Saturday, February 29, 2020
Seberg
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This film is based on the true story of American born/French New Wave icon actress Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart) . In the late 1960s, she became the target of the FBI due to her support of the civil rights movement & her connection to Black Panther activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie). Her life & career is put in jeopardy when the FBI overreaches with its surveillance & harassment of her. Jack O’Connell, Vince Vaughn, Colm Meaney, & Zazie Beetz are among the terrific supporting cast.
Alien gives it 2½ “Power to the People” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
This film is based on the true story of American born/French New Wave icon actress Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart) . In the late 1960s, she became the target of the FBI due to her support of the civil rights movement & her connection to Black Panther activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie). Her life & career is put in jeopardy when the FBI overreaches with its surveillance & harassment of her. Jack O’Connell, Vince Vaughn, Colm Meaney, & Zazie Beetz are among the terrific supporting cast.
Alien gives it 2½ “Power to the People” stars out of 4.
Descrip
Emma
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Emma in this latest film version of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Emma is a aristocratic matchmaker who despite her good intentions, manages mismatch relationships for her friends. This period piece comedy is a cinematic treat for the eyes with its amazing costumes, lavish estates, & extraordinary backdrops. The acting is superb. This film should be a delight for those fans of the book, but if you have troubles with English accents and/or period speech patterns, you may not find this film as entertaining. Amy Heckerling’s 1995 “Clueless” may be more to you liking for a more contemporary version of “Emma”. However, maybe this film just doesn't suit my sense of humor.
Alien gives it 2½ “social climbers & hanger ons” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Anya Taylor-Joy stars as Emma in this latest film version of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Emma is a aristocratic matchmaker who despite her good intentions, manages mismatch relationships for her friends. This period piece comedy is a cinematic treat for the eyes with its amazing costumes, lavish estates, & extraordinary backdrops. The acting is superb. This film should be a delight for those fans of the book, but if you have troubles with English accents and/or period speech patterns, you may not find this film as entertaining. Amy Heckerling’s 1995 “Clueless” may be more to you liking for a more contemporary version of “Emma”. However, maybe this film just doesn't suit my sense of humor.
Alien gives it 2½ “social climbers & hanger ons” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
I️ Still Believe
A girl with a story & a boy with a gift meet, fall in love, & share a tragic event in this Christian faith film based on a true story. In 1999, Jeremy Camp (KJ Apa) leaves Indiana for college in California where he meets Jean-Luc & Melissa (Britt Robertson). It’s love at first sight, a budding romance, an awkward love triangle, an unsettling diagnosis, a wedding ceremony, the road to recovery, & dealing with loss. You’ll want to root for this young couple as their love blossoms for each other & pray for them when disaster strikes in this romantic tearjerker. Gary Sinise & Shania Twain play Jeremy’s loving parents. There is a special bond between this father & son. See how people deal with tragedy & distress. See the emotions of sadness, grief, & anger as they ask God why. But one must have faith in heaven & the stars because He works in mysterious ways. Do you believe in miracles? See some of the real life characters portrayed at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “Melissa’s Journal” stars out of 4.
A girl with a story & a boy with a gift meet, fall in love, & share a tragic event in this Christian faith film based on a true story. In 1999, Jeremy Camp (KJ Apa) leaves Indiana for college in California where he meets Jean-Luc & Melissa (Britt Robertson). It’s love at first sight, a budding romance, an awkward love triangle, an unsettling diagnosis, a wedding ceremony, the road to recovery, & dealing with loss. You’ll want to root for this young couple as their love blossoms for each other & pray for them when disaster strikes in this romantic tearjerker. Gary Sinise & Shania Twain play Jeremy’s loving parents. There is a special bond between this father & son. See how people deal with tragedy & distress. See the emotions of sadness, grief, & anger as they ask God why. But one must have faith in heaven & the stars because He works in mysterious ways. Do you believe in miracles? See some of the real life characters portrayed at the end of the film.
