Alien at the Movies

Marriage Story

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

Charlie (Adam Driver) is a successful talented avant-garde stage director in New York City. Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) is his wife & actress in his plays. They have a young son Henry. They are having marital problems & she is lured away by a Hollywood TV pilot offer. Director/writer Noah Baumbach has masterfully crafted a realistic, touching, funny, & heartbreaking story about divorce & a marriage falling apart. Driver & Johansson are outstanding as the loving couple who have grown apart & now suffering through a love/hate relationship. It’s all very complicated with a kid caught in the middle. There is always two sides to a story & no one is without fault here. Julie Hagerty is Nicole’s annoyingly enthusiastic mother. Laura Dern, Ray Liotta, & Alan Alda are frightening as the divorce lawyers that will have you cringing & hilariously laughing as they greedily fight for their clients. This film is an emotional thrill ride that no one wants to be on in real life.

Alien gives it 3½ “beware of sharks” stars out of 4.

Arctic Dogs

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

Swifty the arctic fox works in the mailroom of the Arctic Blast Delivery Service but dreams of joining the Top Dogs team of husky couriers & delivering packages. When Swifty discovers a plot by a robo-legged walrus & his puffin henchmen that would destroy his town of Taigasville, he & his gang of misfits spring into action to save the day. This animated film is targeted for kids but isn’t that funny. Not enough cuteness or humorous antics to entertain the tiny ones. Too boring for adults.

Alien gives it 2 “climate change threat” stars out of 4.

The Irishman

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) is the “Irishman”, a Philly truck driver who moves up the ranks of Russell Bufalino’s (Joe Pesci) crime family to become a major hitman. Al Pacino plays teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa, said to have ties to the mob. De Niro, Pesci, & Pacino in a Martin Scorsese directed film about real life wise guys, hitmen, & teamsters, who can resist. The 3 leads are terrific. At nearly 3 and a half hours, Scorsese takes his time telling this fascinating story about real mobsters. See these people fit into history.

Alien gives it 2½ “I️ heard you paint houses” stars out of 4.

Queen & Slim

A couple’s (Daniel Kaluuya & Jodie Turner-Smith) first date takes a tragic turn when a minor traffic infraction escalates into gunfire & the death of a policeman. Feeling they have no other choice, these two now unwitting outlaws decide to make a run for it. However, one thing after another seems to go wrong as they make their escape. As the patrol car dash cam video goes viral, they become kind of like modern day Bonnie & Clyde famous. With a runtime of 2 hours 12 minutes, it’s a painfully slow budding romance between strangers on the run through the backroads of America. This film may not be for everyone because it’s a statement racism & being unfairly victimized. Kaluuya & Turner-Smith are terrific in their performances.

Alien gives it 2½ “an internet sensation” stars out of 4.

21 Bridges

A bad tip & bad timing turn a drug heist into a citywide manhunt for dangerous cop killers armed with assault weapons. Righteous NYPD detective Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) leads the search team in this intense cop/crime drama. Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, J.K. Simmons, & Sienna Miller (projecting her best New Yorker accent) are among the supporting cast. It’s quite an adrenaline rush thrill ride as containment tightens from shutting down the 21 bridges in & out of Manhattan to a 7 block radius. The cops are hot of the trail of the suspects just steps behind as the clock keeps ticking. Boseman gives a commanding performance on screen & his character’s background is quickly & skillfully spelled out. Police procedures & officers’ concerns are detailed in the script. It’s amazing how you can make Philly look like you are in New York City.

Alien gives it 3½ “making the right decision” stars out of 4.

Parasite

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

The destitute unemployed Kim family (father, mother, 20-ish daughter, & teenage son) live in a cramp basement apartment in some South Korean slum. With skills of deceit, they manage to worm their way into the home of the affluent Park family (father, mother, teenage daughter, & young son) as an English tutor, art therapist, chauffeur, & housekeeper. The gullible Park family have no idea their new employees are related. This is a highly entertaining black comedy that tips towards the horror spectrum as the movie progresses. Great characters, a terrific script, & a fabulous looking house will keep your eyes glued to the screen. The scenes start out slyly funny as it contrasts the rich versus the poor. Watch as greed takes over. There is a surprise turn of events as the situation turns very dark. At first, I️ was apprehensive about reading the subtitles for this Korean film, but it wasn’t  bad at all.

Alien gives it 3½ “Morse code” stars out of 4.

