Thursday, June 27, 2019
Stuber
It’s “The Odd Couple” meets reverse “Ride Along” when LAPD Detective Vic Manning (Dave Bautista) commandeers an Uber vehicle driven by Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) to track down his nemesis, a drug trafficker/cop killer. This action/comedy is loaded with laughs & some extreme violence as Vic & Stu follow clues that leads them to thrilling shootouts & wild car chases. Nanjiani is hilarious as the mild mannered, reluctant driver for hire. Bautista plays the big burly tough cop who needs a little help. As their madcap over the top adventure escalates thru the day & into the night, they form a special bond in this outrageously entertaining film. Rated “R” for its violence & a particular full frontal male nudity scene.
Alien gives it 3 “Coveted Five Star Uber Rating” stars out of 4.
It’s “The Odd Couple” meets reverse “Ride Along” when LAPD Detective Vic Manning (Dave Bautista) commandeers an Uber vehicle driven by Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) to track down his nemesis, a drug trafficker/cop killer. This action/comedy is loaded with laughs & some extreme violence as Vic & Stu follow clues that leads them to thrilling shootouts & wild car chases. Nanjiani is hilarious as the mild mannered, reluctant driver for hire. Bautista plays the big burly tough cop who needs a little help. As their madcap over the top adventure escalates thru the day & into the night, they form a special bond in this outrageously entertaining film. Rated “R” for its violence & a particular full frontal male nudity scene.
Alien gives it 3 “Coveted Five Star Uber Rating” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Spider-Man: Far From Home
In this first Marvel film since “Avengers: Endgame”, this “How I️ Spent My Summer Vacation” / European road trip plot begins by paying tribute to fallen & trying to explain some of the issues cause by the 5-year gap. There is romance in the air as awkward Peter Parker (Tom Holland) tries to make his move on too cool MJ (Zendaya) but this isn’t the only pairing occurring in background. When the world becomes threatened by some enormous creatures called the Elementals, Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) dubbed Mysterio shows up to do battle. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) along with Maria Hill (Colbie Smulders) drop in to enlist Spidey’s help & end up hijacking Parker’s school trip. Spider-Man fans will know what to expect from this latest new MCU character. If not familiar, just hang in there for amazing special effect fight scenes to dazzle your senses along with a few unexpected surprises. Humor persists throughout the story as Peter wrestles with his call to duty interfering with his romantic intentions towards MJ. Look for a mid & an end of credit clip; a surprising revelation & a surprise twist. Oh, I️ almost forgot to mention: stay seated for an unexpected cameo.
Alien gives it 3 “Peter Tingle” stars out of 4.
In this first Marvel film since “Avengers: Endgame”, this “How I️ Spent My Summer Vacation” / European road trip plot begins by paying tribute to fallen & trying to explain some of the issues cause by the 5-year gap. There is romance in the air as awkward Peter Parker (Tom Holland) tries to make his move on too cool MJ (Zendaya) but this isn’t the only pairing occurring in background. When the world becomes threatened by some enormous creatures called the Elementals, Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) dubbed Mysterio shows up to do battle. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) along with Maria Hill (Colbie Smulders) drop in to enlist Spidey’s help & end up hijacking Parker’s school trip. Spider-Man fans will know what to expect from this latest new MCU character. If not familiar, just hang in there for amazing special effect fight scenes to dazzle your senses along with a few unexpected surprises. Humor persists throughout the story as Peter wrestles with his call to duty interfering with his romantic intentions towards MJ. Look for a mid & an end of credit clip; a surprising revelation & a surprise twist. Oh, I️ almost forgot to mention: stay seated for an unexpected cameo.
