Alien at the Movies

Project Hail Mary

It’s the Reluctant Astronaut & his Pet Rock Saves the Day as two worlds collide in their desperate last chance rescue missions. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) is a humble middle school science teacher/molecular biologist who bikes to work but not for the exercise. His story begins as he awakes from a sleep induced coma on a spacecraft light years from earth with no memory of who he is or why he is there. As his memories return, audiences learn that he is part of Project Hail Mary with hopes to save earth & our dimming sun. When Grace reaches his final destination, he discovers a 5-appendage rock-like alien creature on a similar mission. From here, the story takes on a Robinson Caruso at Tau Ceti vibe. These two explorers have to figure out how to communicate with each other in order to complete their missions. This is a marvelous family film full of adventure, humor, heart, & scientific wonder with some surprises. This movie is pretty much a one-man & his puppet show with flashbacks to fill in the gaps. It’s 2½ hours of interstellar special effects as these 2 individuals begin to bond & care for each other.

Alien gives it 3½ “Astrophage/Taumoeba” stars out of 4.

Scream 7

“What’s your favorite scary movie?”

Are you a “Scream” fan or hater? Can you believe it? This is the 7th film of the franchise that began 30 years ago. The franchise has endured so long with its balance of horror & humor while poking fun at the teenage slasher horror film genre. This one is not much different from the other 6 previous films. Some old familiar faces return & some new faces appear. Try & guess who is behind the ghostface mask this time. Guess who will die & who will survive. This is a nostalgic homage linking back to previous iconic moments. How many different ways can you threaten/kill people? The opening scene begins at a “Stab” themed AirB&B that was Stu Macher’s former house. The mysterious ghostface is now targeting Sydney’s (Neve Campbell) daughter, Tatum. Pine Grove is the new Woodsboro. Look for the usual jump scares & the many twists & turns. Everyone is a suspect. Like the previous films, don’t take things seriously & just enjoy the fun. It’s bloody spills, scary thrills. & stabby kills. Will there be an eighth? No ending hints, but this one sets up like “Scream: The Next Generation”.

Alien gives it 3 “don’t bring a knife to a gunfight” stars out of 4.

Reminders of Him

When Kenna (Maika Monroe) is released from prison, she returns to her hometown in hopes of reuniting with her daughter. Her daughter was born while she was in prison & she immediately lost custody to the paternal grandparents (Lauren Graham & Bradley Whitford). The grandparents blamed Kenna for the death of their son Scotty & forbade Kenna from seeing her daughter. As Kenna struggles to find a job & rebuild her life, she meets a local bar owner Ledger (Tyriq Withers). This is where life gets really complicated for these people. This romantic drama becomes a tearjerker as their lives clash. 

Alien gives it 3 “personal notebooks of thoughts & feelings” stars out of 4.

The Bride!

This is director Maggie Gyllenhaal’s bold reimagining of the Bride of Frankenstein story. Dr. Frankenstein’s original monster aka “Frank” (Christian Bale) has survived over 100 years of loneliness & finds himself in 1936 Chicago seeking out Dr. Cornelia Euphronius (Annette Benning) to create a companion for himself. They dig up the body of a recent victim (Jessie Buckley) of a crime lord’s wrath.  This revived corpse has no memory of her past & Frank tells her she is his “Bride”. As Frank & the Bride try to quietly in disguise blend into society, trouble & dead bodies seem to follow them. Soon detectives & the police are on their trail. This is a genre bending dark comedy horror show with a noir detective feel spiced up with some punk rock vibes. It’s visually stunning. Bale & Buckley give amazing performances. If you are a Universal monster movie fan, you maybe disappointed or surprised by this interpretation. The setting & time period has changed. There is a unique artistic blend of new & old which might be disturbing to some. If you are a big movie fan, you may be impressed by some of the movie flourishes. It’s Mary Shelley’s creations running amuck like Bonnie & Clyde in 1930’s America with musical show tunes & choreography. It’s unconventional, but works for me. 

Alien gives it 3 “the monster mash… it was a graveyard smash” stars out of 4.

Slanted

It’s “Mean Girls” meets “Substance” in this high school drama/horror/very dark comedy dealing with racism, cultural assimilation, peer pressure, & identity. Eight-year-old Joan Huang immigrates to America with her parents. As an Asian-American, she has a hard time adjusting & being accepted into the American life style. Ten years later, she is in high school & wants to fit in with the popular girls group… rich, blue-eyed blondes. The insecure Joan (Shirley Chen) opts for an experimental ethnic surgery that will transform her to look like those popular girls she idolizes. After the surgery, she becomes Jo Hunt (Mckenna Grace) a new girl at school, joins into that popular girl clique, & chases her prom queen dreams. If you are familiar with the 2 movies I previously mentioned, you’ll know where this cautionary tale of “be careful what you wish for” is going. Like “Carrie”, the climax peaks at prom & the crowning of the prom king & queen. I️ liked the premise, but the film fell short on execution… not enough horror for horror fans… too twistedly dark for comedy fans…  I️ was hoping for more satire & humor to drive the themes.