Alien gives it 3 “Melissa’s Journal” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
The Invisible Man
A crazy lady, the jellyfish, & the surprise... oh my!
An abusive ex vanishes in order to torment his significant other (Elisabeth Moss) in this modern day retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic tale. When the 2017 remake of “The Mummy” unraveled at the box office. so did Universal’s plans to create their Dark Universe of monster movies. That’s when Blumhouse Productions & director/writer Leigh Whannell (Insidious: Chapter 3, Upgrade) teamed up to create this psychological thriller that’s more suspense than horror. Moss is terrific as the victim being driven insane by her controlling tormenter. You will feel her frustration when no one believes her story as she is being isolated from her friends & family. It has twists & turns that will keep you guessing.
Alien gives it 3 “optics expert” stars out of 4.
A crazy lady, the jellyfish, & the surprise... oh my!
An abusive ex vanishes in order to torment his significant other (Elisabeth Moss) in this modern day retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic tale. When the 2017 remake of “The Mummy” unraveled at the box office. so did Universal’s plans to create their Dark Universe of monster movies. That’s when Blumhouse Productions & director/writer Leigh Whannell (Insidious: Chapter 3, Upgrade) teamed up to create this psychological thriller that’s more suspense than horror. Moss is terrific as the victim being driven insane by her controlling tormenter. You will feel her frustration when no one believes her story as she is being isolated from her friends & family. It has twists & turns that will keep you guessing.
Alien gives it 3 “optics expert” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Brahms: The Boy II
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Move over Annabelle, Brahms has returned to the big screen.
The director & the screenwriter for the 2016 original “The Boy” are also back for this new psychological thriller sequel. Katie Holmes as Liza is the latest American to be tortured by this creepy doll scenario. Liza & her 10-year-old son Jude suffer a traumatizing event that leaves the boy withdrawn & non-verbal while the mom suffers from terrorizing nightmares. So the dad moves the family to the tranquil countryside to escape their troubles. Unfortunately, they end up staying on the Heelshire’s Glennview Estate grounds where Jude finds & becomes attached to this creepy doll buried in a shallow grave. Look for a few jump scares as you try to determine who is behind these unusual occurrences. Is it a demonic doll, the traumatized boy, the hallucinating mom, or some unknown entity. Of course the dad is clueless as the mom becomes more & more suspicious while the son becomes more disturbing. See who lives & who dies. Just when you think it’s happily ever after, there’s the setup for a possible trilogy.
Alien gives it 3 “porcelain mask” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Move over Annabelle, Brahms has returned to the big screen.
The director & the screenwriter for the 2016 original “The Boy” are also back for this new psychological thriller sequel. Katie Holmes as Liza is the latest American to be tortured by this creepy doll scenario. Liza & her 10-year-old son Jude suffer a traumatizing event that leaves the boy withdrawn & non-verbal while the mom suffers from terrorizing nightmares. So the dad moves the family to the tranquil countryside to escape their troubles. Unfortunately, they end up staying on the Heelshire’s Glennview Estate grounds where Jude finds & becomes attached to this creepy doll buried in a shallow grave. Look for a few jump scares as you try to determine who is behind these unusual occurrences. Is it a demonic doll, the traumatized boy, the hallucinating mom, or some unknown entity. Of course the dad is clueless as the mom becomes more & more suspicious while the son becomes more disturbing. See who lives & who dies. Just when you think it’s happily ever after, there’s the setup for a possible trilogy.