Alien gives it 3 “Peter Tingle” stars out of 4.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Child’s Play
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is a reboot remake of the 1988 horror classic of the same name featuring the possessed maniacal doll called Chucky. However, in this modern hi-tech version of the Buddi Doll, a disgruntled Vietnamese toy manufacturing employee removes the safety protocols on his last product. When this defective toy ends up with a single mom Karen (Aubrey Plaza) & her 13-year-old son Andy (Gabriel Bateman), mayhem ensues. It’s shades of HAL & SkyNet when this Buddi Doll imprints on its owner but misinterprets the information it processes. When Andy tries to program Han Solo as his new toy’s (voiced by Mark Hamill) name, it glitches & calls itself Chucky. It’s bloody cheesy gore as Chucky goes on a madcap misguided killing spree trying just to be Andy’s best friend. This silly horror film is a guilty pleasure for the twisted minded.
Alien gives it 3 “Kaslan Products” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This is a reboot remake of the 1988 horror classic of the same name featuring the possessed maniacal doll called Chucky. However, in this modern hi-tech version of the Buddi Doll, a disgruntled Vietnamese toy manufacturing employee removes the safety protocols on his last product. When this defective toy ends up with a single mom Karen (Aubrey Plaza) & her 13-year-old son Andy (Gabriel Bateman), mayhem ensues. It’s shades of HAL & SkyNet when this Buddi Doll imprints on its owner but misinterprets the information it processes. When Andy tries to program Han Solo as his new toy’s (voiced by Mark Hamill) name, it glitches & calls itself Chucky. It’s bloody cheesy gore as Chucky goes on a madcap misguided killing spree trying just to be Andy’s best friend. This silly horror film is a guilty pleasure for the twisted minded.
Alien gives it 3 “Kaslan Products” stars out of 4.
ANИA
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s another one of director/writer Luc Besson’s favorite characters, the strong beautiful woman who can kick butt. In the mold of “Nikita”, “Lucy”, & “Atomic Blonde” comes a victim of domestic abuse turned deadly assassin spy for the KGB. Russian model/actress Sasha Luss stars as the sexy female killing machine who poses as a model for her cover. Welsh Luke Evans & British Helen Mirren play Russian KGB agents. Irish Cillian Murphy plays an American CIA operative. Audiences will have to pay close attention as the plot line continuously rewinds to reveal something different in this stylish spy vs spy action thriller. This is nothing new & a bit predictable, but fun to watch the choreographed fight scenes in this guilty pleasure flick.
Alien gives it 3 “freedom for the Russian nesting doll” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s another one of director/writer Luc Besson’s favorite characters, the strong beautiful woman who can kick butt. In the mold of “Nikita”, “Lucy”, & “Atomic Blonde” comes a victim of domestic abuse turned deadly assassin spy for the KGB. Russian model/actress Sasha Luss stars as the sexy female killing machine who poses as a model for her cover. Welsh Luke Evans & British Helen Mirren play Russian KGB agents. Irish Cillian Murphy plays an American CIA operative. Audiences will have to pay close attention as the plot line continuously rewinds to reveal something different in this stylish spy vs spy action thriller. This is nothing new & a bit predictable, but fun to watch the choreographed fight scenes in this guilty pleasure flick.
Alien gives it 3 “freedom for the Russian nesting doll” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Annabelle Comes Home
It’s “Adventures in Babysitting” evil possession style in this third Annabelle installment within the Conjuring Universe. Demonologists Ed & Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga) obtain the possessed doll Annabelle & bring it home to be secured in their artifacts room of evil objects. What could go wrong? A year later, when they have to leave town, they hire a babysitter, Mary Ellen, to watch over their 10-year-old daughter, Judy. But Mary Ellen’s reckless “Nosy Nancy” friend, Daniela, has to open Pandora’s Box & enter the forbidden room. The film is good for some cheap thrills, jump scares, & fake scares, but it’s not very scary. Three teens & a kid get terrorized for a night, try to get Annabelle back in her special glass case before mom & dad get home, & pretend nothing happened. At the end, a family photo of the actual Warren family reminds us this film is based of real people & their unusual occupation.
Alien gives it 2½ “miss me?” stars out of 4.
