Saturday, December 28, 2019
Uncut Gems
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In a risky get rich quick scheme, a Jewish business owner/gambling addict Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) from the New York Diamond District invests in an Ethiopian stone embedded with opals. Howard is walking a tightrope balancing his precarious situation with his business, loan sharks, pawn shops, his wife & family, his girlfriend on the side, and his love of the Celtics. He is always hustling to keep ahead of this debts. Enter Kevin Garnet & things start going south quickly. This unique crime drama may not be for everyone. There is a lot of loud screaming & swearing. By the end you might not like the outcome.
Alien gives it 2½ “KG & the Rock”out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
In a risky get rich quick scheme, a Jewish business owner/gambling addict Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) from the New York Diamond District invests in an Ethiopian stone embedded with opals. Howard is walking a tightrope balancing his precarious situation with his business, loan sharks, pawn shops, his wife & family, his girlfriend on the side, and his love of the Celtics. He is always hustling to keep ahead of this debts. Enter Kevin Garnet & things start going south quickly. This unique crime drama may not be for everyone. There is a lot of loud screaming & swearing. By the end you might not like the outcome.
Alien gives it 2½ “KG & the Rock”out of 4.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
A Hidden Life
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
When an Austrian peasant farmer Franz refuses to pledge his allegiance to Adolf Hitler & the Third Reich, he & his family suffer the consequences. Facing physical & psychological torture in prison & possibly a death sentence, he manages to hang on through the love & support of his wife Fani as well as through his devotion to God. Meanwhile, his family struggles to keep the farm running while being ostracized by their village due to his conscience objection. At nearly 3 hours long, it seems like an endless experience of pain & suffering for this loving couple who has really done nothing bad. The acting is superb. From the beautiful panoramic views of the Austrian countryside to the bleak prison backdrops, it’s a visual treat that realistically captures life during this period of history. This film is based on true events & correspondence letters between Franz & Dani. It is a beautiful love story & a personal statement about standing up for your principles. However, it would be more enjoyable if the film was about half as long.
Alien gives it 2½ “better to suffer injustice than to do it” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
When an Austrian peasant farmer Franz refuses to pledge his allegiance to Adolf Hitler & the Third Reich, he & his family suffer the consequences. Facing physical & psychological torture in prison & possibly a death sentence, he manages to hang on through the love & support of his wife Fani as well as through his devotion to God. Meanwhile, his family struggles to keep the farm running while being ostracized by their village due to his conscience objection. At nearly 3 hours long, it seems like an endless experience of pain & suffering for this loving couple who has really done nothing bad. The acting is superb. From the beautiful panoramic views of the Austrian countryside to the bleak prison backdrops, it’s a visual treat that realistically captures life during this period of history. This film is based on true events & correspondence letters between Franz & Dani. It is a beautiful love story & a personal statement about standing up for your principles. However, it would be more enjoyable if the film was about half as long.
Alien gives it 2½ “better to suffer injustice than to do it” stars out of 4.
Monday, December 23, 2019
Bombshell
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
CEO Roger Ailes’ (John Lithgow) 2016 big sexual harassment scandal at Fox News explodes on to the big screen. It’s an intense behind the scenes look at rampant misogyny in the workplace & how it effects the women employed there. Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) gets demoted & then fired so she sues Ailes. Star anchor Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) debates whether she should come forward. Margo Robbie plays a fictitious character Kayla who is being pressured for sexual favors in trade for promotions & on air presence. The tension in the newsroom becomes so thick you could cut it with a knife. These 4 actors give outstanding performances in this important story About the abuse of power. Kate McKinnon is also terrific in her supporting role. This film was inspired by a true story. Unfortunately, Gretchen Carlson had signed a non disclosure agreement so she was unable to personally provide any input from her point of view. Hopefully, everyone will learn to respect each other in the workplace or face the consequences. Look for today’s political conservative news makers showing up through their connections with Fox News.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “loyalty” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
CEO Roger Ailes’ (John Lithgow) 2016 big sexual harassment scandal at Fox News explodes on to the big screen. It’s an intense behind the scenes look at rampant misogyny in the workplace & how it effects the women employed there. Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) gets demoted & then fired so she sues Ailes. Star anchor Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) debates whether she should come forward. Margo Robbie plays a fictitious character Kayla who is being pressured for sexual favors in trade for promotions & on air presence. The tension in the newsroom becomes so thick you could cut it with a knife. These 4 actors give outstanding performances in this important story About the abuse of power. Kate McKinnon is also terrific in her supporting role. This film was inspired by a true story. Unfortunately, Gretchen Carlson had signed a non disclosure agreement so she was unable to personally provide any input from her point of view. Hopefully, everyone will learn to respect each other in the workplace or face the consequences. Look for today’s political conservative news makers showing up through their connections with Fox News.
