Into the Storm

It's "Twister" meets "Tornado Alley" meets "Jackass" when storm chasers, thrill seekers, and high school students document the onslaught of unprecedented cyclones touching down in the town of Silverton. These professional and amateur photographers as well as innocent bystanders get trapped in the storm of the century when several tornadoes merge. The special effects are tremendous as these funnel clouds lift and shred everything in their path. It's disaster film survival time as audiences wonder who will live and who will be blown away in spectacular fashion. The film is intense as you experience the sheer power of nature with the roar of its winds enhancing the effect.

Alien gives it 3 "whipping up a fire storm" stars out of 4.

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Get On Up

Chadwick Bozeman really brings it as he goes from Jackie Robinson in "42" to the Godfather of Soul and Funk, James Brown. Bozeman is absolutely convincing in this entertaining biopic revealing the man behind the music. From his impoverish childhood to his rise to fame, Brown is a man with a vision, not to be denied, and doing it his way as told through flashbacks and theatrical asides. This film is a James Brown greatest hits tribute recreating his signature style and electric dance motives as we journey through history crossing paths with the likes of Little Richard, Mick Jagger (one of the film's producers), LBJ, and Martin Luther King Jr. Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Dan Aykroyd play key roles with "The Help" director Tate Taylor at the helm. This is a powerful, emotional, and humorous look at a music legend.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "got more funk in the trunk" stars out of 4.

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Wish I Were Here

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

An unemployed actor reassesses his life upon dealing with a loved one's terminal diagnosis. This comedy/drama is Zach Braff's second stint as actor/writer/director since his "Garden State" movie. It is not a sequel, but could have been the same character 10 years later, moved back to L.A., and married with children. Braff plays a father, husband, brother, and son who is struggling to readjust his life and to better connect with those around him. This kick starter funded project has a subtle sense of humor and an eclectic feel involving a bright pink wig, a power drill, a swear jar, home schooling, a sexual harassment incident, Comic Con cosplay, and toasted almond ice cream bars. Kate Hudson, Joey King, Josh Gad, and Mandy Patinkin round out this good cast. This film is rated "R" mainly for language and some sexual content. It seems like the trip back from the "Garden State" has taken its toll on Braff's multi-talented skills.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "outer space drink" stars out of 4.

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Hercules (3D)

It's "300" meets "The Magnificent 7" in a tale of deceit, betrayal, and revenge during Hercules' (Dwayne Johnson) darker days as a hero for hire with his merry band of mercenaries some time after his famed 12 labors. Hercules and company agree to train farmers to be soldiers and lead them into battle. All the while, Hercules continues to suffer from post traumatic stress syndrome and the guilt of losing his wife and children. The film poses the question about Hercules: Man or Myth? Is he truly the son of Zeus? Meanwhile, his nephew serves as his PR man, embellishing upon his uncle's exploits. Is it legend or hype? Audiences won't be disappointed by the fabulous special effects, the tremendous battle scenes, and the super human feats of strength.

Alien gives it 3 "headed dog, Cerberus" stars out of 4.

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Guardians of the Galaxy (3D)

It's "Star Wars" meets "The Magnificent 7" when a ragtag band of outlaw misfits must join forces in order to escape prison and rescue a mysterious orb from falling into the clutches of the evil Ronan. This terrific sci-fi action comedy is energized by a 70s-80s awesome mixed tape soundtrack. Either the young Peter Quill/Starlord has been taken to a Marvel Universe far, far away or he has been passed through some space time warp, but you'll hardly even notice especially if you are grooving to the tunes. This spectacular special effects driven adventure is lots of fun. Alien was surprised and delighted by its sense of humor. The named cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro. The Stan Lee cameo has become a Marvel staple. There were no revealing clips at the end of this prescreening, but the audience was told the officially released prints would.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "Infinity Stone" stars out of 4.

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Lucy

It's "Lost in Translation" meets "Traffic" meets "Limitless" meets "She" meets "The Matrix" when Lucy (Scarlett Johansson) becomes an unwilling Asian mob drug mule. The accidental drug packet leakage into her system amps her brain power ten-fold. She becomes superhuman proof of a professor's (Morgan Freeman) brain usage theory. Director/writer Luc Besson provides a French connection (Taiwan to Paris mainly) to this sci-fi action fantasy fluff with little actual substance. The talented Johansson becomes an emotional-less soul-less drug addicted killer leaving a trail of dead bodies and reeking havoc & destruction in the wake of senseless violence. The lunacy of the mass mayhem is laughable at times. The action thrills seems to occur just for action sake and not necessarily a plot point.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "CPH4" stars out of 4.

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Sex Tape

How can Cameron Diaz in a comedy titled "Sex Tape" not pique your interest. You'll get to see her naked butt bounce across the screen as well as Jason Segel's, but no one cares about his. Exhausted by their busy jobs and married 10 years with 2 kids, the flame in Jay's & Annie's love life needs a spark so they decide to make a sex tape based on all of the positions illustrated in the "Joy of Sex" book, This part of the film is the foreplay. When their video inadvertently gets uploaded up into the cloud, they spend a crazy "The Adventures in Babysitting" type night trying to undo the mistake. Rob Lowe is hilarious & look for a surprise cameo. Just when you think it is all over, the film climaxes with an outrageous glimpse of their video. This is a great date night film for married-with-kids couples who may be missing a little fun and laughter in their lives. Definitely "R" rated for sexual content, nudity, and language.

Alien gives it 3 "iPad gifts" stars out of 4.

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