Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
Luke Hobbs & Deckard Shaw (Dwayne Johnson & Jason Statham) have hijacked the Fast & Furious franchise to star in their own thrill ride spinoff. These 2 larger than life macho men with contrasting personalities & styles must reluctantly work together to save the world from a deadly virus. When MI6 agents break into an Etheon warehouse to obtain the virus capsule, Hattie Shaw (Vanessa Kirby) becomes a fugitive & a rogue operative Brixton (Idris Elba) enhanced by advance technology is sent after her. True to the Fast & Furious films, expect wild car/vehicle chases, big explosions, & knock-down drag-out fight scenes in this action-packed over-the-top thriller. Johnson & Statham are hilarious as they trade smack talk barbs in their rivalry game of one-upmanship. Kirby & Elba can really kick butt too. The film is unrealistic & highly improbable, but it’s just big dumb fun so sit back, hang on to your seat, & enjoy the ride. Expect surprise cameos from 2 fast talking funny guys as well as a brief appearance mama Shaw (Helen Mirren). Stay for an at-the-start-of, an in-the-middle-of, & an at-the-end-of credits scene with sequel hinting potential.
Alien gives it 3½ “bicker banter” stars out of 4.
Luke Hobbs & Deckard Shaw (Dwayne Johnson & Jason Statham) have hijacked the Fast & Furious franchise to star in their own thrill ride spinoff. These 2 larger than life macho men with contrasting personalities & styles must reluctantly work together to save the world from a deadly virus. When MI6 agents break into an Etheon warehouse to obtain the virus capsule, Hattie Shaw (Vanessa Kirby) becomes a fugitive & a rogue operative Brixton (Idris Elba) enhanced by advance technology is sent after her. True to the Fast & Furious films, expect wild car/vehicle chases, big explosions, & knock-down drag-out fight scenes in this action-packed over-the-top thriller. Johnson & Statham are hilarious as they trade smack talk barbs in their rivalry game of one-upmanship. Kirby & Elba can really kick butt too. The film is unrealistic & highly improbable, but it’s just big dumb fun so sit back, hang on to your seat, & enjoy the ride. Expect surprise cameos from 2 fast talking funny guys as well as a brief appearance mama Shaw (Helen Mirren). Stay for an at-the-start-of, an in-the-middle-of, & an at-the-end-of credits scene with sequel hinting potential.
Alien gives it 3½ “bicker banter” stars out of 4.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two fictional characters cross paths with actress Sharon Tate (Margo Robbie) & the infamous Manson family in director/writer Quentin Tarantino’s 9th film which focuses on the Golden Age of Hollywood. A fading film/television star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) & his stunt double
Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) are the unfortunate neighbors to the Tate/Roman Polanski estate in this spectacular period piece. Too bad if you weren’t born before the 60’s, cuz you may miss out on so many wonderful Hollywood references that Tarantino has packed into his 2 hour 40 minute movie. From the music, the movie & tv references, the sets, & the costumes, there is so much to dazzle the eyes & ears. It’s also a behind the scenes look at Tinsel Town & people living there. Once again, Tarantino has mixed fact & fiction to make his own entertaining version of history. DiCaprio, Pitt, & Robbie give outstanding performances as well as the star studded supporting cast. Tarantino has labored 5 years fine tuning his fabulous script & dialog in this story about a friendship set amongst a murderous backdrop. This is a nostalgic trip back to an exciting time & place in history.
Alien gives it 4 “Spahn Ranch” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Two fictional characters cross paths with actress Sharon Tate (Margo Robbie) & the infamous Manson family in director/writer Quentin Tarantino’s 9th film which focuses on the Golden Age of Hollywood. A fading film/television star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) & his stunt double
Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) are the unfortunate neighbors to the Tate/Roman Polanski estate in this spectacular period piece. Too bad if you weren’t born before the 60’s, cuz you may miss out on so many wonderful Hollywood references that Tarantino has packed into his 2 hour 40 minute movie. From the music, the movie & tv references, the sets, & the costumes, there is so much to dazzle the eyes & ears. It’s also a behind the scenes look at Tinsel Town & people living there. Once again, Tarantino has mixed fact & fiction to make his own entertaining version of history. DiCaprio, Pitt, & Robbie give outstanding performances as well as the star studded supporting cast. Tarantino has labored 5 years fine tuning his fabulous script & dialog in this story about a friendship set amongst a murderous backdrop. This is a nostalgic trip back to an exciting time & place in history.