Alien gives it 3 ½ “loyalty” stars out of 4.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Forty-two years ago in galaxy far, far away, George Lucas took us on an awesome sci-fi action journey that has spanned into 3 trilogies. This is the final chapter of that space saga & it tries to tie up loose ends & resolve unanswered questions. This conclusion is action packed & full of nostalgic reminders from the past to touch the hearts of the fans. Some will love this & others may hate it. The late Carrie Fisher will ironically make her own version of a Ghost Force appearance. With director JJ Abrams back at the helm, he brings in his childhood friend Greg Grunberg, his “Felicity” star Kerri Russell, & his “Lost” star Dominic Monaghan. Abrams is also the voice of a new droid D-O. Famed music composer John Williams gets a bartender cameo. The film is crafted to entertain, put smiles on faces, touch some hearts, & resolve some issues as it puts some spins & twists to the plot. Who will survive & who will not as Palpitine resurfaces with his Final Order. Will Rey go dark? See whose ancestry is finally linked to Rey. Find out why this ninth episode is titled “The Rise of Skywalker”.
Alien gives it 3½ “Wayfinder to Exegol” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Forty-two years ago in galaxy far, far away, George Lucas took us on an awesome sci-fi action journey that has spanned into 3 trilogies. This is the final chapter of that space saga & it tries to tie up loose ends & resolve unanswered questions. This conclusion is action packed & full of nostalgic reminders from the past to touch the hearts of the fans. Some will love this & others may hate it. The late Carrie Fisher will ironically make her own version of a Ghost Force appearance. With director JJ Abrams back at the helm, he brings in his childhood friend Greg Grunberg, his “Felicity” star Kerri Russell, & his “Lost” star Dominic Monaghan. Abrams is also the voice of a new droid D-O. Famed music composer John Williams gets a bartender cameo. The film is crafted to entertain, put smiles on faces, touch some hearts, & resolve some issues as it puts some spins & twists to the plot. Who will survive & who will not as Palpitine resurfaces with his Final Order. Will Rey go dark? See whose ancestry is finally linked to Rey. Find out why this ninth episode is titled “The Rise of Skywalker”.
Alien gives it 3½ “Wayfinder to Exegol” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Cats
The popular stage production has finally come to the big screen. It’s a kind of American Idol contest when a tribe of cats vie to be the chosen one to ascend to the Heaviside Layer where they can be reborn to a new life. T.S. Eliot’s 1939 book of poetry about Jellicle cats was the inspiration for playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber to created his musical oddity & now director Tom Hooper attempts to elevate the experience to a wider audience. The CGI fuzzy costumes are fantastic. The set designs are amazing. But these cat-people characters choreographed with feline dance moves is a bit weird. This show may only delight the true cat lovers who will naturally get all of those inside cat jokes. The song playlist is nothing special except for the song “Memory”. And if the cats weren’t strange enough, just wait until the mice & the cockroaches are introduced. Maybe it’s just me, but I️ found it difficult to not be distracted by the ever moving ears & tails. Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, & Rebel Wilson appear in the cats of many sizes & colors cast.
Alien gives it 2 “Jellicle Ball” stars out of 4.
The popular stage production has finally come to the big screen. It’s a kind of American Idol contest when a tribe of cats vie to be the chosen one to ascend to the Heaviside Layer where they can be reborn to a new life. T.S. Eliot’s 1939 book of poetry about Jellicle cats was the inspiration for playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber to created his musical oddity & now director Tom Hooper attempts to elevate the experience to a wider audience. The CGI fuzzy costumes are fantastic. The set designs are amazing. But these cat-people characters choreographed with feline dance moves is a bit weird. This show may only delight the true cat lovers who will naturally get all of those inside cat jokes. The song playlist is nothing special except for the song “Memory”. And if the cats weren’t strange enough, just wait until the mice & the cockroaches are introduced. Maybe it’s just me, but I️ found it difficult to not be distracted by the ever moving ears & tails. Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, & Rebel Wilson appear in the cats of many sizes & colors cast.
