Iron Man 3 (3D)

This sequel takes on some new directions as Jon Favreau takes a back seat, but this 3D special effects extravaganza is still action packed. This time, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) seems to spend a lot more time out of the Iron man suit than in it. Gwenyth Paltrow plays a red hot Pepper ready to kick some butt. Marvel fans may feel a bit deceived, but can look forward to having more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The superhero's suit up sequences may seem supersaturated in this third big screen installment. Of course, Stan Lee makes his customary cameo, but stay through the credits for a funny bit played out for Avenger fans.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "Mark 42" stars out of 4.

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The Big Wedding

The lighter side of relationships, marriage, divorce, and religion are poked fun at in this hilarious comedy centered around a dysfunctional family's wedding events. The all star cast includes Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Susan Sarandon, Katherine Heigl, Robin Williams, Amanda Seyfried, and Topher Grace. Expect the unexpected as many twists and turns are revealed. The "R" rating is for risque due to brief nudity, language, and sexual content.

Alien gives it 3 "American hedonistic hilarity" stars out of 4.

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Mud

It is a modern day Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn adventure story revolving around two 14-year-old boys growing up along the river in Arkansas and learning about love & life. Things get complicated when they stumble upon a shady man who  calls himself Mud (Mathew McConaughey). He is looking for his true love (Reese Witherspoon) and a bunch of bad boys from Texas are looking for him. The realistically honest characters draw you into this surprising story. The young kid actors are fabulous. Alien liked the down home rural setting complete with a WalMart and a Piggly Wiggly.

Alien gives it 3 "boat in a tree" stars out of 4.

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Pain and Gain

Based on a true story, director Michael Bay wisely chooses the black comedy route to recount this tale of dumb, dumber, and dumbest. Three weight lifters (Mark Wahberg, Anthony Mackie, & Duane Johnson) 'mastermind' the kidnappings perpetrated in this comedy of errors. Their methods are so idiotic that their story feels unreal and disturbingly funny. Bay uses his cinematic skills to create an entertaining Looney Tunes film once you overlook the heinous nature of these crimes. This better-than-expected movie walks a fine line that seems to work largely in part through the performances of Wahlberg & Johnson. Reality returns at the closing credits with real life photos of the culprits and individuals involved.

Alien gives it 3 "pain and insane" stars out of 4.

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Oblivion (IMAX)

It's "Wall-E" meets "Total Recall" meets "Planet of the Apes" when a drone repairman (Tom Cruise) starts to doubt his mission. In 2077, humans are struggling to survive after an alien invasion devastates the earth. Morgan Freeman (under utilized) and Olga Kurylenko play key roles. The bubblecraft and drone scenes are thrilling. At the IMAX, the special effects are amazing, but the sound was deafening at times. Cruise fans may get more than they bargain for, as the plot unfolds.

Alien gives it 3 "dream or memory" stars out of 4.

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Spring Breakers

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released and probably plays out its final week in the only theater carrying it in my vicinity.

It's "Girls Gone Wild" meets "Bad Boys" when a couple of Disney sweethearts (Selena Gomez & Vanessa Hudgens) and a 'pretty little liar' (Ashley Benson) hook up with one of the Dopeboys (James Franco). Four college girls, desperate to have some spring break fun in St. Pete, are introduced to a local gangsta/rapper's lifestyle. This "R" rated film is not all drunken fun & games. Expect a generous eyeful of T&A and reckless drinking & drug use before the girls have a life changing experience. Franco is almost unrecognizable, decorated with tattoos, corn rows, and shiny grill work. This eye candy show is a juxtaposition of pretty & ugly, good & evil, and right & wrong. To paraphrase the film, the water is beautiful out here, but beware of the sharks. It's a stressed college student's vacation dream and a worried parent's nightmare come true.

Alien gives it 3 "Spring Break Forever, Bitches" stars out of 4.

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The Place Beyond the Pines

Schenectady is Mohawk for the place beyond the pines plains. This is where the tragic and sad stories of two families unfold and collide. Two star-crossed youths from very different backgrounds have fathers (Ryan Gosling & Bradley Cooper) that are trying to do the right thing. The dark temptations of human nature are explored in this morality tale where people make bad choices. This intriguing film is well-made and well-acted, but drags in places and barely has a likable character to root for.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "if you ride like lightning, you're gonna crash like thunder" stars out of 4.

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Trance

An art auction heist, an amnesia victim (James McAvoy), and a hypno-therapist (Rosario Dawson) are the key elements in director Danny Boyle's who-done-it/where-is-it mystery. It is a mind-bending plot that will keep you guessing as realities seem to be blurred and distorted. Boyle creates some stunning visuals but brace yourself for some shocking images of violence and nudity. The film will leave you questioning what really happened, what was real, and what was imaginary.

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

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42

It's April, time for baseball's opening day and time for the Jackie Robinson story, featuring America's ground-breaking color barrier baseball hero who wore #42. Chadwick Boseman as Robinson and Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey knock it out of the park in a heart-breaking and heart-warming story about people who loved the game of baseball, but were challenged by the bigotry of its day. A great supporting cast also backs up these two tremendous leads. History has dictated the plot, but the film makers have dramatized the dialog and events into an inspirational and entertaining movie that will raise the anger within you but will temper it with some courageous and humorous moments. You may know the historical facts about this legend, but this film will personalize it for you. Audiences will want to root for the home team and buy some peanuts and Crackerjacks. The movie ends with some notable events after the 1947 baseball season conclusion.

Alien gives it 4 "what are you afraid of?" stars out of 4.

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Jurassic Park (3D)

Alien loved the original 2D version.

This new 3D version is velociraptor-licious with more bite and earth-shaking impact. The original lent itself well to 3D conversion as if it was meant to be that way all along.

Alien gives it 4 "enhanced thrill ride" stars out of 4.

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Admission

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

Tina Fey and Paul Rudd poke fun at the college admittance process while their characters struggle with parent/child issues. Comically, Rudd is good, Fey is great, and Lily Tomlin is under utilized. Alien enjoyed the unexpected plot turns making the film better than anticipated. However, the Fey-Rudd chemistry wasn't working for me.

Alien gives it 3 "accepted or denied" stars out of 4.

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