Alien gives it 4 “Spahn Ranch” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
The Art of Self-Defense
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s 2019’s twisted version of Cobra Kai in this very dark black comedy where timid, mild-mannered accountant Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenberg) seeks out karate lessons at a small local dojo after being attacked late one night. There, the afraid-of-his-own-shadow Casey starts to build some skills & confidence & then things begin to take an unexpected turn. Eisenberg is perfectly casted as the pathetic, scaredy cat who misguidedly learns about weakness & masculinity from his overzealous sensei. Depending on your sense of humor, this type of comedy may seem subtly hilarious or mildly amusing or even just plain stupid & boring. This film is rated “R” for violence, language, & nudity.
Alien gives it 2 “yellow belt power” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s 2019’s twisted version of Cobra Kai in this very dark black comedy where timid, mild-mannered accountant Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenberg) seeks out karate lessons at a small local dojo after being attacked late one night. There, the afraid-of-his-own-shadow Casey starts to build some skills & confidence & then things begin to take an unexpected turn. Eisenberg is perfectly casted as the pathetic, scaredy cat who misguidedly learns about weakness & masculinity from his overzealous sensei. Depending on your sense of humor, this type of comedy may seem subtly hilarious or mildly amusing or even just plain stupid & boring. This film is rated “R” for violence, language, & nudity.
Alien gives it 2 “yellow belt power” stars out of 4.
Monday, July 22, 2019
The Farewell
Chinese American New Yorker Billi (Awkwafina) travels to China to see her grandma Nai Nai who has been diagnosed with cancer but the family chooses to shield the truth from grandma. A family wedding is used as an excuse to bring everyone together because grandma may only have a few months left. Director/writer LuLu Wang has fashioned a tender bittersweet story about an ethical issue involving facing death & saying goodbye. Although this situation depicts a specific Chinese family & the clash of eastern vs western values, there are similarities that can connect to any ethnic group. Awkwafina of “Ocean’s 8” & “Crazy Rich Asian” fame is terrific as she channels her inner Nora Lum self. This realistic look into a Chinese family is base on true lie. This emotional film may be uncomfortable to watch as it challenges you to decide whether you would favor telling the truth or hiding the facts from a loved one. This film contains subtitles to translate the Mandarin portions of the dialog & has the look & feel of an eastern made movie. There is one last important clip about the real Nai Nai at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “stupid child telling the good lie” stars out of 4.
Chinese American New Yorker Billi (Awkwafina) travels to China to see her grandma Nai Nai who has been diagnosed with cancer but the family chooses to shield the truth from grandma. A family wedding is used as an excuse to bring everyone together because grandma may only have a few months left. Director/writer LuLu Wang has fashioned a tender bittersweet story about an ethical issue involving facing death & saying goodbye. Although this situation depicts a specific Chinese family & the clash of eastern vs western values, there are similarities that can connect to any ethnic group. Awkwafina of “Ocean’s 8” & “Crazy Rich Asian” fame is terrific as she channels her inner Nora Lum self. This realistic look into a Chinese family is base on true lie. This emotional film may be uncomfortable to watch as it challenges you to decide whether you would favor telling the truth or hiding the facts from a loved one. This film contains subtitles to translate the Mandarin portions of the dialog & has the look & feel of an eastern made movie. There is one last important clip about the real Nai Nai at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “stupid child telling the good lie” stars out of 4.
Friday, July 19, 2019
The Lion King
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director Jon Favreau has done an amazing job of recreating a CGI version of the popular 1994 animated classic circle of life story featuring Simba, the lion cub. Filmmakers have mastered all of the elements: earth, water, air, & fire, as they paint a realistic world utilizing the latest technology available. From tiny insects to large elephants, it’s hard to believe these weren’t real animals being filmed. This was a remarkable task to create such a wide range of emotions projected from these animated animals. Now for the good & bad news depending on your expectations. If you are a huge fan of the original, it is largely a shot for shot copy with some extended scenes and additional songs & jokes. The film plays it safe by not introducing anything new or altering the storyline. For the very young, this new version may be more terrifying because of its realistic look as opposed to a cartoony feel. Look a surprise cameo song.