Alien gives it 2 “Jellicle Ball” stars out of 4.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Honey Boy
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A 12-year-old child star Otis (Noah Jupe) is raised by an emotionally & physically abusive father James (Shia LeBeouf). Former rodeo clown/Vietnam war veteran James is an alcoholic who lives in a cheap motel with his son. Lucas Hedges plays adult Otis who ends up in rehab 10 years later. While some critics may praise this depressing film, it’s a slow moving film & uncomfortable to watch this young boy being tormented & suffering at the hands of his father. This story dealing with PTSD & the love/hate father/son relationship is LeBeouf’s own cinematic therapy rehab exercise to cope with his own painful childhood experience. Hopefully, this project will help heal some old wounds.
Alien gives it 1½ “juggling” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
A 12-year-old child star Otis (Noah Jupe) is raised by an emotionally & physically abusive father James (Shia LeBeouf). Former rodeo clown/Vietnam war veteran James is an alcoholic who lives in a cheap motel with his son. Lucas Hedges plays adult Otis who ends up in rehab 10 years later. While some critics may praise this depressing film, it’s a slow moving film & uncomfortable to watch this young boy being tormented & suffering at the hands of his father. This story dealing with PTSD & the love/hate father/son relationship is LeBeouf’s own cinematic therapy rehab exercise to cope with his own painful childhood experience. Hopefully, this project will help heal some old wounds.
Alien gives it 1½ “juggling” stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Black Christmas
This is not a sneak preview. This film has released.
Sorority sisters go missing & become the targets in this reboot the 1974 “Black Christmas” slasher film. Current issues of campus rapes, misogamy, & #MeToo movement update this remake where deadly stalkings at Hawthorne College occur during winter break. Who is this unknown stalker? What is the motive? Who will survive? If you love the slasher genre, you’ll probably be entertained. If you don’t, you’ll probably think it’s just silly. Some may feel the ending is a bit twisted & unsatisfying but at least it’s finally over. However, stay seated for a mid-credit hint.
Alien gives it 2½ “up in the frat house... ho, ho, ho”stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has released.
Sorority sisters go missing & become the targets in this reboot the 1974 “Black Christmas” slasher film. Current issues of campus rapes, misogamy, & #MeToo movement update this remake where deadly stalkings at Hawthorne College occur during winter break. Who is this unknown stalker? What is the motive? Who will survive? If you love the slasher genre, you’ll probably be entertained. If you don’t, you’ll probably think it’s just silly. Some may feel the ending is a bit twisted & unsatisfying but at least it’s finally over. However, stay seated for a mid-credit hint.
Alien gives it 2½ “up in the frat house... ho, ho, ho”stars out of 4.
Spies in Disguise
The voices of Will Smith & Tom Holland are featured in this very funny animated spy comedy. Lance Sterling is a super cool, arrogantly confidant secret agent. Walter Beckett is the scientific technology genius boy wonder who specializes in nonlethal weapon devices. Their director & supervisor Joy Jenkins looks like Helen Mirren but sounds like Reba McEntire. Killian is a robotic claw armed villain, reminiscent of 007’s Dr. No. The gimmick here is Sterling accidentally gets changed in a pigeon but must still clear his name after being framed. The film’s moral lesson is there is no I️ in TEAM. This is good clean family fun entertainment.
Alien gives it 3 “Pigeon: Impossible” stars out of 4.
The voices of Will Smith & Tom Holland are featured in this very funny animated spy comedy. Lance Sterling is a super cool, arrogantly confidant secret agent. Walter Beckett is the scientific technology genius boy wonder who specializes in nonlethal weapon devices. Their director & supervisor Joy Jenkins looks like Helen Mirren but sounds like Reba McEntire. Killian is a robotic claw armed villain, reminiscent of 007’s Dr. No. The gimmick here is Sterling accidentally gets changed in a pigeon but must still clear his name after being framed. The film’s moral lesson is there is no I️ in TEAM. This is good clean family fun entertainment.
Alien gives it 3 “Pigeon: Impossible” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the March family is making its 8th edition debut on the big screen. This film version about Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Beth (Eliza Scanlen), Amy (Florence Pugh), Marmee (Laura Dern), Aunt March (Meryl Streep), & Laurie (Timothée Chamalet) is directed by Greta Gerwig of “Lady Bird” fame. Set in post-Civil War Massachusetts, the story revolves around 4 sisters growing up & experiencing life, love, & loss. It is a timeless lesson about how to live life, being generous, making sacrifices, helping others, & finding happiness. The film does jump back & forth in time though, which may confuse the audience a bit because it may take a few moments for some to realize it when it occurs. Ronan is always outstanding no matter what part she undertakes. She is a joy to watch on screen. This cast has great chemistry together. If you are a big fan of this story, you’ll surely love this version too. It is a classic chick flick featuring women of different personalities, wants, & needs.
