127 Hours

Director Danny Boyle (Train Spotting & Slumdog Millionaire) takes you through all of the highs and lows of a thrill-seeking climber/canyoneer that ends up stuck between a rock and a hard place. This very smart guy makes some crucially dumb mistakes in this based-on-a-true-story ordeal. James Franco gives an Oscar-worthy performance that can be hard to watch at times. This film is beautifully shot in the picturesque canyons of Utah. It is an amazing story of the human spirit’s will to survive. By the film’s end, you’ll feel like you have witnessed Survivor: Bluejohn Canyon.

Alien gives it 3 "Scooby Doo" stars out of 4.

On this multi-movie screening night, Alien thinks he chose wisely when caught between "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson (Faster) and a "haired" place (Tangled).

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Tangled 3D

John Lassiter and Disney work their magic to reinvent the classic Rapunzel fairy tale. Still set in days of yore, but translated into today’s speak, this animated story of love and lost & greed and sacrifice will entertain young and old. It’s about girl power and frying pan power. The kids will love Maximus, the noble steed, and Pascal, the cute little chameleon. This is a great family fun film has some beautiful songs and is destined to become another Disney classic.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "floating lanterns, golden tresses, and magical moments" stars out of 4.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I

Harry and Gang are back for the first installment of the last book. My, how these kids have grown up and matured. The tales just keep getting darker as the world has gone mental, muggles are getting murdered, Harry is hunted, Hermione has her bag of tricks, and friends have a falling out. Between the numerous magic attacks, the gang zips all over the place. In the end, it’s just a big set up to the final showdown... in Part II. Stay tuned.

Alien gives it 3 "sign of the deathly hallows" stars out of 4.

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Skyline

It’s "War of the Worlds" meets "Independence Day" meets "Cloverfield" meets "District 9". Some interesting special effects, a weak story that doesn’t answer any questions, and a lot of cheesy acting is what you get when a small budget puts all its eggs in one basket. Alien did like the creatures and their spacecrafts, but the ending will make you shake your head and say "What?" It is a sci-fi disappointment.

Alien gives it 1 ½ "don’t look into the light" stars out of 4.

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Fair Game

A covert CIA operative (Naomi Watts) and her husband (Sean Penn) become entangled in the Bush administration’s search for Weapons of Mass Destruction. This international spy drama may not be exactly what you expect, but the fact it is a true story makes it more frightening. This film shows how spies can be wives and mothers too, not living that glamorous double-0 life. During the movie, Alien wondered if the real Valerie Plame Wilson was as attractive as Ms. Watts. The answer can be found in an actual film clip at the end of the picture. This is a thinking man’s spy story with a political message.

Alien gives it 3 "yellow cakes and aluminum tubes" stars out of 4.

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The Next Three Days

Alien didn’t get to screen this film yet because I was following the search for Weapons of Mass Destruction. However, from the theater trailer, it looks like "Conviction" meets "Law Abiding Citizen" meets "Taken".

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Saw 3D

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

Jigsaw is back for a seventh stab at torturing your mind. Alien admits to only viewing #1 & #3, but still must admire the skills these evilly clever filmmakers have honed over the years of practice. Nevertheless, the sadistically cruel punishments portrayed are still hard to watch. If you haven’t seen the previous "Saw" films, the characters’ true significances may be harder to figure out, but it won’t matter much because most will die anyway. Fans of the series will just love it. Expect the usual twists and turns. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle, these films are interconnected and each reveals a little more of the bigger picture in this gruesome game of survival.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "surprises, choices, and sacrifices" stars out of 4.

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Unstoppable

Director Tony Scott and Denzel Washington team up again with each doing what they do best. Human error and bad luck set the wheels into motion for a rousing runaway romp. A 28-year railroad veteran (Washington) and a 4-month rookie (Chris Pine) are the last chance to avert disaster. Film edits and a pounding sound track will keep the adrenalin coursing through your veins. This action thriller will give you everything you want including a fake where-are-they-now summary in this inspired by true events story.

Alien gives it 3 "triple seven" stars out of 4.

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Morning Glory

"Morning Glory" is a hysterically funny behind-the-scenes look at early morning programming. A spunky young news producer (Rachel McAdams) is hired to revive an at-the-bottom-of –the-ratings morning show, Daybreak. Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton play the veteran co-hosts. McAdams is absolutely adorable, comedically talented, and looks great even in her underwear. It’s the best film in that "romantic comedy" category that Alien has seen in a long time. Look for a number of cameo surprises.

Alien give it 3 ½ "frittatas" stars of 4.

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