Alien gives it 3 “fine tuning the circle of life” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director Jon Favreau has done an amazing job of recreating a CGI version of the popular 1994 animated classic circle of life story featuring Simba, the lion cub. Filmmakers have mastered all of the elements: earth, water, air, & fire, as they paint a realistic world utilizing the latest technology available. From tiny insects to large elephants, it’s hard to believe these weren’t real animals being filmed. This was a remarkable task to create such a wide range of emotions projected from these animated animals. Now for the good & bad news depending on your expectations. If you are a huge fan of the original, it is largely a shot for shot copy with some extended scenes and additional songs & jokes. The film plays it safe by not introducing anything new or altering the storyline. For the very young, this new version may be more terrifying because of its realistic look as opposed to a cartoony feel. Look a surprise cameo song.
Alien gives it 3 “fine tuning the circle of life” stars out of 4.
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Crawl
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Are you claustrophobic? Are you afraid of drowning? Do you fear hurricanes? Are you scared of huge critters with big teeth? Do you like being scared? If so, this may be a creature feature for you.
When father & daughter get trapped in the crawl space under their old family home, it’s a matter of life & death as they must avoid the gators while the Category 5 hurricane draws in a surge of floodwaters. This may sound like a “Sharknado” scenario but it’s not. It’s actually a decent thriller & maybe better than you may have expected. The filmmakers have created an entertaining script, though a bit cheesy & unrealistic at times but they make it fun & suspenseful. You’ll start to feel like there’s an alligator around every corner or lurking just underneath the water’s surface. With every ray of hope, comes another dark turn of events. The stormy outside setting looks very realistic. Not sure how it was created, part real & part CGI? This is a guilty pleasure to just be enjoyed & don’t sweat the flaws.
Alien gives it 3 “ Apex Predator” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Are you claustrophobic? Are you afraid of drowning? Do you fear hurricanes? Are you scared of huge critters with big teeth? Do you like being scared? If so, this may be a creature feature for you.
When father & daughter get trapped in the crawl space under their old family home, it’s a matter of life & death as they must avoid the gators while the Category 5 hurricane draws in a surge of floodwaters. This may sound like a “Sharknado” scenario but it’s not. It’s actually a decent thriller & maybe better than you may have expected. The filmmakers have created an entertaining script, though a bit cheesy & unrealistic at times but they make it fun & suspenseful. You’ll start to feel like there’s an alligator around every corner or lurking just underneath the water’s surface. With every ray of hope, comes another dark turn of events. The stormy outside setting looks very realistic. Not sure how it was created, part real & part CGI? This is a guilty pleasure to just be enjoyed & don’t sweat the flaws.
Alien gives it 3 “ Apex Predator” stars out of 4.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Blinded by the Light
In 1987, a 16-year-old British/Pakistani Muslim boy, Javed, feels like a loner in racially tense & economically depressed Luton, England. He hates his depressing life & dreams of escape. Then his life changes when someone introduces him to Bruce Springsteen songs. He connects with the lyrics & is encouraged to find his own voice & to follow his dreams to become a writer. This is a beautiful coming of age story that marches to the rhythm of the Boss. Although his new found idol is from across the pond & of a different culture, the lyrics resonates with Javed. He becomes obsessed with everything Springsteen & has issues with friends & family. Vivelk Kalra is amazing as Javed in this wonderful period piece that will take you back in time. Director Gurinder Chadha of “Bend It Like Beckham” fame has put her creative mark on this project. Photos of the real life characters which inspired this charming & emotional film play at the end. This film doesn’t open for another month.
Alien gives it 3½ “race, religion, & rock ‘n’ roll” stars out of 4.
