My Week With Marilyn

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

A determined young man's desire to become involved in the film industry leads him to some memorable Marilyn Monroe moments. See the behind the scenes of movie making where an actor wants to be a film star and a film star wants to be an actor. Michelle Williams is absolutely outstanding and just oozes Marilyn Monroe... sexy, temperamental, playful, insecure, and desperately wanting to be loved. Like Marilyn, when Williams is on screen, you can't take your eyes off of her. It is a charming story of infatuation with an iconic image.

Alien gives it 3 "The Sleeping Prince" stars out of 4.

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The Descendants

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

Soak up some local Hawaiian flavor as you realise it's not always the paradise you expected. A hard working lawyer (George Clooney) can barely keep his head above water as he deals with his wife's tragic accident, his troublesome daughters, and the pressures of a multimillion dollar land deal. It's an emotional drama with a dark sense of humor. You will laugh a little and cry a little as you watch this dysfunctional family learn how to cope and grieve during these difficult times. Through it all, the family grows closer and are there for each other. Clooney is the perfect pick for the part.

Alien gives it 3 "love, betrayal, and forgiveness" stars out of 4.

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The Darkest Hour (3D)

It's "The Social Network" meets "Attack on the Block" meets "Skyline" trying to be "War of the Worlds" meets "I Am Legend" in this Russian-made movie about 4 Americans trapped in Moscow when cloaked aliens invade. Zapping humans into ashes is about the only good thing in this sci-fi survival film with a lot of electromagnetic microwave mumble jumble. The 3D effects as well as the dialogue are weak. Hire a known American name (Emile Hirsch) to make it seem like a better movie. It's cheaper to CGI invisible creatures. "The Darkest Hour" is more of a forgettable hour and a half.

Alien gives it 2 "Faraday Cage" stars out of 4.

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The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo

Two investigative reporters, one disgraced by a libel suit (Daniel Craig) and the other a pierced tattooed computer hacking ward of the state (Rooney Mara), become involved in solving a 40 year old missing person case. It's an intriguing mystery with a fascinating lead character that you can't take your eyes off of. Sweden's harsh bitter backdrop sets the tone of the heroine's bleak and brutal world. Don't underestimate this inked nonconformist because she is highly intelligent, but more importantly, don't dare to cross her. If you like the bad girl type, you love this dark soul. For the squeamish, beware of graphic images of murder and rape as well as nudity in explicit sex scenes. The story plays out slowly during its 2 ½ hours, but it is well worth it. Alien did have trouble with the accents and keeping track of who is who in the family of crazies.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "Leviticus" stars out of 4.

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The Adventures of Tintin (3D)

It's "Indiana Jones" meets "Pirates of the Caribbean" as a boy reporter, Tintin, stumbles onto a hidden treasure clue and ends up competing against the bad guys. Director Steven Spielberg's artistic film making talents are evident in this amazing motion capture animated visual treat. Based on a Belgium comic book, this adaptation is a rousing non-stop action adventure thriller. The mystery incorporates a pirate story, a clever dog, a pickpocket, two detectives, and a freighter. It is good family entertainment if the kiddies are not too young. Hints of beginning another treasure hunt are made by film's end.

Alien gives it 3 "Mystery of the Unicorn" stars out of 4.

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War Horse

Steven Spielberg combines the concept of "a boy and his dog" and "lovers separated by the war" into a moving story about a young man, Albert, his horse, Joey, and the odyssey they endure through WWI. See how the lives of many are touched by this noble steed with a big heart and lots of determination. Spielberg directs an emotional movie on an epic scale that may bring a few tears to your eyes. The film runs nearly 2 ½ hours long, but you'd never notice because the story is so captivating.

Alien give it 3 ½ "caught in no man's land" stars out of 4.

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Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (IMAX)

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team get framed and must stop a nuclear war threat all on their own. This fourth franchise film features some of the most thrilling and spectacular stunt scenes imagined as the heart pounding action takes us from the Kremlin to Dubai to Mumbai. It's classic Mission Impossible deception and high tech gadgetry. The movie is an incredible thrill ride for adrenaline junkies like its star. The story is rather simple, the aerial shots are breath taking, and the action is death defying. Mission Impossible movie fans can definitely expect it to ooze Cruise.

Alien gives it 3 "disavowed" stars out of 4.

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Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

A British Hero battles an evil villain in a world domination plot involving a big fight scene on a honeymoon train, a sniper, a fake face, a Gypsy camp, breaking codes, and the hero's famed novel version's death scene being staged... but isn't that the first James Bond film, "From Russia with Love"? Well, director Guy Ritchie has brought back his favorite Arthur Conan Doyle characters and his unmistakable movie style while striving for bigger impact. Holmes is a master of disguise and is always a few steps ahead of everyone else. It's a strategic chess game as Holmes plays a cat and mouse game with his arched nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Alien was impressed with the slo-mo special effects and surprised with the sense of humor. If you liked the first film, you'll probably love this sequel and hope for a trilogy.

Alien gives it 3 "urban camouflage" stars out of 4.

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Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

It's "The Love Boat" meets "Gilligan's Island" meets "Castaway" as our squirrelly little friends make their third big movie appearance. Alvin, Simon, Theodore, Brittany, Jennette, Eleanor, Dave, and Ian return for more high-pitched hijinks, song, and dance. It's good squeaky clean family fun for the kiddies with a parental message of trusting and letting your children grow up. Stay seated during the credits for additional airline antics and jet set jokes.

Alien gives it 3 "crank up the frequency for cute chipmunk chaos" stars out of 4.

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New Year's Eve

Director Gary Marshall has applied his "Valentine's Day" romantic comedy formula to another emotionally charged holiday. A star studded cast along with many surprise cameos steer you through an intricate set of story lines involving a bucket list, competitive pregnant mothers, a deathbed patient, a rock star, a caterer, a New Year's Eve party, and the Times Square's ball drop. The movie may be cliché, but it was still better than Alien expected. It is a fun mindless sentimental film with a message of love, forgiveness, and second chances that will make you laugh and maybe shed a tear or two. See if you can figure out which characters may be connected to another one. Stay for the hilarious blooper reel during the credits.

Alien gives it 3 "Have a Little Faith in Me" stars out of 4.

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