Alien gives it 3½ “sisterhood” stars out of 4.
Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about the March family is making its 8th edition debut on the big screen. This film version about Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Beth (Eliza Scanlen), Amy (Florence Pugh), Marmee (Laura Dern), Aunt March (Meryl Streep), & Laurie (Timothée Chamalet) is directed by Greta Gerwig of “Lady Bird” fame. Set in post-Civil War Massachusetts, the story revolves around 4 sisters growing up & experiencing life, love, & loss. It is a timeless lesson about how to live life, being generous, making sacrifices, helping others, & finding happiness. The film does jump back & forth in time though, which may confuse the audience a bit because it may take a few moments for some to realize it when it occurs. Ronan is always outstanding no matter what part she undertakes. She is a joy to watch on screen. This cast has great chemistry together. If you are a big fan of this story, you’ll surely love this version too. It is a classic chick flick featuring women of different personalities, wants, & needs.
Alien gives it 3½ “sisterhood” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Richard Jewell
In Atlanta’s Centennial Park, security guard Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) discovers a suspicious unattended backpack at the 1996 Olympics. He notifies the bomb squad & begins to clear the area but the package explodes killing 2 & injuring over a 100. Jewell becomes an instant hero until 3 days later, a newspaper article identifies him as a suspect because he fits the FBI’s criminal profile. He & his mom (Kathy Bates) become harassed by the FBI & he becomes unjustly vilified by media. Director Clint Eastwood has masterfully crafted an emotional film based on true events with possibly some literary license to create dramatic tension. Jewell is characterized as an overzealous wannabe cop who may not be not be the brightest bulb but he is a by the book kind of guy. Olivia Wilde plays the overly ambitious do anything to break the story newspaper reporter Kathy Skruggs. Jon Hamm is the lead FBI agent Tom Shaw who is determined to prove Jewell is guilty & whose methods may sometimes come off as underhanded. Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell) is hired as Jewell’s legal defense. Bates is terrific as the mother who is shaken by accusations against her only son. The acting is superb all around as the polarized sides fight to prove their points. Hauser is the key to the film & his performance makes it all work even though a couple of the characters feel exaggerated for the sake of the drama.
Alien gives it 3½ “pipe bomb” stars out of 4.
In Atlanta’s Centennial Park, security guard Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) discovers a suspicious unattended backpack at the 1996 Olympics. He notifies the bomb squad & begins to clear the area but the package explodes killing 2 & injuring over a 100. Jewell becomes an instant hero until 3 days later, a newspaper article identifies him as a suspect because he fits the FBI’s criminal profile. He & his mom (Kathy Bates) become harassed by the FBI & he becomes unjustly vilified by media. Director Clint Eastwood has masterfully crafted an emotional film based on true events with possibly some literary license to create dramatic tension. Jewell is characterized as an overzealous wannabe cop who may not be not be the brightest bulb but he is a by the book kind of guy. Olivia Wilde plays the overly ambitious do anything to break the story newspaper reporter Kathy Skruggs. Jon Hamm is the lead FBI agent Tom Shaw who is determined to prove Jewell is guilty & whose methods may sometimes come off as underhanded. Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell) is hired as Jewell’s legal defense. Bates is terrific as the mother who is shaken by accusations against her only son. The acting is superb all around as the polarized sides fight to prove their points. Hauser is the key to the film & his performance makes it all work even though a couple of the characters feel exaggerated for the sake of the drama.
Alien gives it 3½ “pipe bomb” stars out of 4.
Monday, December 09, 2019
Jumanji: The Next Level
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, & Karen Gillan are back as your favorite avatars in a sequel to the 2017 “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”. These four have great chemistry together & their reboot of the 1995 “Jumanji” featuring Robin Williams was a popular hit. When Spencer has doubts about himself & his life, he decides to return to the land of Jumanji. When his 3 good friends, Martha, Bethany, & Fridge, come looking for him, a new adventure begins. But like any good virtual reality game upgrade, there are new twists, turns, & characters added to keep the fans interested & excited. Danny DeVito & Danny Glover have been cleverly added to the cast to help fill in the gaps for newcomers to this film franchise. A new character swap feature adds to the humor & allows these talented stars to stretch their acting chops. Along with lots of tremendous high action drama, it’s a exhilarating thrill ride for gamers & non-gamers alike. Nick Jonas & Collin Hanks also return to the film & this time someone won’t return from the game. The underlying theme is about lost friends finding themselves again. A mid-credit clip hints to a possible trilogy where things may come full circle.
