The Avengers (3D)

It's "War of the Worlds" meets "Transformers" when Loki causes havoc and triggers the Avengers Initiative. Spectacular special effects with 3D enhancements add to the kick-ass action and the Marvel-ous sense of humor. The movie brings out the unique personalities of each character. The superb script manages to focus on each individual's skill sets while supporting the adage that there is no "I" in "TEAM". Marvel and non-Marvel Comic fans will want to see this action-packed fun film more than once. Stay for the credits to see what might be the next challenge for this superhero team. This movie makes Marvel magic explode off the screen. Suit up, this one is for Phil.

Alien gives it 4 "glow stick of destiny" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Raven

It's "Sherlock Homes" meets "Saw" meets "Buried" as film makers fictionalize the last days of Edgar Allan Poe in a search for a serial killer and kidnap victim. However, the film has an unsympathetic lead, lacks suspense, and feels slow and dreary. Poe fans may appreciate the references to his famous works, but the movie doesn't capture his sense of the macabre and the gothic. The storyline seems modern, but the setting is not. For Alien, this film may have worked better as a present day murder mystery thriller about Edgar Allan Poe expert chasing serial crimes linked to Poe's literary works. Alien will see "The Raven" nevermore.

Alien gives it 2 "Poe obsessed" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Pirates! Band of Misfits (3D)

It's Pirates of the Caribbean" meets "Bad News Bears" when a pirate captain seeks recognition amongst his peers. "Wallace & Grommet" and "Chicken Run" filmmakers use their Claymation talents to spoof the world of pirates, Queen Victoria, and Charles Darwin. It's both a simple funny film for the kiddies and a slyly hilarious send up for adults. Alien didn't get to enjoy the 3D effects because a hard drive malfunction rendered a deteriorating holodeck grid look; however that could have been neutralized with a pirate patch over the left eye.

Alien gives it 3 "Mr. Bobo, the manpanzee" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Five-Year Engagement

Excuses and a fear of commitment lead a couple (Emily Blunt & Jason Segel) on a hilarious journey of life's highs and lows from San Francisco and Michigan. Blunt is adorable as Victoria and Segel is a goof as Tom, but her sister and his best friend manage to steal their scenes. A cast of crazies round out the bill. With Segel doubling as one of the writers in this "R" rated Judd Apatow production, you should know what type of humor to expect. Alien didn't like the break up part of the script. This quirky film feels like it runs a bit long, but you'll be treated to some very funny gags along the way.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "donut experiment" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Lucky One

A twist of fate brings two post traumatic stress victims together as another Nicholas Sparks novel unfolds on the big screen. Scene for scene, this film uses every cliche romance element in this classic formulation. The marine hero (Zac Efron) is the handsome strong silent type who seems to be too good to be true. The ex is a bully with a badge. The kid is just adorable. Louisiana is the beautiful backdrop. Hopeless romantics may shed a tear or two. The less enthused may find some setups just too sappy and even laughable (another Sparks film watery love scene).

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

Read More

Think Like a Man

It's "game on" as basketball buddies find themselves in humorous battle of the sexes against women following the words of wisdom outlined in Steve Harvey's book, "Act like a Lady, Think Like a Man". Like most romantic comedies, it's predictably sweet and sugary by the end, but the film will have you laughing through out as the multiple couples deal with their relationships. The film is well casted and they have great chemistry together.

Alien gives it 3 "love is a battlefield" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Cabin the the Woods

It's zombie horror terrorizing teens in a ritual sacrifice/mad scientists' lab experiment gone wrong. Film makers combine classic horror scares in a tribute to some of your genre favorites and a dark sense of humor for comic relief. It's predictable and it's not because it is two movies in one. In this voyeuristic game of survival, there is the whore, the athlete, the scholar, the fool, and the virgin. Who, if any, will survive? Look for a cameo (?) and some familiar faces (Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford) that you wouldn't expect to see in such a film. If you like blood and gore, poetic justice, and have a wicked sense of humor, you may enjoy this film.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "zombie hunger games" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (for the elderly and beautiful)

Eight British countrymen (including Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, and Tom Wilkinson) searching for solutions in their lives' later stage find themselves at a rundown Indian hotel run by a young man (Slumdog Millionaire's Dev Patel) with a dream. A fantastic and talented cast, a touching and witty script, and a fabulous backdrop make this delightful of tale love, life, and finding happiness a real winner. Follow these strangers in a strange land as they try to adapt to a fascinating country and culture. Alien highly recommends a visit to this best exotic Marigold Hotel. At first it may not seem like a choice you would pick, but once you settle in, you'll be glad you made the journey. This little taste of India is a deliciously satisfying treat.

Alien gives it 3 "everything will turn out alright in the end" stars out of 4.

Read More