Alien gives it 3 “porcelain mask” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Las Píldoras De Mi Novio (My Boyfriend’s Meds)
Jess (Sandra Echeverria) is a promising marketing executive for an upscale Tequila company with her eyes on a big promotion. For the company’s employee bonding/team building retreat, Jess learns everyone is bringing a significant other. So Jess invites her new boyfriend Hank (Jaime Camil), the handsome, charming, sexy, & charismatic owner of a mattress store. But Hank has a secret that he isn’t ready to reveal to his new girlfriend; he is has multiple personality disorders which require a seemingly endless supply of medications. When Hank realizes he has forgotten his meds on the trip, insane hilarity breaks outs. Camil is absolutely amazing as neurotic boyfriend with no filter. This Spanish/English language film is partially subtitled (though I️ was told these actors were speaking Spanglish). I️ couldn’t always keep up with the reads but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the humor & the storyline. This is a marvelous Mexican movie catering to attracting more Latinos to the theaters. If you like zany romantic comedies, don’t be frightened by the subtitles & give this fabulously funny & entertaining film a try. Jason Alexander & Brook Shields have minor roles to attract the gringos. Rated “R” for language & sexual content.
Alien gives it 3½ “I️ am Tequila” stars out of 4.
Jess (Sandra Echeverria) is a promising marketing executive for an upscale Tequila company with her eyes on a big promotion. For the company’s employee bonding/team building retreat, Jess learns everyone is bringing a significant other. So Jess invites her new boyfriend Hank (Jaime Camil), the handsome, charming, sexy, & charismatic owner of a mattress store. But Hank has a secret that he isn’t ready to reveal to his new girlfriend; he is has multiple personality disorders which require a seemingly endless supply of medications. When Hank realizes he has forgotten his meds on the trip, insane hilarity breaks outs. Camil is absolutely amazing as neurotic boyfriend with no filter. This Spanish/English language film is partially subtitled (though I️ was told these actors were speaking Spanglish). I️ couldn’t always keep up with the reads but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the humor & the storyline. This is a marvelous Mexican movie catering to attracting more Latinos to the theaters. If you like zany romantic comedies, don’t be frightened by the subtitles & give this fabulously funny & entertaining film a try. Jason Alexander & Brook Shields have minor roles to attract the gringos. Rated “R” for language & sexual content.
Alien gives it 3½ “I️ am Tequila” stars out of 4.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Fantasy Island
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
An iconic popular 70’s TV show comes to the big screen but it also comes with a twist. There is a Mr Roake (Michael Peña) who welcomes 5 guests (including Lucy Hale & Maggie Q) to his Fantasy Island. However, these contest winners will get more than they bargained for. Being a Blum House Production, no one should not be surprised at the horror element to this mystery/revenge/fantasy story. The script adds some twists & turns to keep the audience guessing. The film tries to honor its original source material while updating it for today’s fans of those darker movies. Come see what makes these fantasies happen. See what brings these 5 guests to the island. See who survives this nightmare. Is it fulfill your fantasies or face your fears? This is a throwback guilty pleasure for fans of the darker side.
Alien gives it 2½ “black fantasy goo” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
An iconic popular 70’s TV show comes to the big screen but it also comes with a twist. There is a Mr Roake (Michael Peña) who welcomes 5 guests (including Lucy Hale & Maggie Q) to his Fantasy Island. However, these contest winners will get more than they bargained for. Being a Blum House Production, no one should not be surprised at the horror element to this mystery/revenge/fantasy story. The script adds some twists & turns to keep the audience guessing. The film tries to honor its original source material while updating it for today’s fans of those darker movies. Come see what makes these fantasies happen. See what brings these 5 guests to the island. See who survives this nightmare. Is it fulfill your fantasies or face your fears? This is a throwback guilty pleasure for fans of the darker side.
Alien gives it 2½ “black fantasy goo” stars out of 4.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
The Call of the Wild
Jack London’s classic 1903 story about a dog’s great adventure during the Klondike Gold Rush comes to the big screen. It’s a tale of injustice & redemption as our hero Buck, a St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix, gets dog-napped & sold to be a sled dog in Alaska. Along the way, Buck is beaten, starved, & must fend off the attacks from an alpha dog but he is a kind, smart, brave, & strong dog who becomes the leader of his pack & man’s best friend. One of Buck’s many owners is John Thornton (Harrison Ford). Together, they journey far out into the Alaskan wilderness where Buck hears the call of the wild. This is a highly entertaining live action film with terrific CGI creatures made to convey human emotions. This fun film is filled with drama & humor. It is predictable but in a good way. It’s a great family film especially if you are an adventure seeker and/or a dog lover. Nature’s beauty serves a gorgeous backdrop. Buck is a lovable companion that you would want for your own.
