Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Day the Earth Stood Still
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Like the 1951 original, this Sci-Fi remake is a product of its time with an important message for the people of earth. The message is kind of the same, but yet different. The 1951 version was a simple anti-war story about a visitor from outer space with a warning. The 2008 version is super-sized special effects driven spectacular about mankind’s destruction of the planet. Keanu Reeves, perfectly suited for playing the woodenly strange Klaatu, impersonates Al Gore with his environmental efforts to save the planet. The film tries to incorporate as much of the memorable stuff from the original, but it steals a lot of bits from many other sci-fi features. At times, it gets too corny and unintentionally funny. It looks great, but doesn’t always make sense. Alien recommends you see the classic 1951 film instead.
Alien gives it 2 "vital list" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Like the 1951 original, this Sci-Fi remake is a product of its time with an important message for the people of earth. The message is kind of the same, but yet different. The 1951 version was a simple anti-war story about a visitor from outer space with a warning. The 2008 version is super-sized special effects driven spectacular about mankind’s destruction of the planet. Keanu Reeves, perfectly suited for playing the woodenly strange Klaatu, impersonates Al Gore with his environmental efforts to save the planet. The film tries to incorporate as much of the memorable stuff from the original, but it steals a lot of bits from many other sci-fi features. At times, it gets too corny and unintentionally funny. It looks great, but doesn’t always make sense. Alien recommends you see the classic 1951 film instead.
Alien gives it 2 "vital list" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Doubt
One might think that a serious movie about two nuns and a priest may be too boring or too religious, but Alien found it to be an exceptional film with great dialogue (based on a Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning play) about faith and doubt when nuns suspect a priest of inappropriate behavior with an altar boy in 1964. Three Oscar winners, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams, head the cast with outstanding performances and bring a richness and subtle nuances to their characters. Viola Davis who plays the altar boy's mother also gives a remarkable portrayal. The movie gives you a behind the scenes look at the Catholic Church and School. The film has just enough humor to take the edge off the seriousness of the situation. The setting is perfect for the film. Even the weather plays a major part in supporting the emotions of the moment. Alien admires the strong performances by the actors and little things that occur in the background.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "sermon of the day" stars out of 4.
One might think that a serious movie about two nuns and a priest may be too boring or too religious, but Alien found it to be an exceptional film with great dialogue (based on a Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning play) about faith and doubt when nuns suspect a priest of inappropriate behavior with an altar boy in 1964. Three Oscar winners, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams, head the cast with outstanding performances and bring a richness and subtle nuances to their characters. Viola Davis who plays the altar boy's mother also gives a remarkable portrayal. The movie gives you a behind the scenes look at the Catholic Church and School. The film has just enough humor to take the edge off the seriousness of the situation. The setting is perfect for the film. Even the weather plays a major part in supporting the emotions of the moment. Alien admires the strong performances by the actors and little things that occur in the background.
Alien gives it 3 ½ "sermon of the day" stars out of 4.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Bedtime Stories
What do you get when you combine Adam Sandler antics and Disney dough? You get a goofy family fun feature about crazy bedtime stories coming to life in the real world. An overlooked handyman seeking a hotel managerial position has to babysit his niece and nephew at night. The movie uses a classic formula: cute kids + adorable pet + generous amount of silliness + a couple of evil bumblers + a little romance + save something important = big time fun. Of course you can expect cameos by two of Sandler's best friends, "you can do it" Rob Schneider and his dog Meatball. Audiences can play Disney Trivial Pursuit during the film by seeing how many Disney references they can spot.
Alien gives it 3 "raining gumballs" stars out of 4.
What do you get when you combine Adam Sandler antics and Disney dough? You get a goofy family fun feature about crazy bedtime stories coming to life in the real world. An overlooked handyman seeking a hotel managerial position has to babysit his niece and nephew at night. The movie uses a classic formula: cute kids + adorable pet + generous amount of silliness + a couple of evil bumblers + a little romance + save something important = big time fun. Of course you can expect cameos by two of Sandler's best friends, "you can do it" Rob Schneider and his dog Meatball. Audiences can play Disney Trivial Pursuit during the film by seeing how many Disney references they can spot.
Alien gives it 3 "raining gumballs" stars out of 4.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Seven Pounds
If you plan to see this film, don't let anyone tell you a thing about this picture because it may spoil it for you. You’ll see a different side of Will Smith. His character is a man of mystery searching for 7 deserving people. A dark cloud hangs over him and his secret. The film is about life and death, lying and loving, remorse and giving. It is a good film and an emotional one. Alien was disappointed that the movie focused mainly on one of the seven (Rosario Dawson), but she was a key character. The film does seem to run rather slow, especially after figuring out where the plot is headed, but curiosity will keep you in your seat until the end. And by the end you may still wonder what is the meaning of the title.