Alien gives it 2 “the American Dream” stars out of 4.

I️ Can Only Imagine 2

Singer/songwriter Bart Millard’s true story continues in this sequel to the 2018 “I️ Can Only Imagine”. Bart is now married to Shannon, raising a family, & touring with the MercyMe band. A new opening act, Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia) is added to their concert tour. Their manager is pushing for a new hit song so they won’t be a one hit wonder. But behind the scenes more drama is brewing involving father/son relationships & illnesses. Thus this story of redemption & hope continues. If you liked the original film, this sequel take you on another emotional roller coaster ride. I️ was an early advanced screening. This film is scheduled to release February 20, 2026.

Alien gives it 3½ “blood brothers” stars out of 4., family, and finding God in the fire.

Wuthering Heights

This movie is director Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel. The story focuses on the passionate & destructive gothic romance of Catherine “Cathy” Earnshaw (Margo Robbie) & Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). The story begins in 1771. The Earnshaws’ Wuthering Heights estate is on the Yorkshire moors. When Cathy was a child, her father acquires a street urchin from Liverpool which he offers to his daughter as a “pet”. She names him Heathcliff. They grow up as playmate companions & develop strong feelings for each other. Mr Earnshaw is an alcoholic gambler who is mean & abusive. Nelly is a servant/companion for Cathy. The wealthy Linton family, Edgar & Isabella, are their neighbors. Fennell takes a bold chance in re-spinning this classic period piece with her modernized twists. The vast flatlands of the foggy moors are captivatingly beautiful. Trying to attract more of today’s movie goers, Fennell introduces more lavish fashions & jewelry with bolder & brighter colors that may be more fitting of some Hollywood red carpet events. Creative sexual scenes seemed to be interjected more for surprising shock value buzz. This classic period piece with the typical romance novel book jacket cover images & a soap opera storyline has been given a stylized modern day appealing look. The film does look great & the acting is great, but I️ did not feel any real chemistry between the supposed lovers. I️ feel Wuthering Heights fans may be a bit disappointed.  

Alien gives it 2½ “C & H” stars out of 4.

Solo Mio (Mine Alone)

Are you a romantic? Have you had your heart broken? Do you speak Italian? Do you dream of Italy?

Romantic Matt (Kevin James) surprises his girlfriend Heather with a marriage proposal. He plans a dream wedding/honeymoon in Italy. However, his dream becomes a nightmare when his fiancée stands him up at the altar. Unable to talk to his runaway bride, Matt becomes depressed not knowing what happened between them. He is forced to experience his prepaid deluxe honeymoon package alone. He meets two quirky touristing couples while soloing his honeymoon. When Matt meets a local coffee shop owner Gia (Nicole Grimaudo), she tries to cheer him up & gives him some advice. If you like romantic comedies, you will enjoy this one. It will make you laugh & cry. Immerse yourself in Italy’s culture, food, & beauty. Matt is that lovable guy you can’t help but root for. James not only stars, but he is also a producer & a writer. Grimaudo is marvelous. Look for a couple of surprise cameos. Will Matt & Heather reunite? Will Matt’s & Gia’s friendship bloom into something more. Will some secrets ruin their relationship? 

Alien gives it 4 “try harder & second chances” stars out of 4.

Goat

It’s “Space Jam” meets “Bad News Bears” when a small goat named Will dreams about playing professional ball on his favorite team along side of the player he idolizes. In this animated all-animal world, basketball is called roarball & it's co-ed featuring the fastest & fiercest creatures. With lots of practice, self confidence, & luck, Will gets his once in a lifetime chance to play pro ball with the Thorns. His teammates aren’t thrilled with his diminutive size. However, he brings a new inspiration to this lackluster team. This action comedy is for sports & basketball fans. It’s a great inspirational film for the young & the old. 

Alien gives it 3 “small can ball” stars out of 4.

Paris Hilton: Infinite Icon - A Visual Memoir

My first impression when I️ heard about a documentary on Paris Hilton… Why? Who cares? But I️’ll try to be open minded & objective. This is a documentary promoting Paris Hilton’s music career while looking back at her past & current life & expressing her thoughts & feelings. Deep down this project still feels like that spoiled rich girl from the “Simple Life” days trying to bathe in the spotlight again. She is trying to feel relevant & promote her dream of becoming a rock star. But can she sing, dance, & perform? Her songs are not awful but they all sound alike driven by a techno beat. She dances like she did during her night clubbing days. Her concert numbers were well staged & choreographed but nothing special. Her singing voice was nothing special either. The highlight of one concert numbers was when Meghan Trainor joined Paris for a duet. I️ found the old family footages of young Paris more interesting. There is a look back at her rise to fame & popularity and the criticism that came with it. Her leaked sex tape & Carl’s Jr commercial are discussed. Her public on camera stylish image seems to persist at her home life too or maybe just because it was being filmed. (white fingerless gloves coordinated with her white sweater similar to her black stage show pair) There is a nice reunion with Nicole Richie. My advice is focus on your loving husband & darling kids. Music is only a hobby.

Alien gives it 1½ “attention that money can buy” stars out of 4.