Alien at the Movies

My Old Ass

For her 18th birthday, Elliott (Maisy Stella) goes camping with her 2 BFFs, Ruthie & Ro. After they get high on some specially brewed mushroom tea, they each take own hallucinogenic trip. Young & foolish wild child Elliott meets her 39-year-old self (Abrey Plaza) who tries to offer younger Elliott some supportive advice based on what the older Elliott has learned in life. Warned about what she should & shouldn’t do, Elliott realizes she must rethink her life & her family. However, one warning that gives her the most difficulty is to stay away from Chad, but with no real explanation. This drama/comedy film tackles that dilemma of what would you tell your younger self to help avoid some past mistakes or regrets. After Elliott surprisingly meets a boy named Chad & tries as hard as she can to avoid him, he keeps turning up & he seems to be so charming & irresistible. As Elliott finds that she is falling in love, she desperately tries to reconnect with her future self to find out why she can’t be with this person who seems so perfect for her. This was a refreshing twist to the usual romantic love story plot. I️ was caught off guard with this film. I️ was pleasantly surprised by this quirky premise to this self reevaluation story.

Alien gives it 3 “farm, family, & fate” stars out of 4.

Drive-Away Dolls

It’s 1999 in Philadelphia. Lesbians, crooks, roadtrip, briefcase, & basket… oh my!

Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) plans to visit her aunt in Tallahassee, Florida. After breaking up with her girlfriend Sukie (Beanie Feldstein), Jamie (Margaret Qualley) decides to tag along on her BFF’s roadtrip. They go to a one-way car rental to get a vehicle. Unfortunately, Tallahassee is the secret code word for these 3 criminals to obtain this special vehicle with a briefcase & basket stashed in the trunk. When the criminals arrive too late, they must chase down the unsuspecting girls to get their merchandise. It’s R rated drama/comedy for language & sexual content. I️ would have never guessed the contents of the briefcase & basket in this fun but weird roadtrip film. Pedro Pascal & Matt Damon have bit parts.

Alien gives it 2½ “flat tire” stars out of 4.

You Gotta Believe

In 2002 Fort Worth, Texas, there was a boys baseball team who was the worst in their league. Think “Bad News Bears”. If you like boys, baseball, & underdog stories, this is a great inspirational one. Luke Wilson plays Coach Bobby & his son is on the team. But when Bobby becomes ill & must step down, team manager Jon (Greg Kinnear) becomes their new coach & must prep the team to possibly qualify for the Little League World Series. See what motivates the Westside All-Stars & how the town rallies to support them. This sounds like a classic made up Hollywood fairytale story, but it’s based on true events. See how far these boy will go.

Alien gives it 3 “Williamsport, Pennsylvania bound” stars out of 4.

The Crow

Shelly (FKA Twigs) seeks refuge in a rehabilitation institution in order to escape from Roeg (Danny Houston), a centuries-old crime lord who has made a deal with the devil to provide souls in exchange for immortality. It is in here that she meets Eric (Bill Skarsgàrd), they escape together to avoid some evil henchmen, & they fall in love with each other. Eventually, the love birds pair cross paths with the bad guys & things get ugly. If you like Deadpool/Wolverine type action but with much darker & bloody violence like dismemberment, beheading, & skull breaking sword play, then you might be in the mood for this. The legend of the crow about souls being carried to the land of the dead says if the person dies under tragic circumstances, the crow can resurrect their restless spirit to set things right. Thus, Eric traverses the worlds of the dead & living to right some wrongs. 

Alien gives it 2½ “The power of love” stars out of 4.

Incoming

Four incoming Waymont High School freshmen boys try to prove themselves by attending the first big student rager party of the year. This is another raunchy coming of age comedy where the geeky inept awkward boys make fools of themselves trying to impress girls & their classmates. Of course, everything goes wrong at the party & during the night. Bobby Carnnavale plays the too cool science teacher who crashes the party. Egos & hormones push these boys beyond their limits as drugs & alcohol send their efforts into a tailspin. Just be yourself is the lesson to be learned here in this very predictable plot. This one is more amusing than anywhere near hilarious. Look for a visit to the principal’s office during mid-credit.