Alien gives it 3½ “ostriches” stars out of 4.
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, & Karen Gillan are back as your favorite avatars in a sequel to the 2017 “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”. These four have great chemistry together & their reboot of the 1995 “Jumanji” featuring Robin Williams was a popular hit. When Spencer has doubts about himself & his life, he decides to return to the land of Jumanji. When his 3 good friends, Martha, Bethany, & Fridge, come looking for him, a new adventure begins. But like any good virtual reality game upgrade, there are new twists, turns, & characters added to keep the fans interested & excited. Danny DeVito & Danny Glover have been cleverly added to the cast to help fill in the gaps for newcomers to this film franchise. A new character swap feature adds to the humor & allows these talented stars to stretch their acting chops. Along with lots of tremendous high action drama, it’s a exhilarating thrill ride for gamers & non-gamers alike. Nick Jonas & Collin Hanks also return to the film & this time someone won’t return from the game. The underlying theme is about lost friends finding themselves again. A mid-credit clip hints to a possible trilogy where things may come full circle.
Alien gives it 3½ “ostriches” stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 07, 2019
Dark Waters
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s a small-time rancher in West Virginia versus the giant DuPont Corporation in this true modern day David & Goliath story. Mark Ruffalo plays corporate lawyer Robert Bilott hired by cattle rancher Wilbur Tennet (Bill Camp) to get answers to what has kill 190 of his cows. Ruffalo & Camp are terrific. Anne Hathaway has a small but emotionally charged role as the wife Sarah Bilott. This is a legal drama about a young associate who risks everything, his job, his family, & his life to build a case against a big company he would normally be defending. The film sets a gloomy mood throughout as a dark cloud seems to be continuing hanging over Bilott & the town of Parkersburg. It’s riveting drama even though we all think we know where this is going.
Alien gives it 3 “better living through chemistry” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s a small-time rancher in West Virginia versus the giant DuPont Corporation in this true modern day David & Goliath story. Mark Ruffalo plays corporate lawyer Robert Bilott hired by cattle rancher Wilbur Tennet (Bill Camp) to get answers to what has kill 190 of his cows. Ruffalo & Camp are terrific. Anne Hathaway has a small but emotionally charged role as the wife Sarah Bilott. This is a legal drama about a young associate who risks everything, his job, his family, & his life to build a case against a big company he would normally be defending. The film sets a gloomy mood throughout as a dark cloud seems to be continuing hanging over Bilott & the town of Parkersburg. It’s riveting drama even though we all think we know where this is going.
Alien gives it 3 “better living through chemistry” stars out of 4.
Playmobil: The Movie
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Move over LEGOs, the Playmobil toy company wants a piece of the animated film pie. Teenager Marla & her 10-year-old brother Charlie suffer a tragic life changing event which sets them up for a fantasy journey to Playmobil land à la ”Night at the Museum”/“Jumanji”. Brother & sister are transformed into Playmobil characters, get separated, reunite, & find their way home. This animated musical fantasy adventure is mostly a merchandising gimmick targeting the under 10-year-old crowd. The humor is not very witty & the songs are not memorable. It’s vikings, pirates, romans, a secret agent, a misfit robot, a t-rex, & a food truck operator in a silly romp in toyland. Look for a mid-credit clip hinting to a possible sequel.
Alien gives it 2 “pink hay” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Move over LEGOs, the Playmobil toy company wants a piece of the animated film pie. Teenager Marla & her 10-year-old brother Charlie suffer a tragic life changing event which sets them up for a fantasy journey to Playmobil land à la ”Night at the Museum”/“Jumanji”. Brother & sister are transformed into Playmobil characters, get separated, reunite, & find their way home. This animated musical fantasy adventure is mostly a merchandising gimmick targeting the under 10-year-old crowd. The humor is not very witty & the songs are not memorable. It’s vikings, pirates, romans, a secret agent, a misfit robot, a t-rex, & a food truck operator in a silly romp in toyland. Look for a mid-credit clip hinting to a possible sequel.
Alien gives it 2 “pink hay” stars out of 4.