Alien gives it 3½ “doggie express mail route” stars out of 4.
Jack London’s classic 1903 story about a dog’s great adventure during the Klondike Gold Rush comes to the big screen. It’s a tale of injustice & redemption as our hero Buck, a St. Bernard/Scotch Collie mix, gets dog-napped & sold to be a sled dog in Alaska. Along the way, Buck is beaten, starved, & must fend off the attacks from an alpha dog but he is a kind, smart, brave, & strong dog who becomes the leader of his pack & man’s best friend. One of Buck’s many owners is John Thornton (Harrison Ford). Together, they journey far out into the Alaskan wilderness where Buck hears the call of the wild. This is a highly entertaining live action film with terrific CGI creatures made to convey human emotions. This fun film is filled with drama & humor. It is predictable but in a good way. It’s a great family film especially if you are an adventure seeker and/or a dog lover. Nature’s beauty serves a gorgeous backdrop. Buck is a lovable companion that you would want for your own.
Alien gives it 3½ “doggie express mail route” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
The Photograph
It’s a tale of two love stories. One is in the present & one is in the past. One is about the mother & one is about her daughter. From Louisiana to New York & back. When famed photographer Christina Eames (Chanté Adams) suddenly passes away, her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Issa Rae) begins to research into her mom’s past. Likewise, journalist Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield) is writing a feature story on Eames. As Block interviews Morton, they make a connection that neither can resist. This love story within a love story is ever so slowly to develop. Maybe these two are just being cautious & unsure of themselves? Maybe it’s the laid back life style in the South with smooth jazz playing in the background? With a Valentines Day release date, this film is designed to draw in the romantics. Stanfield & Rae have great chemistry together as they flirt with & swoon over each other. This a sophisticated story with mature adults falling in love but sometimes life throws you a curve.
Alien gives it 2½ “Drake & Kendrick” stars out of 4.
It’s a tale of two love stories. One is in the present & one is in the past. One is about the mother & one is about her daughter. From Louisiana to New York & back. When famed photographer Christina Eames (Chanté Adams) suddenly passes away, her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Issa Rae) begins to research into her mom’s past. Likewise, journalist Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield) is writing a feature story on Eames. As Block interviews Morton, they make a connection that neither can resist. This love story within a love story is ever so slowly to develop. Maybe these two are just being cautious & unsure of themselves? Maybe it’s the laid back life style in the South with smooth jazz playing in the background? With a Valentines Day release date, this film is designed to draw in the romantics. Stanfield & Rae have great chemistry together as they flirt with & swoon over each other. This a sophisticated story with mature adults falling in love but sometimes life throws you a curve.
Alien gives it 2½ “Drake & Kendrick” stars out of 4.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Downhill
A near tragic avalanche experience scars a family’s relation while on an European ski vacation. Husband Pete (Will Ferrell) & his wife Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) are parents to 2 young boys. Their relationship becomes strained when Pete abandons his family to save himself when an avalanche threatens. The film title has a double meaning in this black/dark comedy as the Staunton family goes shooshing down the slopes & their relationships start to degrade & be reevaluated. Depending on your sense of humor, this may not be Ferrell/Louis-Dreyfus comedy/drama you were anticipating. Some may find this story more depressing with many awkward moments rather than much to laugh about, other than some uncomfortable chuckles. Ferrell & Louis-Dreyfus do skillful walk that fine line of dark comedy. The Austrian Alps are an absolutely beautiful backdrop but this film is more thought provoking about human nature rather than being anywhere close to a hilariously entertaining movie.
Alien gives it 2 “afraid to admit the truth” stars out of 4.