Alien gives it 2 “first crush” stars out of 4.

Alien: Romulus

On a distant mining planet, the Weyland-Yutani Corporation is at it again; abusing & taking advantage of their workers and hiding some secrets. Disenchanted teens have hatched a plan to escape their hopeless situation. They plan to salvage the cryostasis chambers on the deactivated space station Romulus-Remus & to use them on their light years long trip to freedom. However, this is where it all goes wrong when they accidentally unleash the xenomorphs & facehuggers. This sets up the teen slasher/horror genre theme played out in space with a huge homage to the Alien franchise. This timeline takes place between ”Alien” & “Aliens”. If you are familiar with the franchise, certain visual keys will suggest what might happen next. If not, just hang on for the wild ride. It becomes “10 Little Indians” as you start guessing who will die & who will survive. This new young next generation of potential victims does a great job of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Film makers have created some amazing visuals for this out-of-this-world concept. Learn more about the xenomorph life cycle & how they track you without eyes. Explore more into what makes these synthetic humans tick & how humans relate to them.

Alien gives it 3½ “In space, there is no gravity” stars out of 4.

Jackpot

It’s “It Could Happen To You” meets “The Bodyguard” meets “The Purge” in dystopian California 2030. Struggling wannabe actress Katie Kim (Akwafina) accidentally wins California Lottery’s biggest payout 3.6 billion dollars. But in this action comedy, the new state law allows anyone who kills the winner to can claim the prize for themselves. Thus, begins the zany fun in this screwball comedy. Freelance bodyguard & all around good guy Noel (John Cena) steps in to offer his assistance. When the situation goes from bad to worse, Noel has no choice but to call in for more professional help from Louis (Simu Liu) & company. But when things for Katie go to the worst, she finds out who her true friends are. This one I️ strictly for laughs with rapid fire jokes & sight gags. Look for outtakes during the credits.

Alien gives it 3 “my ticket, my lottery” stars out of 4.

The Union

Michael (Mark Wahlberg) & Roxanne (Halle Berry) were high school sweethearts but went their separate ways. He didn’t go to college & became a blue collar construction worker. She graduated from university & became an agent for a covert organization known as the Union. When her mission goes sideways & threatens to expose agents around the world, Roxanne abducts Michael to assist her & the Union recover the stolen goods. Michael is selected because he is a nobody & untraceable. With some quick training, he is tossed into the spy game & that’s where the fun begins with all that spy action drama that we expect. JK Simmons plays Roxanne’s boss. It’s got typical action fighting/shootout/car chasing scenes with a little romance in the background. It’s a fun time as Wahlberg & Berry banter back & forth while trying to stop the bad guys. At the end, there is a hint for the next mission for these old sweethearts.

Alien gives it 3 “tranquilizer“ stars out of 4.

My Penguin Friend

Who doesn’t love penguins!

This is the most amazing animal story about a wayward penguin & his adaptability to live among humans. Even more astounding is this film was inspired by a true story. It is told through 3 points of views: the human who rescued this penguin, the biologists who tried to study this penguin, & though the eyes of this unique & remarkable penguin. First off, the cinematography of these lovely creatures on land, on the ocean surface, & underwater alone is worth the price of admission. It’s “March of the Penguins” & beyond. This heartbreaking & heartwarming story begins with a tragic accident that haunts a Brazilian fisherman, Joao (Jean Reno), with guilt & regret. Years later, Joao rescues a lost penguin who was very weak & covered in oil. He nourishes the penguin back to health &  month later when it is strong enough, Joao tries to set it free on distant island hoping it will return to its natural habitats of Antarctica & Argentina, but one day it returns to Joao. As the penguin becomes a familiar sight in Joao’s village, his granddaughter names it Dindim. As Dindim returns to his natural migration seasons, he comes & goes as he pleases. At one of his habits, biologists tag Dindim as part of their studies of penguin life. They do notice Dindim is different. Eventually, Dindim does become worldwide famous as this unusual story is revealed. Filmmaker have done a remarkable job of capturing penguin footage & editing pieces together to tell their story. The penguin vision was a nice touch. Reno is emotionally outstanding as he connects to his new friend. It is an emotional rollercoaster as this lovable creature tugs at are heartstrings culminating with an “it takes a village” moment. This is the best movie that I’ve seen all year. I️ would highly recommend it. It’s a great family film & educational too. At the film’s end is footage of the real human rescuer & his penguin friend who spent 8 years of visitation together.