Frozen 2

Someone or something is calling Elsa to the Enchanted Forest shrouded by an impenetrable mist & the 4 Elements (Fire, Air, Water, & Earth) have chased the citizens of Arendelle from their kingdom. This sets Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, & Olaf off on a quest to find the source of these calls & to save their kingdom. This much darker tale about the Snow Queen will reveal details about Elsa’s & Anna’s ancestry & what’s hidden in the Enchanted Forest. Who or what is calling Elsa? And why? Will Elsa survive this latest dangerous challenge? Will Arendelle get a new queen? Or will Arendelle be destroyed? Will Elsa get a new gown & do? Will romance be woven into the storyline? This sequel seems to be designed more for adults & older children answering questions that might have been brought up from the original. This film about doing what is right may be a little too dark & peril threatening for the very young. Stay until the end of credits for a final clip of Olaf & his silly antics.

Alien gives it 3½ “Bruni & the Northuldra” stars out of 4.

Knives Out

Wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) & his extended eccentric combative dysfunctional family come together at his remote mansion to celebrate his 85th birthday but the next day he is discovered dead. The police along with a detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) arrive to investigate. This black comedy is a good old fashion whodunit. The large ensemble cast includes Chris Evans, Jaime Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, & Toni Collette. There are plenty of motives as well as twists & turns. The talented Daniel Craig does a variation of his Joe Bang southern drawl from “Logan Lucky“. See if you can deduce the killer before the big reveal.

Alien gives it 3 “last will & testament” stars out of 4.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 

A jaded journalist Lloyd Vogel (Mathew Rhys) reluctantly accepts an assignment to profile the iconic Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks) in an Esquire magazine article. They develop a unique relationship that has a profound effect on the writer’s personal life. Chris Cooper gives an outstanding performance as Lloyd’s father that is emotionally moving. This film is inspired by true events. Personally, I️ didn’t grow up watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood so I️ started off misreading the structure of this movie. To me, it felt like an episode of the “Twilight Zone” where a struggling man was dealing with his problems & received guidance through the philosophies of  a children’s PBS TV host, as though Fred Rogers was an imaginary character giving him special advice. I️ somehow mis-thought Mr.Rogers character was merely a projected TV persona. Apparently, I was wrong. Nevertheless, this is an inspirational film about becoming a better person with a little help from a friend. Hanks manages to create Roger’s soft spoken speech patterns so effectively that he may lull some into an early nap session. I️ may have to revisit this film to properly judge it. True fans enjoy this film’s message by their hero.

Alien gives it 2½ “man’s perspective changed” stars out of 4.

Charlie’s Angels

Who would have thought that Jean-Luc Picard, Effie Trinket, & Bella Swan would team up to rescue Princess Jasmine & prevent a deadly device from falling into the wrong hands.

Based off of a TV series (1976-81) & 2 movies (2000 & 2003), the Townsend Agency has expanded internationally. John Bosley (Patrick Stewart) is retiring. Apparently, Bosley is more of a job title than an actual name as both Elizabeth Banks & Djimon Hounsou are referred to as Bosley & they aren’t the only two. Angels Sabina (Kristen Stewart) & Jane (Ella Balinska) are sent in to protect a systems engineer/whistle blower Elena (Naomi Scott) & prevent a sustainable energy device from being weaponized. Balinska plays the tall, dark, & deadly one. Kristen Stewart provides the comic relief; a refreshing change from her typically stiff performances. Producer/writer/director Banks plays a former angel who has been promoted to Bosley status. Scott starts out as the damsel in distress but manages to step it up in the heat of the battle. It’s a fun, entertaining action/comedy featuring girl power & sisterhood with high energy thrills, glamorous costumes, & a nod to angels past. Look for some surprise cameos during the roll of credits.

Alien gives it 3 “Calisto” stars out of 4.

The Good Liar

In London, Roy (Ian McKellen) meets Betty (Helen Mirren) through an online dating site. It’s a playful first date which feels like we may be watching a geriatric rom/com. However, the story turns more sinister as Roy is revealed to be a career con artist bilking unsuspecting people out of huge sums of money. Now, he sets his eyes on his next easy mark, Betty. McKellen & Mirren never disappoint with their perfect character performances. While I️ did enjoy seeing these two play off each other, I️ felt the script wasn’t quite clever enough for the caliber of these two exceptional actors. While it isn’t difficult to anticipate the outcome but it is much harder to reason the how & why. Still, these two outstanding actors will capture your attention & focus.

Alien gives it 3 “Berlin” stars out of 4.

Doctor Sleep

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

Finally, little Danny Torrance & the Outlook Hotel have returned to the big screen since their debut in 1980’s “The Shining”. Danny (Ewan McGregor) is all grownup now. He’s alcoholic due to his childhood “shining” connection to these evil spirits but he has learn to deal with them. He is nicknamed Doctor Sleep at the hospice where he works trying to live a normal life until he is suddenly contacted mentally by a young girl, Abra, who also has these powerful psychic abilities. This puts them on a collision course with Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson) & her creepy cult who feed off the shine of the innocents. Ferguson is mesmerizingly scary. This is an intense two and a half hour thrill ride. Although it is not absolutely necessary to see the original film, this movie does repeat many of those iconic images & moments which heightens the experience for fans. If you like the horror genre, this is a fun one to watch.