It’s “Adventures in Babysitting” evil possession style in this third Annabelle installment within the Conjuring Universe. Demonologists Ed & Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga) obtain the possessed doll Annabelle & bring it home to be secured in their artifacts room of evil objects. What could go wrong? A year later, when they have to leave town, they hire a babysitter, Mary Ellen, to watch over their 10-year-old daughter, Judy. But Mary Ellen’s reckless “Nosy Nancy” friend, Daniela, has to open Pandora’s Box & enter the forbidden room. The film is good for some cheap thrills, jump scares, & fake scares, but it’s not very scary. Three teens & a kid get terrorized for a night, try to get Annabelle back in her special glass case before mom & dad get home, & pretend nothing happened. At the end, a family photo of the actual Warren family reminds us this film is based of real people & their unusual occupation.
Alien gives it 2½ “miss me?” stars out of 4.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Toy Story 4
With 3 solid winners in the Toy Story saga about kids & their toys exploring the joys & fears of growing up, what else could filmmakers have to say that they hadn’t already covered in such a perfect series?
Well, the creative people at Disney/Pixar never give up in trying to entertain & touching our inner child. Now, Woody, Buzz, & the rest of the gang have a new owner in Bonnie who needs help at her first day of kindergarten & Woody is compelled to come to the rescue. Bonnie “makes” a new friend, Forky, who helps Bonnie get thru the day & becomes her favorite new toy. But when Forky runs off, the thrilling adventure begins where we meet some new characters as well as reunite with some old ones. This 4th installment still has a lot of warmth & heart to share as the theme of loyalty is explored. It’s a little romance & a lot of laughs. This latest episode of Toy Story is taking us to infinity & beyond! Stay seated for 3 mid-credit carnival clips & one final funny moment meeting a new friend.
Alien gives it 4 “listen to your inner voice” stars out of 4.
With 3 solid winners in the Toy Story saga about kids & their toys exploring the joys & fears of growing up, what else could filmmakers have to say that they hadn’t already covered in such a perfect series?
Well, the creative people at Disney/Pixar never give up in trying to entertain & touching our inner child. Now, Woody, Buzz, & the rest of the gang have a new owner in Bonnie who needs help at her first day of kindergarten & Woody is compelled to come to the rescue. Bonnie “makes” a new friend, Forky, who helps Bonnie get thru the day & becomes her favorite new toy. But when Forky runs off, the thrilling adventure begins where we meet some new characters as well as reunite with some old ones. This 4th installment still has a lot of warmth & heart to share as the theme of loyalty is explored. It’s a little romance & a lot of laughs. This latest episode of Toy Story is taking us to infinity & beyond! Stay seated for 3 mid-credit carnival clips & one final funny moment meeting a new friend.
Alien gives it 4 “listen to your inner voice” stars out of 4.
Sunday, June 16, 2019
American Woman
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
When her teenage daughter goes missing under suspicious circumstances, single mom Debra (Sienna Miller) becomes frustrated & desperate to find answers. Now she must raise her grandson. This is the ups & downs (mostly downs) of her blood collar life while struggling to make a better life for herself. Christina Hendricks plays her older sister & Aaron Paul plays someone she meets on a blind date. Miller is amazing & gives her best performance yet. This film is a tough watch but it’s a tribute to all those strong single moms out there trying hard to do their best.
Alien gives it 2½ “cold case” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
When her teenage daughter goes missing under suspicious circumstances, single mom Debra (Sienna Miller) becomes frustrated & desperate to find answers. Now she must raise her grandson. This is the ups & downs (mostly downs) of her blood collar life while struggling to make a better life for herself. Christina Hendricks plays her older sister & Aaron Paul plays someone she meets on a blind date. Miller is amazing & gives her best performance yet. This film is a tough watch but it’s a tribute to all those strong single moms out there trying hard to do their best.
Alien gives it 2½ “cold case” stars out of 4.