Alien gives it 4 “IEMANJA” stars out of 4.

Cuckoo

After her mom’s death, 17-year-old Gretchen is forced to move from America to a resort in the German Alps with her father Luis, her step-mom Beth, & her mute little step-sister Alma. Her dad has business plans with the resort owner Mr. König. Then things get strange & eerie as Gretchen sees a mysterious hooded woman & hears loud & reverberating high pitch sounds before blacking out. These sounds apparently also has triggered epileptic seizures in Alma. Women at the resort begin vomiting. Gretchen is starting to get weird vibes & wants to go back home. From this point, I’m starting wonder if Gretchen is going crazy & hallucinating or is she being gaslighted. I️ become suspicious about everyone & won't believe nor trust anyone. There is a big secret being hidden up here in these mountains & I️ was shocked upon the big reveal. I️ did not see it coming.Things get bloody & messy as the body count starts to rise. Who is going to survive this bizarres Alpine journey? This sci-fi horror film may not be for everyone. 

Alien gives it 2½ “butterfly knife” stars out of 4. 

Knox Goes Away

John Knox (Michael Keaton) is a contract killer who has recently been diagnosed with having a rapidly developing form of dementia. For him, time is beginning to tick away too quickly. With his memory less reliable, he tries to redeem himself by trying to save the life of his estranged adult son, Miles (James Marsden). This is a slow paced psychological crime thriller. With the help of an old friend, Xavier (Al Pacino), Knox tries to get all of his ducks in a row before he cashes out.

Alien gives it 2½ “notebook” stars out of 4.

The Beast Within

This is a modern day retelling of a classic folklore creature feature. However, it is more of a psychological thriller than a true horror film. Secluded & isolated deep in the forest is a fortified compound where a loving family enjoy a quiet & peaceful life. There is the father Noah (Kit Harrington), the mother Imogen, 10-year-old daughter Willow, & grandpa Waylon. The story is told more through the eyes of Willow. She is a happy child surrounded by family that loves her. That is until she starts noticing some strange events & her parents taking secretive trips away from the compound. Out of curiosity Willow follows her parents one night & witnesses a shocking transformation & the ancestral family curse/secret. Was the family wrong for hiding this from Willow? Or were they just being overprotective? Of course, one night their worst fear occurs & the family must flee for their lives as this creature comes for them. Who will die & who will survive?

Alien gives it 2½ “oxygen tank” stars out of 4.

A notorious family mercenary group known as the Black Swan is hired to clear out by any means possible a Georgian village impeding the progress of a BritGaz pipeline. When secret videos of this deadly operation are leaked, individuals involved begin to cover up the truth. Grace Lewis (Ruby Rose) leads her Black Swan gang to hijack the English Channet train & take hostages in order to extort money & expose government corruption. From here the plot becomes “Die Hard” on a train. Off duty Secret Air Service agent Tom Buckingham (Sam Heughan) is taking his girlfriend Sophie to Paris on that train. It’s an underground game of Cat & Mouse/Hide & Seek as elite military groups clash while trying to cover up/expose any wrongdoings. Tom is like John McClane/Timex watch that keeps on ticking after taking a licking. The film has its mole or snide (British term). That final chase scene must have been quite lengthy because the landscape changes from sunny & green to a winter wonderland? Will there be a sequel?