Alien gives it 3 "jellyfish" stars out of 4.
If you plan to see this film, don't let anyone tell you a thing about this picture because it may spoil it for you. You’ll see a different side of Will Smith. His character is a man of mystery searching for 7 deserving people. A dark cloud hangs over him and his secret. The film is about life and death, lying and loving, remorse and giving. It is a good film and an emotional one. Alien was disappointed that the movie focused mainly on one of the seven (Rosario Dawson), but she was a key character. The film does seem to run rather slow, especially after figuring out where the plot is headed, but curiosity will keep you in your seat until the end. And by the end you may still wonder what is the meaning of the title.
Alien gives it 3 "jellyfish" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Yes Man
Alien’s first impression was this movie was going to be a lame Jim Carrey remake of "Liar, Liar", but I was pleasantly surprised that it is not. Carrey is still silly, but his dials it back enough to avoid being annoying. The script and the jokes are fresh and lively. Bradley Cooper's and Zooey Deschanel's characters must have just walked off of the "Failure to Launch" set, but Alien can't resist the lovely zany Zooey, still dangerously toting a shotgun. The film has a great sense of optimism about not being afraid to live life and how the little things you do can pay off big time later. Alien says yes, man, try this upbeat film for lots of fun and laughs. If you leave before the credits, you'll miss a crazy extreme sport featuring Zooey and Carrey.
Alien gives it 3 "Yes! is the new no" stars out of 4.
Alien’s first impression was this movie was going to be a lame Jim Carrey remake of "Liar, Liar", but I was pleasantly surprised that it is not. Carrey is still silly, but his dials it back enough to avoid being annoying. The script and the jokes are fresh and lively. Bradley Cooper's and Zooey Deschanel's characters must have just walked off of the "Failure to Launch" set, but Alien can't resist the lovely zany Zooey, still dangerously toting a shotgun. The film has a great sense of optimism about not being afraid to live life and how the little things you do can pay off big time later. Alien says yes, man, try this upbeat film for lots of fun and laughs. If you leave before the credits, you'll miss a crazy extreme sport featuring Zooey and Carrey.
Alien gives it 3 "Yes! is the new no" stars out of 4.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Tale of Derspereaux
It’s "Ratatouille" meets "Dumbo" meets "Gladiator" in a fairy tale about a misfit mouse with big ears, a sad princess, an unhappy rat, and a bumbling servant. An unfortunate incident in Dor casts a cloud of despair over the town until a tiny mouse with a gentleman’s code comes to the rescue. This film is a bit darker and gloomier than Alien anticipated for an animated feature. It is probably better suited for older kids that have read and enjoyed the children’s book. It has a low cuteness factor as much of the story happens in the dungeons and sewers surrounding Ratworld.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "chivalry, honor, and decency" stars out of 4.
It’s "Ratatouille" meets "Dumbo" meets "Gladiator" in a fairy tale about a misfit mouse with big ears, a sad princess, an unhappy rat, and a bumbling servant. An unfortunate incident in Dor casts a cloud of despair over the town until a tiny mouse with a gentleman’s code comes to the rescue. This film is a bit darker and gloomier than Alien anticipated for an animated feature. It is probably better suited for older kids that have read and enjoyed the children’s book. It has a low cuteness factor as much of the story happens in the dungeons and sewers surrounding Ratworld.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "chivalry, honor, and decency" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Bolt 3D
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the "Six Million Dollar Man" meets "Lassie Come Home" in Disney's latest animated feature about a movie star dog who doesn’t know he has no real super powers. When Bolt becomes lost, he must find his way home with the help from some interesting friends. This is a terrific kids film that’s also entertaining for adults. Great characters, good action, cuteness galore, and load of laughs make this movie a fun time. It is a must see in 3D.
Alien gives it 3 "New Yorker pigeons" out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
It’s the "Six Million Dollar Man" meets "Lassie Come Home" in Disney's latest animated feature about a movie star dog who doesn’t know he has no real super powers. When Bolt becomes lost, he must find his way home with the help from some interesting friends. This is a terrific kids film that’s also entertaining for adults. Great characters, good action, cuteness galore, and load of laughs make this movie a fun time. It is a must see in 3D.
Alien gives it 3 "New Yorker pigeons" out of 4.