The Dead Don’t Die
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Something strange is happening in small town Centerville U.S.A. Daylight hours seem to be fluctuating, watches are stopping, cell phones are dying, & the animals are running off. The dead are rising up from there graves & attacking the townsmen. But this isn’t your typical zombie apocalypse movie, it’s a comedy parody of that genre told with a deadpan sense of humor. The all star cast include Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, Danny Glover, Steve Bescemi, Rosie Perez, Carol Kane, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, & Selena Gomez. The filmmakers are able to poke fun of themselves. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea as this bit starts to wear thin, but it could cultivate a small cult following as it mimics some classic bad movies with awful dialogue.
Alien gives it 2½ “this is going to end badly” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Something strange is happening in small town Centerville U.S.A. Daylight hours seem to be fluctuating, watches are stopping, cell phones are dying, & the animals are running off. The dead are rising up from there graves & attacking the townsmen. But this isn’t your typical zombie apocalypse movie, it’s a comedy parody of that genre told with a deadpan sense of humor. The all star cast include Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, Danny Glover, Steve Bescemi, Rosie Perez, Carol Kane, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, & Selena Gomez. The filmmakers are able to poke fun of themselves. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea as this bit starts to wear thin, but it could cultivate a small cult following as it mimics some classic bad movies with awful dialogue.
Alien gives it 2½ “this is going to end badly” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Yesterday
What would the world be like if the Beatles & their music never existed? That’s a question that hasn’t been explored before until now.
A struggling singer/songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is about to give up on a singing career when a worldwide 12-second blackout strikes & being hit by a bus changes everything for him. He awakes in the hospital with 2 missing front teeth, greeted by his long-time friend & manager Ellie (Lily James), & discovering apparently the Beatles never existed. As Malik struggles with the guilt of his new found fame from recreating some famous Beatle songs, he also realizes he may be losing out on something else. Director Danny Boyle has created a visually stunning fantasy comedy/quirky love story. Ed Sheeran plays himself. Kate McKinnon’s performance as Malik’s new money-grubbing manager is over-the-top. This is a must-see for any Beatles fan. If you aren’t familiar with the Fab Four, you may have some difficulty understanding some of the more subtle references. Lily James is a delight & makes an impact whenever her face appears on screen. Patel is perfectly cast as the unlikely creator of so many fabulous songs. This film is worthy of second viewing just for the laughs & wonderful songs, although the English accents can be hard to follow at times. You may be surprised at what else may be missing in this fantasy world.
Alien gives it 3½ “Latitude Festival, Suffolk” stars out of 4.
What would the world be like if the Beatles & their music never existed? That’s a question that hasn’t been explored before until now.
A struggling singer/songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) is about to give up on a singing career when a worldwide 12-second blackout strikes & being hit by a bus changes everything for him. He awakes in the hospital with 2 missing front teeth, greeted by his long-time friend & manager Ellie (Lily James), & discovering apparently the Beatles never existed. As Malik struggles with the guilt of his new found fame from recreating some famous Beatle songs, he also realizes he may be losing out on something else. Director Danny Boyle has created a visually stunning fantasy comedy/quirky love story. Ed Sheeran plays himself. Kate McKinnon’s performance as Malik’s new money-grubbing manager is over-the-top. This is a must-see for any Beatles fan. If you aren’t familiar with the Fab Four, you may have some difficulty understanding some of the more subtle references. Lily James is a delight & makes an impact whenever her face appears on screen. Patel is perfectly cast as the unlikely creator of so many fabulous songs. This film is worthy of second viewing just for the laughs & wonderful songs, although the English accents can be hard to follow at times. You may be surprised at what else may be missing in this fantasy world.
