens when Martha (Diane Keaton) moves from her New York apartment after 47 years to a retirement community in Georgia. She is dying of cancer & wants to quietly die there but her nosey, fun-loving neighbor Sheryl (Jacki Weaver) won’t leave her alone. Uninterested in any of the available senior activities offered, Martha decides to form a cheer leading club. It’s delightful fun as this squad of older ladies learn & practice their routines while dealing with their limitations, aches, & pains. These cute old ladies form a bond & camaraderie as they chase a dream to prove themselves. The plot & the characters may be predictable but it is a feel-good movie as hilarity, sisterhood, & shenanigans ensue. This movie was inspired by a real event.https://www.bustle.com/p/is-poms-based-on-a-true-story-the-senior-citizen-cheerleading-comedy-was-inspired-by-real-squads-17299681
Alien gives it 3 “Sun Springs Retirement Community” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. The film has already released.
It’s “Bring It On” for senior citizens when Martha (Diane Keaton) moves from her New York apartment after 47 years to a retirement community in Georgia. She is dying of cancer & wants to quietly die there but her nosey, fun-loving neighbor Sheryl (Jacki Weaver) won’t leave her alone. Uninterested in any of the available senior activities offered, Martha decides to form a cheer leading club. It’s delightful fun as this squad of older ladies learn & practice their routines while dealing with their limitations, aches, & pains. These cute old ladies form a bond & camaraderie as they chase a dream to prove themselves. The plot & the characters may be predictable but it is a feel-good movie as hilarity, sisterhood, & shenanigans ensue. This movie was inspired by a real event.https://www.bustle.com/p/is-poms-based-on-a-true-story-the-senior-citizen-cheerleading-comedy-was-inspired-by-real-squads-17299681
Alien gives it 3 “Sun Springs Retirement Community” stars out of 4.
Monday, May 13, 2019
The Sun Is Also A Star
Is it fate or coincidence when Jamaican-born Natasha (Yara Shahidi) & Korean/American Daniel (Charles Melton), 2 strangers who cross paths, each on their way to important separate meetings that could effect their lives in a major way? He is a college-bound romantic who believes in fate & love at first sight. She is a pragmatic high school junior fighting to keep her & her family from being deported the next day. They just have a few hours to develop their relationship before it might be ripped away from them. Each are children of immigrants who are trying fulfill their dreams for their families in America. These two lead characters have chemistry together & you will want to root for them as clock ticks down & their future together looks dim. John Leguizamo has a small role as a lawyer. The fabulous city of New York serves as a beautiful & colorful backdrop. This film celebrates diversity as it exposes audiences to 2 different ethnic cultures. Based on Nicola Yoon’s novel of the same title, this film is not autobiographical but Yoon does lend much of her personal experiences into her characters. “Everything, Everything” was Yoon’s first novel made into a movie. This film is for incurable romantics who enjoy the ups & downs of a good love story.
Alien gives it 3½ “poems of love, sex, & stars” stars out of 4.
Is it fate or coincidence when Jamaican-born Natasha (Yara Shahidi) & Korean/American Daniel (Charles Melton), 2 strangers who cross paths, each on their way to important separate meetings that could effect their lives in a major way? He is a college-bound romantic who believes in fate & love at first sight. She is a pragmatic high school junior fighting to keep her & her family from being deported the next day. They just have a few hours to develop their relationship before it might be ripped away from them. Each are children of immigrants who are trying fulfill their dreams for their families in America. These two lead characters have chemistry together & you will want to root for them as clock ticks down & their future together looks dim. John Leguizamo has a small role as a lawyer. The fabulous city of New York serves as a beautiful & colorful backdrop. This film celebrates diversity as it exposes audiences to 2 different ethnic cultures. Based on Nicola Yoon’s novel of the same title, this film is not autobiographical but Yoon does lend much of her personal experiences into her characters. “Everything, Everything” was Yoon’s first novel made into a movie. This film is for incurable romantics who enjoy the ups & downs of a good love story.