In 1987, a 16-year-old British/Pakistani Muslim boy, Javed, feels like a loner in racially tense & economically depressed Luton, England. He hates his depressing life & dreams of escape. Then his life changes when someone introduces him to Bruce Springsteen songs. He connects with the lyrics & is encouraged to find his own voice & to follow his dreams to become a writer. This is a beautiful coming of age story that marches to the rhythm of the Boss. Although his new found idol is from across the pond & of a different culture, the lyrics resonates with Javed. He becomes obsessed with everything Springsteen & has issues with friends & family. Vivelk Kalra is amazing as Javed in this wonderful period piece that will take you back in time. Director Gurinder Chadha of “Bend It Like Beckham” fame has put her creative mark on this project. Photos of the real life characters which inspired this charming & emotional film play at the end. This film doesn’t open for another month.
Alien gives it 3½ “race, religion, & rock ‘n’ roll” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Good Boys
It’s “Super Bad” but with the tween set. Three sixth-grade boys panic when they get invited to their first kissing party with the cool kids. These naive awkward 12-year-olds set themselves up on a wild series of misadventures as they prepare for the big night. It’s hilarious that’s-so-wrong comedy as puberty, being bullied, & divorcing parents drive these kids into one bad decision after another involving spying, drones, thievery, underage drinking, drug dealing, sex toys, ditching school, paint ball shooting, being grounded, & spin the bottle. From the mouths of babes, come many “R” rated remarks & much misinformation. If you like your adolescent comedy raunchy, check out the “Good Boys” when it releases next month. If you’re turned off by sexual content jokes that may make you go “ew”, maybe this one isn’t for you. It’s repetitive sophomoric humor as these boys blunder their way thru life try to fake being cool.
Alien gives it 3 “Bean Bag Boys Forever” stars out of 4.
It’s “Super Bad” but with the tween set. Three sixth-grade boys panic when they get invited to their first kissing party with the cool kids. These naive awkward 12-year-olds set themselves up on a wild series of misadventures as they prepare for the big night. It’s hilarious that’s-so-wrong comedy as puberty, being bullied, & divorcing parents drive these kids into one bad decision after another involving spying, drones, thievery, underage drinking, drug dealing, sex toys, ditching school, paint ball shooting, being grounded, & spin the bottle. From the mouths of babes, come many “R” rated remarks & much misinformation. If you like your adolescent comedy raunchy, check out the “Good Boys” when it releases next month. If you’re turned off by sexual content jokes that may make you go “ew”, maybe this one isn’t for you. It’s repetitive sophomoric humor as these boys blunder their way thru life try to fake being cool.
Alien gives it 3 “Bean Bag Boys Forever” stars out of 4.
Friday, July 05, 2019
Midsommar
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director/writer Ari Aster follows up this “Hereditary” horror flick with an unique horror/folklore tale about outsiders being invited to a remote Swedish commune where they experience some unexpected festival rituals. Dani (Florence Pugh), her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor), & 2 of his buddies get more than they bargained for at this midsummer festival in the land of almost eternal sunshine, Prepare to be shocked as this idyllic setting slowly turns unsettling as the horrors begin to unravel. Rated “R” for violence, full frontal nudity, sexual content, & some psilocybin drug use. This is the type of film that critics may rave & fuss over it as a genre masterpiece but I️ expect the general public will find it very strange, boring, as well as disgusting, at times. Pugh, though, is amazing while channeling many emotions from grieving over a family tragedy, struggling with a failing relationship, discovering betrayal, & finding harmony.
Alien gives it 2 “The May Queen “ stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Director/writer Ari Aster follows up this “Hereditary” horror flick with an unique horror/folklore tale about outsiders being invited to a remote Swedish commune where they experience some unexpected festival rituals. Dani (Florence Pugh), her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor), & 2 of his buddies get more than they bargained for at this midsummer festival in the land of almost eternal sunshine, Prepare to be shocked as this idyllic setting slowly turns unsettling as the horrors begin to unravel. Rated “R” for violence, full frontal nudity, sexual content, & some psilocybin drug use. This is the type of film that critics may rave & fuss over it as a genre masterpiece but I️ expect the general public will find it very strange, boring, as well as disgusting, at times. Pugh, though, is amazing while channeling many emotions from grieving over a family tragedy, struggling with a failing relationship, discovering betrayal, & finding harmony.
Alien gives it 2 “The May Queen “ stars out of 4.