Alien gives it 3½ “Latitude Festival, Suffolk” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Men in Black: International
The Men in Black are back for the fourth installment of saving the planet from alien attacks & paranormal activity & using their neuralysers keep their operations secret in this sci-fi/action/adventure/comedy. With great chemistry between them, Asgard’s Thor & Valkyrie don black suits & sunglasses. Emma Thompson reprises her role as Agent O from MiB3. The new cast features Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neesen, Rebecca Ferguson, & Kumail Nanjiani. True to the series, this latest version includes weird alien creatures, high tech weaponry & devices, and dazzling special effects. It follows the basic spy plot with a student/mentor situation & a possible mole in the organization while fighting a evil villain. Filmmakers are trying to revitalize the franchise with the handsome Hemsworth & the talented Thompson, but while the movie is entertaining, there isn’t anything special here to spark a 5th sequel. Maybe this series has emptied its bag of tricks.
Alien gives it 2½ “Lexus QZ 618 Galactic Enforcer Jet” stars out of 4.
The Men in Black are back for the fourth installment of saving the planet from alien attacks & paranormal activity & using their neuralysers keep their operations secret in this sci-fi/action/adventure/comedy. With great chemistry between them, Asgard’s Thor & Valkyrie don black suits & sunglasses. Emma Thompson reprises her role as Agent O from MiB3. The new cast features Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Liam Neesen, Rebecca Ferguson, & Kumail Nanjiani. True to the series, this latest version includes weird alien creatures, high tech weaponry & devices, and dazzling special effects. It follows the basic spy plot with a student/mentor situation & a possible mole in the organization while fighting a evil villain. Filmmakers are trying to revitalize the franchise with the handsome Hemsworth & the talented Thompson, but while the movie is entertaining, there isn’t anything special here to spark a 5th sequel. Maybe this series has emptied its bag of tricks.
Alien gives it 2½ “Lexus QZ 618 Galactic Enforcer Jet” stars out of 4.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Shaft
Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother man?
(Shaft)
Can you dig it?
John Shaft (Samuel L.Jackson) explodes back on the big screen in this sequel to the 2000 action thriller which itself is a sequel to three 70’s blaxploitation films about a tough private detective. FBI data analyst J.J. Shaft (Jessie T. Usher) enlists the help of his estranged father to investigate the mysterious death of his best friend in this action comedy, Father & son are complete opposites & are hysterically funny as they play off each other. Alexandria Shipp plays the girlfriend/lady-in-distress. It’s fun 70’s throwback style action punctuated by that iconic Isaac Hayes theme song. As if Shaft II & III weren’t having enough fun shooting it up, the film tosses in John Shaft I️ (Richard Roundtree) near the end. Regina Hall is also funny as the ex-wife. Muther F-I ng spewing Jackson is a natural for this funny R-rated film. The plot is predictable but who cares when you are laughing so hard.
Alien gives it 3½ “upholding the family name” stars out of 4.
Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother man?
(Shaft)
Can you dig it?
John Shaft (Samuel L.Jackson) explodes back on the big screen in this sequel to the 2000 action thriller which itself is a sequel to three 70’s blaxploitation films about a tough private detective. FBI data analyst J.J. Shaft (Jessie T. Usher) enlists the help of his estranged father to investigate the mysterious death of his best friend in this action comedy, Father & son are complete opposites & are hysterically funny as they play off each other. Alexandria Shipp plays the girlfriend/lady-in-distress. It’s fun 70’s throwback style action punctuated by that iconic Isaac Hayes theme song. As if Shaft II & III weren’t having enough fun shooting it up, the film tosses in John Shaft I️ (Richard Roundtree) near the end. Regina Hall is also funny as the ex-wife. Muther F-I ng spewing Jackson is a natural for this funny R-rated film. The plot is predictable but who cares when you are laughing so hard.
Alien gives it 3½ “upholding the family name” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, June 04, 2019
The Secret Life of Pets 2
This sequel continues the story of Max & his fellow pets on their hilarious misadventures after their owners leaver them for work or school. In the original, Max had to adjust to his owner, Ellie, bringing home another dog, Duke. Now, Ellie gets married, becomes pregnant, & brings home from the hospital a new baby, Liam. Then the film expands to 3 plot lines: 1) Max visits a farm; 2) Gidget loses Busy Bee; and 3) Snowball rescues a white tiger. It’s hysterical family fun as these separate stories meld together by the end. Terrific animation & cleverly capturing human qualities in cute little critters make a highly entertaining funny film. At the end, see some comical real life animal/human interactions.