Alien gives it 3½ “poems of love, sex, & stars” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 08, 2019
The Hustle
This remake is a female version of 1988’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, which itself is a remake of 1964’s “Bedtime Story”. Two con artists, Josephine (Anne Hathaway) & Penny (Rebel Wilson) try to outplay each other when they cross paths targeting their unsuspecting marks. One is classy & sophisticated while the other is crass & brassy. It’s over-the-top comedy & hilarity as these two ladies try to gain the upper hand over each other. Depending on your sense of humor, you’ll either have lots of laughs or find it just way too silly. Those staying to the end of the credits will see one final outtake.
Alien gives it 2½ “how to con a con man” stars out of 4.
This remake is a female version of 1988’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, which itself is a remake of 1964’s “Bedtime Story”. Two con artists, Josephine (Anne Hathaway) & Penny (Rebel Wilson) try to outplay each other when they cross paths targeting their unsuspecting marks. One is classy & sophisticated while the other is crass & brassy. It’s over-the-top comedy & hilarity as these two ladies try to gain the upper hand over each other. Depending on your sense of humor, you’ll either have lots of laughs or find it just way too silly. Those staying to the end of the credits will see one final outtake.
Alien gives it 2½ “how to con a con man” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, May 07, 2019
Tolkien
Follow the early life of J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult), famed author of The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings. See who & what influenced his life & inspired his popular books. Where he got his love for myths, legends, & languages. How he met his best buds & developed his strong sense of fellowship. Where & how he met Edith Blatt (Lily Collins), the love of his life. How his social & economic status along with England entering into WWI have impacted Tolkien. It is a beautiful love story & friendship bond, but don’t expect to see any hobbits nor elves appearing on the big screen. Hoult gives a moving performance as we experience the emotions that drive his soon to be fantasy world that will delight audiences to come. For fans of Tolkien, this will give insights to the man with such a creative mind.
Alien gives it 3 “T.C.B.S.” stars out of 4.
Follow the early life of J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult), famed author of The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings. See who & what influenced his life & inspired his popular books. Where he got his love for myths, legends, & languages. How he met his best buds & developed his strong sense of fellowship. Where & how he met Edith Blatt (Lily Collins), the love of his life. How his social & economic status along with England entering into WWI have impacted Tolkien. It is a beautiful love story & friendship bond, but don’t expect to see any hobbits nor elves appearing on the big screen. Hoult gives a moving performance as we experience the emotions that drive his soon to be fantasy world that will delight audiences to come. For fans of Tolkien, this will give insights to the man with such a creative mind.
Alien gives it 3 “T.C.B.S.” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, May 01, 2019
Ugly Dolls
It’s a tale of two cities, Ugliville & Perfection, when a group of toy factory reject plush dolls leave their comfort zone seeking a new world where some child will love them. However, a leader doll named Lou puts them through some quality control tests hoping they would fail. This is a cute & charming animated film targeting 4-5-6-year-olds with a message not having to be perfect & to embrace your uniqueness. The film casts the voices of many famous singer/musicians & a couple of comedians to melodically & humorously entertain. The real Ugly Dolls product line got its start in 2001 & one can’t help but wonder if this musical adventure story for kids might be a slick marketing kickoff tool for the next generation of a product line resurgence.
Alien gives it 2½ “prototype” stars out of 4.
It’s a tale of two cities, Ugliville & Perfection, when a group of toy factory reject plush dolls leave their comfort zone seeking a new world where some child will love them. However, a leader doll named Lou puts them through some quality control tests hoping they would fail. This is a cute & charming animated film targeting 4-5-6-year-olds with a message not having to be perfect & to embrace your uniqueness. The film casts the voices of many famous singer/musicians & a couple of comedians to melodically & humorously entertain. The real Ugly Dolls product line got its start in 2001 & one can’t help but wonder if this musical adventure story for kids might be a slick marketing kickoff tool for the next generation of a product line resurgence.
Alien gives it 2½ “prototype” stars out of 4.