A near tragic avalanche experience scars a family’s relation while on an European ski vacation. Husband Pete (Will Ferrell) & his wife Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) are parents to 2 young boys. Their relationship becomes strained when Pete abandons his family to save himself when an avalanche threatens. The film title has a double meaning in this black/dark comedy as the Staunton family goes shooshing down the slopes & their relationships start to degrade & be reevaluated. Depending on your sense of humor, this may not be Ferrell/Louis-Dreyfus comedy/drama you were anticipating. Some may find this story more depressing with many awkward moments rather than much to laugh about, other than some uncomfortable chuckles. Ferrell & Louis-Dreyfus do skillful walk that fine line of dark comedy. The Austrian Alps are an absolutely beautiful backdrop but this film is more thought provoking about human nature rather than being anywhere close to a hilariously entertaining movie.
Alien gives it 2 “afraid to admit the truth” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 08, 2020
Sonic the Hedgehog
It’s “E.T.” meets “Speedy Gonzales” when a fast moving blue creature from another world arrives on earth & a government funded evil genius wants to capture & run experiments on it. Saturday morning cartoon fans & 90’s Sega video gamers will probably be delighted to seeing Sonic the Hedgehog up on the big screen. When Sonic causes a huge electrical outage in Montana, Dr. Robotnix (Jim Carrey) shows up to investigate. Local police officer Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) becomes Sonic’s traveling buddy in the search for some lost magic portal rings. This is a terrific fun & funny live action family film. Stay for the credits for glimpses of what a possible sequel may bring.
Alien gives it 3 “Donut Lord & the Blue Blur” stars out of 4.
It’s “E.T.” meets “Speedy Gonzales” when a fast moving blue creature from another world arrives on earth & a government funded evil genius wants to capture & run experiments on it. Saturday morning cartoon fans & 90’s Sega video gamers will probably be delighted to seeing Sonic the Hedgehog up on the big screen. When Sonic causes a huge electrical outage in Montana, Dr. Robotnix (Jim Carrey) shows up to investigate. Local police officer Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) becomes Sonic’s traveling buddy in the search for some lost magic portal rings. This is a terrific fun & funny live action family film. Stay for the credits for glimpses of what a possible sequel may bring.
Alien gives it 3 “Donut Lord & the Blue Blur” stars out of 4.
Wednesday, February 05, 2020
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
It’s “Deadpool” meets “John Wick” when a unpredictable psycho psychologist, a kick-ass songstress, a vigilante crossbow killer, a junior pickpocket, & one of Gotham City’s finest are forces & band together in order to stand up against a sadistic crime lord. It’s rock’n’ roller derby road rage fun & outrageous fun house mayhem as director Cathy Yan crafts a R-rated girl-power comic book superhero film with a woman’s touch. Colorful visuals, stylish bloodless violence, a wild sense of humor, campy fun, & f-bombs exploding left & right are featured. Margot Robbie is absolutely fantastic as she just nails it in her Harley Quinn portrayal. Ewan McGregor plays it over-the-top as Roman Sionis aka Black Mask. When Quinn gets dumped by her boyfriend Mr J, the fear of the Joker’s wrath can no longer give her immunity for her crazy antics. The entertaining fight scenes are choreographed with precision acrobatics & stylish grace. It’s a simple plot but fun to watch. Will this new Birds of Prey team be the new Justice League? Will Harley Quinn be back for more crazed fun & maybe have a Wonder Woman crossover? Stay to the end of credits if you want to hear Harley utter some last words.
Alien gives it 3 “a bat, a mallet, & a pair of skates” stars out of 4.