Alien gives 2½ “Drop her/him” stars out of 4.

It Ends With Us

Lily Bloom’s (Blake Lively) dream of opening her own flower shop begins to happen in this romantic drama set in Boston. After the death of her father, she randomly meets 2 strangers separately who are going to play significant roles in her future. Allysa (Jenny Slate) will become her helper at the new shop & will also become her best friend. Ryle (Justin  Baldoni), a neurosurgeon, will become her love interest. Lily & Ryle seem quite the couple madly in love. Meanwhile, flashback's tell of Lily’s caring for a homeless boy, Atlas, which blossoms into her first romance experience. However, it sadly ends dramatically & suddenly. Then there is that another past tragic event that leaves Lily mentally scarred. Back in the present by chance, Lily & Atlas (Brandon Sklenar) are unexpectedly reunited & misunderstandings provoke jealousy between Lily’s two lovers. An unfortunate event forces Lily to make a difficult decision. This is a draining emotional ride of many ups & downs. Lively puts her acting range to test. Is there a happy ending for Lily Bloom?

Alien gives it 3 “naked truths” stars out of 4.

Longlegs

Once there was a little girl named Lee…

Because of her apparent clairvoyance abilities, FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is assigned to a series of unsolved murder/suicide cases where the father kills his family & then commits suicide. Although Harker seems least likely to be an FBI field agent type, she manages to crack the coded messages left behind signed as from Longlegs as well as figure out a pattern to these murders. It is a bizarre tale involving dolls, the occult, & possession. My logical mind can’t quite wrap my mind around this twisted story. It’s dark, murky, & eerie. It kept me on edge but I️ can’t say I️ really liked it. Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, & Nicolas Cage are in the supporting cast. Cage plays his weirdest character yet. 

Alien gives it 2 “Polaroid photo” stars out of 4.

One Fast Move

Rev your engines & get ready for thrilling motorcycle track racing action when a troubled young man with daddy issues seeks out his estranged dad supposedly for support & guidance to become professional motorcycle racer. Wes (KJ Apa) was recently discharged from the army but just served jail time for his part in an illegal street race. His love of motorcycles & racing them has him reaching out to the father he never knew. Dean (Eric Dane) was the guy who abandoned mother & son because of  his dreams of racing motorcycles & his fear of fatherhood. Dean is now a washed up competitor with lingering injuries but reluctantly agrees to teach Wes. Edward James Olmos is the motorcycle shop owner Abel who also lends his support to Wes. To balance out this testosterone charged male cast, the film introduces Camila, a waitress at the local diner. Wes & Camila develop a quick romance but also experience some disagreements. This tidy little romance scenario feels sudden & very contrived but the film needs this element for balance & had less than 2 hours to fit it in. This film is about facing your fears, chasing your dreams, & realizing the lies you have told yourself as it explores a father & son trying to connect.

Alien gives it 2½ “just eggs & toast” stars out of 4.

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Trap

“Trap” is M. Night Shyamalan’s latest psychological thriller where law enforcement/police/FBI uses a concert to set up their sting operation to capture a notorious serial killer know as the Butcher. Josh Hartnett plays Cooper, doting father/fireman/serial killer. Cooper is rewarding his daughter Riley for her academic achievements by taking her to see famed Lady Raven’s (Saleka Shyamalan, director/writer M. Night’s daughter) concert. Riley is so jazzed & excited while Cooper is becoming suspicious of the huge law enforcement presence. From there it becomes a cat & mouse game trying to figure out an escape plan against the FBI containment plan. Interestingly, the FBI profiler is played by Haley Mills, who has now gone from “Parent Trap” to Butcher “Trap”. M. Night Shyamalan does cast himself in a cameo. Hartnett is terrific. Typical of his movies, you will get little twists & turns to the story. Will the Butcher get caught or will he manage to slip away to kill again? Look for a mid credit clip featuring the T-shirt Guy Jamie.

Alien gives it 3 “carbon monoxide” stars out of 4.