Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

It's the third film of the series and the gang is all back, older but none the wiser, as school lets out and the dog days of summer begin. Greg's misadventures continue at the public pool, the country club, the boardwalk, the wilderness camp, and a sweet sixteen party. It's good clean family fun with Greg, Rodrick, and dad in the driver seat. All of the fears and mistakes of a young teenage boy are humorously portrayed.

Alien gives it 3 "Cranium Shaker" stars out of 4.

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The Watch

Three very funny guys (Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and Jonah Hill) each bring their own comedic style to this quad buddy film/sci-fi spoof. Unfortunately, Alien found it only mildly amusing as the script felt more ad libbed than carefully crafted. Spawn from a mysterious murder, a neighborhood watch is organized, but it's more of a boys club than vigilante squad. The film pokes fun at "E.T.", "Close Encounters", "Alien", and Costco as the heroes make their big discovery and become paranoid suspecting everyone. It's "R" rated, mostly for language and sexual content, but with some brief nudity.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "bowling ball of destruction" stars out of 4.

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Step Up Revolution (3D)

It's "Dirty Dancing" meets "Flashdance" when homies dance with attitude in eye-popping 3D to creative choreography. Flash mobs, U-Tube, and bikini babes are just some of the gimmicks exploited to lure in the younger generation. Performance art become protest art when the kids put on a show to save the neighborhood. "Step Up" franchise fans will turn out to see if filmmakers will kick it up a notch and to see if their favorite characters will turn up. The acting and the plot are nothing special, but who shows up for that anyway. It's just great visual fun for the eyes and artistic dance arrangements for the mind.

Alien gives it 3 "The Mob hits Miami" stars out of 4.

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The Dark Knight Rises

It's Howard Hughes meets "Prison Break" meets "Luke, use the Force" when Batman and Gotham City are plunged into their darkest hour. Criminal mastermind Bane (Tom Hardy) is a vicious brute bent on bringing anarchy and fear to the city. Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) is the mysterious femme fatale cat burglar. Meow! Audiences won't be disappointed with director Chris Nolan's trilogy finale, a fitting conclusion. It is an action packed powerhouse, best experienced at the IMAX. The film is a bit cliché, but in a good way and necessary to carry the plot line forward. Alien was surprised by a few plot twists. For full enjoyment, don't listen to any plot spoilers.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "League of Shadows" stars out of 4.

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Savages

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

It's the story of O as she recounts the tale of a drug deal gone so badly wrong. Three beautiful people are having the time of their lives until the Mexican Cartel makes them an offer they can't refuse. Director Oliver Stone paints an intense picture about love, blackmail, kidnap, and deceit. The performances by an outstanding cast will keep your eyes glued to the screen as you witness murder and mayhem. Benicio Del Toro is scary ruthless. Selma Hayek is gorgeous evil. Taylor Kitch is out of control deadly. This film is not for the squeamish as it details what people are capable of doing when driven by greed and/or love; they become savages. Beware of the gardener. This film contrasts the gentle/rough, good/evil, and beauty/ugliness in its characters and scenery. Sit tight for the ending that you may not expect.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "joint venture" stars out of 4.

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Ice Age: Continental Drift (3D)

Manny and his motley crew are back for more migration hijinks. When land mass movements split up the herd, the gang must fight off a band of pirates to re-unite with their loved ones. The series just gets better and better as we cheer for our favorites to succeed. Alien liked the new characters added to the pack. It's terrific 3D wholesome fun for young and old emphasizing the value of friends and family. The lovable Skrat keeps up his hilarious nut hunting antics throughout the film. For Simpsons' fans, a 3D Maggie-at-the-daycare-center short leads off this fourth Ice Age film.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "sailing the berg" stars out of 4.

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The Amazing Spider-Man (3D)

Leaping lizards and alligators in the sewers, the Spidey reboot is on and swinging big time into your local theaters. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are excellent choices as the leads and fit their comic book character images. Martin Sheen and Sally Field were hired for their acting talents rather than for any resemblences. Alien was disappointed in the absence of a J.Jonah Jameson presence. This darker than the Sam Raimi trilogy reads truer to the comic book origins. Alien liked the story set up and insight to how Peter Parker got and learned to handle his new powers. The marvelous special effects with a keen sense of humor will thrill and entertain the audiences. The web slinging action is enhanced in 3D. Dr.Curt Connor aka the Lizard is the villain de jour. Be sure to stay for the credits to see a tease to what might be in stored next for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Stan Lee gets his best cameo appearance yet.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "zero zero decay rate algorthim" stars out of 4.

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