Transporter 3
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Frank Martin (Jason Statham) returns to make another action packed thrill ride delivery. This time the man with the rules must make some exceptions. A cloud of mystery surrounding a red head Ukrainian passenger initiates the transporter's journey across Europe while battling the bad guys in those well choreographed and inventive fight scenes and chases. Jason doesn't waste any opportunities to strip off his clean white shirts. One incredible stunt after another stretches the boundaries of reality, but it is sure fun to watch… mindless fun.
Alien gives it 3 "matching bracelets" stars out of 4.
This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.
Frank Martin (Jason Statham) returns to make another action packed thrill ride delivery. This time the man with the rules must make some exceptions. A cloud of mystery surrounding a red head Ukrainian passenger initiates the transporter's journey across Europe while battling the bad guys in those well choreographed and inventive fight scenes and chases. Jason doesn't waste any opportunities to strip off his clean white shirts. One incredible stunt after another stretches the boundaries of reality, but it is sure fun to watch… mindless fun.
Alien gives it 3 "matching bracelets" stars out of 4.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Valkyrie
After opening with the German pledge of allegiance to Hitler, the plot quickly moves on to a plot of a military coup and the assassination of the Führer by a group of high ranking German officers. "Valkyrie" creates great drama and suspense as it reveals insights to those unhappy with their leader. Even though it is based on true events, you can't resist hoping that these brave souls would succeed in their mission. The one distraction about this film that annoyed Alien was all of the Germans with English accents led by that American voice (Tom Cruise). That seemed to detracted from the realism. Still it is a good film, just not a great one.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Operation Walküre" stars out of 4.
After opening with the German pledge of allegiance to Hitler, the plot quickly moves on to a plot of a military coup and the assassination of the Führer by a group of high ranking German officers. "Valkyrie" creates great drama and suspense as it reveals insights to those unhappy with their leader. Even though it is based on true events, you can't resist hoping that these brave souls would succeed in their mission. The one distraction about this film that annoyed Alien was all of the Germans with English accents led by that American voice (Tom Cruise). That seemed to detracted from the realism. Still it is a good film, just not a great one.
Alien gives it 2 ½ "Operation Walküre" stars out of 4.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Nobel Son
It’s "Ruthless People" meets "The Italian Job" meets "The Sting" in this less than thrilling and less than hilarious, dark comedy caper/psychological thriller. The fine cast includes Alan Rickman, Mary Steenburgen, Bill Pullman, Eliza Dushku, and Danny DeVito. The movie gets off to a slow start, but picks up some momentum as the plot begins to take a more interesting turn. The sound track is a bit loud and annoying. The film employs an edgier style that tends to attract a younger audience. It is rated "R" for some extremely graphic violence, language, and sexuality. This film is more of a "rent it" than a "see it".
Alien gives it 2 "million dollar prize money ransom" stars out of 4.
It’s "Ruthless People" meets "The Italian Job" meets "The Sting" in this less than thrilling and less than hilarious, dark comedy caper/psychological thriller. The fine cast includes Alan Rickman, Mary Steenburgen, Bill Pullman, Eliza Dushku, and Danny DeVito. The movie gets off to a slow start, but picks up some momentum as the plot begins to take a more interesting turn. The sound track is a bit loud and annoying. The film employs an edgier style that tends to attract a younger audience. It is rated "R" for some extremely graphic violence, language, and sexuality. This film is more of a "rent it" than a "see it".
Alien gives it 2 "million dollar prize money ransom" stars out of 4.
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett give excellent performances in this curious oddity about two star-crossed lovers where one grows older and the other grows younger. Brad’s beloved New Orleans serves as the main backdrop with the reminder of hurricane Katrina. It's the marvel of movie magic that convincingly shows an 80 year old baby who ages in reverse. This love story is viewed from a new perspective through the eyes of a man getting younger physically, but growing older mentally. Be prepared for a real treat, but brace yourself for a 2 hour and 47 minutes marathon.
Alien gives it 3 "Ripley’s Believe It or Not Attraction" stars out of 4.
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett give excellent performances in this curious oddity about two star-crossed lovers where one grows older and the other grows younger. Brad’s beloved New Orleans serves as the main backdrop with the reminder of hurricane Katrina. It's the marvel of movie magic that convincingly shows an 80 year old baby who ages in reverse. This love story is viewed from a new perspective through the eyes of a man getting younger physically, but growing older mentally. Be prepared for a real treat, but brace yourself for a 2 hour and 47 minutes marathon.
Alien gives it 3 "Ripley’s Believe It or Not Attraction" stars out of 4.