Alien gives it 3½ “Eat well, live long” stars out of 4.

FORD v FERRARI

It’s “Rush” meets “The Art of Racing in the Rain” as the Ford Motor Company takes on Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Ex-race car driver/car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) & race car driver/mechanical engineer Ken Miles (Christian Bale) team up for & butt heads against Corporate Ford heads in their attempt to build a better & faster car than the famed Ferrari auto racing powerhouse. Damon & Bale give outstanding performances as individuals at the top of their game but considered renegades because they refuse to bow to corporate wishes. The terrific supporting cast also add great depth to the film. It’s a thrilling true story as these underdogs challenge the perennial winners. For race fans, there is plenty of crash & burn action to rev your engines. A great sense of humor runs throughout to breakup those hair raising, hang on to your seats, intense moments. Watch these men push themselves & their cars to their limits. Beyond the exhilaration & excitement on the raceway, there is very touching & emotional story about friendship. Even if you aren’t into car racing movies, give this a try because it may surprise you.

Alien gives it 4 “blood hell” stars out of 4.

Last Christmas

It’s now November so ‘tis the season for those Christmas themed movies to start showing up.

Meet Kate (Emilia Clarke). She is a hot mess. She is homeless because she is self-centered, careless, irresponsible, & thus alienated herself from her friends & family. She is an aspiring singer who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas store. Kate is rather depressed with her life when she continually runs into Tom (Henry Golding). He is very handsome & charming but also kind of mysterious. When she starts to fall for him, he doesn’t seem as interested in moving forward in the relationship. Set in London, Kate has a dysfunctional family. Emma Thompson plays Kate’s Yugoslavian immigrant mom. Michelle Yeoh is hilarious as Kate’s boss. This is an inspirational rom/com film that may surprise you.

Alien gives it 3 “Look up” stars out of 4.

Midway

The Battle of Midway in June of 1942 was the crucial turning point in the Pacific Theater of WWII. Director Roland Emmerich has crafted an amazing cinematic documentary detailing the steps leading up to this key battle. Emmerich puts us right in the middle of the war; on the U.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor on the infamous Sunday, in the Intelligence meetings of both the Japanese & Americans, in the cockpits of the bombers & fighter planes, on the decks of ships from both sides, & with the wives & families of our servicemen. History buffs will recognize the names of Nimitz, Halsey, Doolittle, & Yamamoto as well as the Arizona, the Enterprise, & the Yorktown. The all star ensemble cast includes Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Wilson, Aaron Eckhart, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Dennis Quaid, & Woody Harrelson. It’s intense combat action on land, at sea, & in the air as we watch this explosive, bullet-riddled cat-and-mouse game by both sides. You’ll get a flavor of this war in the Pacific as experienced by all those involved; the intelligence gatherers, the military leaders, the brave & courageous servicemen, & their families. The film’s 2 hour 20 minute runtime is filled with thrilling high energy action with enough individual storylines to make it personal. Look for comparison photos & summaries of the main characters.

Alien gives it 3½  “aerial dogfights” stars out of 4.

Playing With Fire

When a macho, uptight, by-the-book, smoke jumper supervisor Jake Carson (John Cena) & his crew rescue 3 siblings from a burning cabin near Redding, California, madcap mischief breaks out at the orderly shipshape station house. This is a fun family film in mold of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Kindergarten Cop“ & Dwayne Johnson’s “The Game Plan”; adults having trouble handling rambunctious kids in a fairly predictable plot. Keegan-Michael Key & John Leguizamo are comedy foils for Cena. Judy Greer plays a scientist/lover interest. A rebellious teenager, a mischievous middle child, & an adorable 3-year-old round out the cast. The humor here is targeted for the younger crowd.

Alien gives it 2½ “US Department of Forestry” stars out of 4.

Harriet

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

In 1849 Maryland, a young slave called Minty suspects she is going to be sold & separated from her family so she decides to run away. Avoiding the bloodhounds & slave catchers, she makes a nearly 100 mile journey all alone to Philadelphia & safety. Although now living free in the North as the now renamed Harriet Tubman, she decides to return to the South to rescue others including her friends & family. She uses her premonitions from God to help guide her on her rescue missions. This is the amazing true story of an extraordinary person.  Cynthia Erivo is outstanding as this iconic American freedom fighter who played such a major role as a conductor of the Underground Railroad. This is a wonderful American history lesson.

Alien gives it 3 “Minty aka Moses aka Harriet” stars out of 4.