Alien gives it 3½ “finding your inner Rooster” star out of 4.
This sequel continues the story of Max & his fellow pets on their hilarious misadventures after their owners leaver them for work or school. In the original, Max had to adjust to his owner, Ellie, bringing home another dog, Duke. Now, Ellie gets married, becomes pregnant, & brings home from the hospital a new baby, Liam. Then the film expands to 3 plot lines: 1) Max visits a farm; 2) Gidget loses Busy Bee; and 3) Snowball rescues a white tiger. It’s hysterical family fun as these separate stories meld together by the end. Terrific animation & cleverly capturing human qualities in cute little critters make a highly entertaining funny film. At the end, see some comical real life animal/human interactions.
Alien gives it 3½ “finding your inner Rooster” star out of 4.
Ma
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Mischievous teenagers try to get an adult to buy them alcohol & end up with more than they bargained for. Seemingly sweet middle-age Sue Ann “Ma” (Octavia Spenser) invites the gang & their friends into her basement to party. Most of the music plays to the younger crowd but Ma likes to party old school. Soon enough, Ma goes from kinda strange to social media stalker to Bitch-she-be-crazy. Luke Evans, Missi Pyle, Juliette Lewis, & Allison Janey have minor roles as the adults in this predictable teenage terror story. Morale of the story is don’t do stupid things in high school or you may grow up to regret it.
Alien gives it 2½ “holding a grudge” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Mischievous teenagers try to get an adult to buy them alcohol & end up with more than they bargained for. Seemingly sweet middle-age Sue Ann “Ma” (Octavia Spenser) invites the gang & their friends into her basement to party. Most of the music plays to the younger crowd but Ma likes to party old school. Soon enough, Ma goes from kinda strange to social media stalker to Bitch-she-be-crazy. Luke Evans, Missi Pyle, Juliette Lewis, & Allison Janey have minor roles as the adults in this predictable teenage terror story. Morale of the story is don’t do stupid things in high school or you may grow up to regret it.
Alien gives it 2½ “holding a grudge” stars out of 4.
Monday, June 03, 2019
Dark Phoenix
It’s the Incredible Hulk meets Captain Marvel when Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) becomes exposed to some comic rays while on a space rescue mission. Her powers become tremendously enhanced & she struggles to control them. The X-Men team becomes fragmented as to what to do & how to handle this new potential threat to the mutant/human alliance & to the planet itself. Welcome back many of your favorite mutants: Professor X, Magneto, Beast, Mystique, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Storm, & Quicksilver. Jessica Chastain has been added to the cast as the leader of some powerful shape shifting aliens. Dark Phoenix is a dark & unsettling film as everyone must choose a side because of mistakes made. Two “X-Women” play prominent roles. Chastain’s character is supposed to be emotionless so she is rather boring. It’s a predictable plot. Due to a screening embargo, this review will be delayed.
Alien gives it 2 “friends & family” stars out of 4.
It’s the Incredible Hulk meets Captain Marvel when Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) becomes exposed to some comic rays while on a space rescue mission. Her powers become tremendously enhanced & she struggles to control them. The X-Men team becomes fragmented as to what to do & how to handle this new potential threat to the mutant/human alliance & to the planet itself. Welcome back many of your favorite mutants: Professor X, Magneto, Beast, Mystique, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Storm, & Quicksilver. Jessica Chastain has been added to the cast as the leader of some powerful shape shifting aliens. Dark Phoenix is a dark & unsettling film as everyone must choose a side because of mistakes made. Two “X-Women” play prominent roles. Chastain’s character is supposed to be emotionless so she is rather boring. It’s a predictable plot. Due to a screening embargo, this review will be delayed.
Alien gives it 2 “friends & family” stars out of 4.
