Anna Karenina

Set in 1870's Russia, a scandalous affair and jealousy dooms a married woman (Keira Knightley) seeking some love and passion in her life. Jude Law plays her cold husband who puts her between a rock and a hard place. This retelling of Leo Tolstoy's classic love story is beautifully and creatively portrayed. The costumes are magnificent, the acting is superb, and the sets are theatrically amazing and choreographed into the story.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "what would you sacrifice for love" stars out of 4.

Read More

Playing for Keeps

A washed up soccer star/down-on-his-luck absentee dad (Gerard Butler) searches for a broadcasting job while trying to reconnect with his son. However, he ends up coaching his son's soccer team while dealing with some crazy parents (Dennis Quaid, Uma Thurman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones) and his ex-wife (Jessica Biel). One soccer mom (Judy Greer) is hilarious and steals all of her scenes. The romantic comedy genre is always predictable, but this divorced family story is very funny, touching, and entertaining.

Alien gives it 3 "being there for you" stars out of 4.

Read More

Silver Lining Playbook

It's Philadelphia Eagles football meets "Dancing with the Stars" when Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence cross paths in this insanely funny comedy about kindred crazies trying to help each other out. Both of their performances are outstanding as the audience begins to question who is crazier. The great supporting cast includes a terrifically O.C.D. Philly fanatic played by Robert DeNiro. Lawrence is a mesmerizing talent that dominates her screen time. Funnyman Chris Tucker plays a mental patient that just keeps showing up. This unconventional but hilarious love story is rated "R", mostly for the F-bombs dropped.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "paying attention to the signs" stars out of 4.

Read More

Rise of the Guardians (3D)

It's "The Avengers" for the younger set. When the Boogieman creates fear and disbelief, the Man in the Moon selects Jack Frost to become a new Guardian of Childhood and to help restore belief in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman. This is a terrific 3D adventure for the older kids; caution to parents, the sense of peril may be a little too scary for the wee little ones. This cute animated movie with some dark moments has a sweet story about hanging on to our childhood dreams, memories, and innocence.  In the middle of the credits, look for a short clip showing the humorous return of the children to their homes.

Alien gives it 3 "finding your core" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II

Snow fall and judgement day comes to Forks when the Cullens are accused of a crime by the Volturi. See Bella explore her new powers, see the baby grow before our eyes, and meet some new vampires of many colors and powers. Prepare yourself for the big climactic battle scenes with decapitations galore. Who will survive, who will expire, and who will be fed to the wolves? This finale is the best of the bunch and a fitting end to this silly five-part love story drama featuring blood suckers and big dogs that transcends beyond teenage girls.

Alien gives it 4 "perfect piece of our forever" stars out of 4.

Read More

Red Dawn

First, it was vampires and werewolves running rampant in the Pacific Northwest; now, it's the wolverines turn in this remake of the 1984 classic invasion tale, only the enemy has been digitally altered to be North Koreans (originally set to be Chinese) with some Russian assistance. Ironically, this delayed project release features Chris Helmsworth leading these high schoolers to "The Cabin in the Woods" and Josh Hutchinson getting some "Hunger Games" target practice. Helmsworth's real life brother, Liam, would have been the perfect choice to replace the awful Josh Peck. Alien still prefers the original, as the guerrilla warfare turns more to urban warfare in order to attract today's young video gamers. The invasion premise in both movies was never realistic, but this muddled version seems to stretch the limits of believability more and is dosed heavier handed with cheesy moments. So just switch off your brain and try to enjoy the fun because bigger is not always better.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "Revolution Blackout" stars out of 4.

Read More

Skyfall

Are 007 (Daniel Craig) and M (Judieth Dench) two old dogs and MI6 a relic in today's spy world? A stolen list, an assassin, a rogue agent, and cyber terrorism thicken this revenge plot that pays homage to the early Bond films. Javier Bardem plays a diabolical menace and a worthy crazed opponent. Alien recommends reviewing the early Sean Connery Bonds to fully appreciate this vintage tribute. "Skyfall" will take Bond back to his beginnings. After 50 years of Bond films, this genre classic is going back to basics, trying to reinvent itself, and coming full circle.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "think on your sins" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Sessions

A "40-Year-Old Virgin"/poet/polio victim (John Hawkes) seeks his first sexual encounter with a sex surrogate (Helen Hunt). This touching  bittersweet love story about a disabled man just trying to be normal features some nudity and sexual images, but it is more clinical than erotic and tastefully done. The cast is excellent including William H. Macy who plays the priest and friend who listens and advises. This awkwardly funny true story may surprise you.

Alien gives it 3 "loves of my life" stars out of 4.

Read More