Kalamity

This psychological thriller will probably be a film that no one has ever heard of and one that no one will have ever seen. Three friends are involved in two breakup relationships with deadly results. The movie has the look and the feel of a student art film project. Professor Alien would grade it all D’s for dragging dreadfully dull with disturbing characters and hard to hear dialogue for this depressing downer doosy.

Alien gives it 1 "calamity with a capital K" star out of 4.

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The Mechanic

The "Transporter" (Jason Statham) teams up with the "3:10 to Yuma" kid (Ben Foster) for some "Mission Impossible" assignments. It’s a remake of a Charles Bronson classic that Alien missed, but the movie was exactly what I would have expected and more. Whether you call him Frank or Arthur, Statham’s character is still cool, but deadly with rules to follow. When you need to arrange an "accident", just place an ad in the classifieds for the mechanic. He is extremely good at fixing problems. The wild game of deceit and double-cross drives this action-packed thrill ride. No matter how perfect your plan is, it can go nuts when little things go astray. Have fun with this great guy film.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "Victory Loves Preparation" stars out of 4.

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The Rite

Possessed bodies, croaking frogs, and red-eyed mules... Oh my!

Michael Kovak leaves the family mortuary business for seminary school. Just as he begins to doubt his faith, he gets recruited for an Exorcism 101 course in Rome. It’s the classic battle of good vs. evil and believer vs. skeptic. Anthony Hopkins always guarantees a strong performance. This inspired by true events film is well crafted, but more human drama than supernatural fright. The more you believe, the more you’ll probably enjoy this movie.

Alien gives it 2 "spitting nails" stars out of 4.

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No Strings Attached

Chance meetings over the years bring two people together for a mutual agreement to be friends with benefits, just sex with no strings attached, anytime, anyplace. This charming romantic comedy is very adult (rated 'R') and hilarious. It’s a great date flick for guys because doc Emma (Natalie Portman) thinks like a dude. Ashton Kutcher is still a one-note actor, but just a little less goofy here. Portman’s acting skills raises the bar to a higher level. The film is smart, funny, and may bring a little tear to your eye. Don’t get up when the credits begin because you’ll be one of those idiots standing there blocking the view of everyone still behind you trying to watch the final scenes play out!

Alien gives it 3 ½ "sex friends" stars out of 4.

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Green Hornet (revisited in 3D)

Alien was delighted for the 3D screening opportunity. It is not a big deal, but a nice enhancement to an already terrific film. You get some shrapnel and flaming embers flying at you as well as a great sense of depth-of-field. The credits are fun to see in 3D and if you pay attention to the last song, you’ll hear Jay "Kato" Chou’s other talent. He’s actually a popular Taiwan singing star and won the Favorite Male Artist of the 20th Golden Melody Awards.

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From Prada to Nada

Life for two sisters changes when their widowed father dies suddenly. Adapted from Jane Austen’s "Sense and Sensibility", they go from riches to rags, from Beverly Hills to East LA, from Prada to nada. It’s a classic fish-out-of-water scenario as these two sheltered and spoiled girls learn to embrace their Mexican culture and heritage while finding true love. Although this story is highly predictable, it’s the sweet and enjoyable one that the audiences want to see.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "double fairy tale love story" stars out of 4.

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The Dilemma

Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James) are best friends and business partners in a venture to sell an electric muscle car concept to Chrysler. When Ronny catches Nick’s wife cheating, it sets off a chain of funny events that will test the relationships of the four main characters. Vaughn and James give you exactly what you expect, but director Ron Howard adds his talent for story telling to enhance your typical romantic comedy setup. Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder give this film class and dramatic balance. Channing Tatum plays a goofy hunk. The talented Queen Latifah is under utilized. Themes of friendship and honesty are explored in this guy-oriented bit of comedic mayhem. Oh yeah, look for another choice cameo appearance (a Howard nepotism tradition) by Ron’s younger brother, Clint.

Alien gives it 3 "Chicago Blackhawks" stars out of 4.

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Country Strong

It’s a countrified "Back Swan" with a twang and a Southern drawl, but not nearly as dark, when a big country superstar (Gwyneth Paltrow) tries for a comeback after rehab. The drama revolves around four characters (Paltrow, Garret Hedlund, Leighton Meester, and Tim McGraw) struggling with love and fame. Good performances and songs highlight this bittersweet love story that plays like a country western song. It is ironically surprising that the actors sing and the singer acts. Alien recommends that you all mosey on down to see this picture show for a good ole time.

Alien gives it 3 "Encore Tour" stars out of 4.

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