Despicable Me 2 (3D)

Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and the minions are back & funnier than ever. Ex-super criminal now devoted dad gets recruited to uncover the mystery villain trying to take over the world. It's a laugh riot and hilarious fun for all ages. The jokes come fast and furiously. Film makers up the cuteness factor by featuring the antics of the kids and minions. The 3D animation extends throughout the credits so don't be so quick to leave your seats.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "mucho minion madness" stars out of 4.

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The Lone Ranger

It's "Pirates of the Caribbean" meets "Rango" as Disney retells the legend of the Lone Ranger. If you're familiar with the works of director Gore Verbinski and actor Johnny Depp, you shouldn't be surprised by the humor infused into the film along with the outrageous stunts lifted from "Looney Tunes". See how Tonto (Depp) and John Reid/Lone Ranger (Armie Hammer) meet. Learn Disney's definition of Kemo Sabe. It's goofy cartoony fun for almost 2.5 hours with the crazy action peaking with the famous William Tell overture so iconically associated with this masked man with a silver bullet. In the middle of the credits, a senseless scene pops up leading to nowhere.

Alien gives it 3 "bad Indian trade" stars out of 4.

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White House Down

It's "Die Hard" at the White House again as the "Olympus Has Fallen" blueprint has seemingly been hijacked by the Joker (Why so serious?) and punctuated by the History Channel. A more complex plot line, some bigger box office draws (Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Woods, & Richard Jenkins) and more humor drive this action-packed thriller as terrorists make a second attempt this year at attacking the White House. At times, the film gets a bit cheesy, corny, and cliché, but it's still guilty pleasure fun for 2 hours and 11 minutes.

Alien gives it 3 "flag waving fun" stars out of 4.

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Don Jon

It's romance and addiction on the "Jersey Shore" as the talented Joseph Gordon-Levitt writes, directs, and stars in a modern day Don Juan tale. Obsessed with online porn, a young man's views of sex and love are confused. This creative effort has an all star cast with some surprise cameos. Scarlett Johansson is the perfect "10" for this movie. However even with artistic license, the film feels overdone with the soft porn images flashing before the audience and may make some uncomfortable. For Alien, this movie was more disturbing than entertaining. Since this film is not scheduled to release until late September/October, perhaps some judicious trimming might make this story more palatable.

Alien gives it 2 "self-absorbed opposites attract" stars out of 4.

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Kings of Summer

Two childhood buddies, disenchanted in their home lives, escape to the woods to build their own house and to live off the land. They are joined by another kid who is a real weirdo (and scene stealer). This is a very funny and entertaining coming of age movie as seen through the eyes of 14 year old boys. The boys' fantasies begin to fall apart as reality sets in and they learn life's lessons about family, friendship, and living on your own. If you didn't get enough of the weird kid, stay until after the credits for a pointless clip. It has been a great movie season for 14 year old boys trying to get away from adults, doing some growing up, and finding themselves. Alien recommends "Mud" & "The Way Way Back" for some equally sweet and charming stories.

Alien gives it 3 "Monopoly Game Night" stars out 4.

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World War Z (3D)

It's "Contagion" meets "Land of the Dead" meets "The Andromeda Strain" starring Brad Pitt, Zombie Slayer/Savior of Mankind/Pepsi Spokesman. Ex-U.N. worker (Pitt) gets coerced into finding a solution to a world-wide zombie pandemic. This intense horror thrill ride features zombie hordes swarming relentlessly over the human survivors and completely infecting victims within seconds. The special effects are so stunning and the danger continually threatening that Alien didn't even notice the 3D contributions. This is pure zombie fun designed to scare and terrorize. How do you stop the seemingly unstoppable? Will the undead inherit the earth?

Alien gives it 3 "Mother Nature is a serial killer" stars out of 4.

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Much Ado About Nothing

Director Joss Whedon enlists the aid of some former acting associates (like Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, & Clark Gregg) in a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare's classic comedic tale of romance. This creative piece is filmed in black & white on a 12day shooting schedule, while preserving the vernacular of the Bard. Alien did find this ambitious attempt admirable, but doesn't anticipate it to be very popular with the general public. It is more likely to become an English Literature example or a video Cliff Notes for students.

Alien gives it 2 "Old English" stars out of 4.

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Monsters University (3D)

Old "Monsters Inc." favorites, Mike & Sully, return in a prequel poking fun at college life and fraternities. See how Mike & Sully meet and become friends as university students competing to become scarers. This is a kid friendly fright fest explaining those things that go bump in the night and terrorize some children. This entertaining film uses some goofy looking creatures in an hilarious elimination contest which emphasizes perseverance and teamwork. Pixar/Disney always creates such wonderful top notch animations. Stay to the end of the credits for that one last joke that is slow to develop.

Alien gives it 3 "The Scare Games" stars out of 4.

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Man of Steel (3D)

The Superman saga is reborn and retuned under the direction of Zack Snyder. This modern retelling is darker and over driven by CGI special effects in an attempt to appeal to today's movie going audience. The big battle scenes become dizzying busy. Superman comic fans may be offended by the cinematic liberties taken. Is Jenny going to be an Olsen twin working at the Daily Planet? Why is Perry White black? Amy Adams is terrific as the news hound Lois Lane, but her romantic attraction is set up faster than a speeding bullet. This man of steel (Henry Cavill) is hunky but has some pent up anger issues.

Alien gives it 3 "Marvelized in the Snyder universe" stars out of 4.

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The Purge

It's "The Hunger Games" meets "The Strangers" as a family fights for survival during an annual 12-hour murder & mayhem free-for-all night. Ethan Hawke & Lena Headey are the parents in this morality play with an intriguing, but stupid premise. Who will survive the night? Is the film bloody good or bloody awful? As you see how the plot unfolds, it's not hard to sense what's about to happen next. If you aren't squeamish about violence, you may be entertained for 85 minutes. This is one of those 'love it of hate it' type of films. With low expectations, Alien found it better than expected.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "release the beast" stars out of 4.

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