It’s “Deadpool” meets “John Wick” when a unpredictable psycho psychologist, a kick-ass songstress, a vigilante crossbow killer, a junior pickpocket, & one of Gotham City’s finest are forces & band together in order to stand up against a sadistic crime lord. It’s rock’n’ roller derby road rage fun & outrageous fun house mayhem as director Cathy Yan crafts a R-rated girl-power comic book superhero film with a woman’s touch. Colorful visuals, stylish bloodless violence, a wild sense of humor, campy fun, & f-bombs exploding left & right are featured. Margot Robbie is absolutely fantastic as she just nails it in her Harley Quinn portrayal. Ewan McGregor plays it over-the-top as Roman Sionis aka Black Mask. When Quinn gets dumped by her boyfriend Mr J, the fear of the Joker’s wrath can no longer give her immunity for her crazy antics. The entertaining fight scenes are choreographed with precision acrobatics & stylish grace. It’s a simple plot but fun to watch. Will this new Birds of Prey team be the new Justice League? Will Harley Quinn be back for more crazed fun & maybe have a Wonder Woman crossover? Stay to the end of credits if you want to hear Harley utter some last words.
Alien gives it 3 “a bat, a mallet, & a pair of skates” stars out of 4.
Saturday, February 01, 2020
The Last Full Measure
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
On April 11, 1966 in Vietnam, The Big Red One of Charlie Company became pinned down by enemy fire & were taking on heavy casualties. In an effort to help save lives, Air Force Pararescueman William Pitsenbarger descends from his helicopter to join the ground forces. Some 30 years later, a group of army veterans urge a Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan) to posthumously award the Congressional Medal of Honor to Airman Pitsenbarger. This emotionally moving film is based on a true story. A superb cast of talented actors (William Hurt, Christopher Plummer, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Fonda, Ed Harris, & John Savage) each tell their portion of tragic fire fight on that fateful day in the jungle. Bradley Whitford also plays a role in this government coverup story. This is a tremendous movie about war, soldiers, & the traumatic effects of war on men & their families. From the Gettyburg Address, President Lincoln honored the fallen who gave the last full measure to devotion.
Alien gives it 3½ “Operation Abilene” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
On April 11, 1966 in Vietnam, The Big Red One of Charlie Company became pinned down by enemy fire & were taking on heavy casualties. In an effort to help save lives, Air Force Pararescueman William Pitsenbarger descends from his helicopter to join the ground forces. Some 30 years later, a group of army veterans urge a Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman (Sebastian Stan) to posthumously award the Congressional Medal of Honor to Airman Pitsenbarger. This emotionally moving film is based on a true story. A superb cast of talented actors (William Hurt, Christopher Plummer, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Fonda, Ed Harris, & John Savage) each tell their portion of tragic fire fight on that fateful day in the jungle. Bradley Whitford also plays a role in this government coverup story. This is a tremendous movie about war, soldiers, & the traumatic effects of war on men & their families. From the Gettyburg Address, President Lincoln honored the fallen who gave the last full measure to devotion.
Alien gives it 3½ “Operation Abilene” stars out of 4.
Gretel & Hansel
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The Brothers Grimm’s classic children’s fairy tale gets a twisted, dark, & more adult update. This film focuses on the older sister Gretel & her adolescence. After being cast out by their mother, Gretel & her younger brother Hansel wander in the woods in search of food & work until they stumble upon the home of the evil witch. This film is dark & moody but plays out at a rather slow pace. Horror fans may be disappointed because this story is more creepy than scary. Just when you think you know the plot, filmmakers throw you a curve. Good acting & wonderful visuals can’t save this plodding along storyline without enough action & thrills.
Alien gives it 2½ “black fingers” stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
The Brothers Grimm’s classic children’s fairy tale gets a twisted, dark, & more adult update. This film focuses on the older sister Gretel & her adolescence. After being cast out by their mother, Gretel & her younger brother Hansel wander in the woods in search of food & work until they stumble upon the home of the evil witch. This film is dark & moody but plays out at a rather slow pace. Horror fans may be disappointed because this story is more creepy than scary. Just when you think you know the plot, filmmakers throw you a curve. Good acting & wonderful visuals can’t save this plodding along storyline without enough action & thrills.
Alien gives it 2½ “black fingers” stars out of 4.
