Non Stop

This one sounds like "Passenger 57" meets "Red Eye" meets "Taken", but Alien was busy watching a miracle maker to catch that flight. However, my junior critics-in-training on board reported the following:

Comment #1 - Non Stop was good. Exciting and intense action thriller with some good twists.

Comment #2 - Great movie. Loved it. Kept me guessing who the killer was until the very end.

Read More

Son of God

It's the life and times of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection in Mark Burnett and Roma Downey's condensation of their 10-hour Bible mini series.This action epic is both powerful and inspirational as it effectively uses exotic locales, strong performances, costumes, and special effects to portray the biblical tales of faith and miracles. It's a marvelous visualization of the story most of us have heard before.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "believe in the light" stars out of 4.

Read More

Moms Night Out

Night run to the airport kept Alien from reviewing this film but I manage to obtain some comments from some junior critics-in-training.

Comment #1:  Pretty good. Once is enough for me. Good family film - no swearing or nudity. The story line wasn't very believable for me. The producer/actor was there for Q & A.

Comment #2:  It was good, laugh a lot!!! Enjoyed it.

Comment #3:  Yeah it was fun . Very funny at times.. other times just so-so. But good for one viewing. Christian theme and message. Give it a 2 out of 4 stars

Read More

3 Days to Kill

It's "Jack Ryan" meets "The Transporter" meets "Parenthood" when a terminally ill CIA agent (Kevin Costner) with an ex-wife (Connie Nielsen) & an estranged daughter (Hailee Steinfeld) accepts one last mission for a possible experimental cure. The premise already sounds far fetched without mentioning the squatters, the albino, the purple bicycle, drug side effects, or the mystery man only known as "The Wolf". You'll see Paris as you never have seen it before and the many faces of Amber Heard in a weird Jekyll/Hyde routine. Only Costner's charm could make his cold-blooded killer character likable in this action film with an odd sense of humor to defuse the gratuitous violence. This is pure escapism entertainment but what else would you expect from writer Luc Besson.

Alien gives it 3 "Kill or Die" stars out of 4.

Read More

Pompeii (3D)

It's "Gladiator" meets "The Horse Whisperer" meets "The Impossible" as a love story unfolds under the shadows of the arena and a cloud of ash. Roman arrogance & politics interrupt this contrived romantic tale full of cliché movie theatrics underlining the tragic historical event. The classic plot lines, the stereotypical character types, the costumes, the 3D imagery, the special effects, and the action sequences all come together making it an entertaining movie, regardless of the overly enhanced eruption scenes. Keifer Sutherland and Carrie Ann Moss are the two well known named actors.

Alien gives it 3 "Titanic Event" stars out of 4.

Read More

Winter's Tale

Advertised as not a true story, but a love story, it is more of a fairy tale. A thief (Colin Farrell) on the run from his mentor (Russell Crowe) & his henchmen has his heart stolen by a lady (Jessica Brown Findlay) stricken with consumption. Jennifer Connelly and William Hurt have supporting roles. If you believe in miracles, dream of star-crossed destinies, and enjoy the battle between good and evil, you may like this fantasy tale. Alas, Alien is too logical to buy into this premise that spans a century and involves a magical white horse. Look for a surprise cameo in this weird movie.

Alien gives it 2 ½ "Holy Moses" stars out of 4.
 

Read More

RoboCop (IMAX)

Your favorite Sci-Fi man-machine lawman is back in a reboot featuring more back-story, more politics, and more CGI special effects. Alien liked this more humanized RoboCop version which debates the issue of employing lethal drones for public protection. Swedish unknown, Joel Kinnaman, stars as Alex Murphy/RoboCop with Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Jackie Earle Haley, Abbie Cornish, Jay Baruchel, and Samuel L. Jackson in supporting roles. Fans of the original should be entertained by the differences, but may be a bit disappointed at the non-tagline climax.


Alien gives it 3 ½ "Tin Man" stars out of 4.

Read More

Vampire Academy

Alien had airport duty and sacrificed my seat to a reluctant reviewer.

L said:  "...not worth paying. A rental at best. Some action scenes. A little drama. There r different groups of vampires (the good & the bad)..."

A said:  "Not worth paying full price for, unless you're a fan of the book series. I rate it about maybe 2.5 (out of 4). Yeah it is smart and sexy and does have some of the Mean Girls spirit and humor with a lot of action and fangs. Decent performances. But it never seemed to fully engage you with characters and the story. Decent..."

Read More

The Monuments Men

During the waning days of the Third Reich, the United States sends their magnificent seven team of art & architecture experts into enemy territory to save irreplaceable world culture stolen by the Nazis & to return them to their rightful owners. Director, co-writer, and star, George Clooney, infuses his comedic charm into this heartbreaking & heartwarming war drama based on a true story. Bill Murray & Cate Blanchett give notable performances in a wonderful cast which includes Matt Damon, John Goodman, & Jean Dujardin. This heroic tale has non-soldiers with minimal training risking their lives for someone else's treasure. Look for Clooney's father, Nick, at the end of the movie.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "message from home" stars out of 4.

Read More

About Last Night

Two best friends/coworkers (Kevin Hart & Michael Ealy) and two girlfriends/roommates (Regina Hall & Joy Bryant) experience the ups & downs of guy/girl relationships. Based on a 1974 play & a remake of the 1986 film, it is a hilarious look at couples dating, living together, and sexual interaction. This is a great date night film that is funny & romantic as it exaggerates that crazy love/hate side of intimate emotional relationships. This adult humor movie is rated "R" for language and sexual content.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "from the bar to the bedroom" stars out of 4.

Read More

God's Not Dead

The lives of several individuals cross paths in a great debate over God's existence. You will hear both sides argued in this thought provoking and inspirational movie. The film isn't preachy, but it's definitely slanted in God's favor. Kevin Sorbo and Dean Cain are the big name draws in this little film that could. Many will discover that this movie is better than they would have suspected. Have some faith and give it a try; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Alien gives it 3 "science & reasoning versus faith" stars out of 4.

Read More

The Lego Movie (3D)

In the battle between good & evil, an ordinary construction worker, Emmet, is suspected of being the chosen one fulfilling the prophecy of saving the Lego world. The humor here seems to be directed more towards adults & older children. The wee kiddies may get a bit bored before the film's end. This animated action/adventure tale feels like a giant product placement ad promoting the wide variety of Lego construction toy themes. As many as 79 Lego mini-figures are featured. However, if you are a brickmaster or a Lego fan, you'll probably love this 3D CGI/stop action movie and find it Lego-licous. The film emphasizes believing in yourself, using your imagination, and being creative. Expect cameos from some of your favorite Lego mini-figures.

Alien gives it 3 ½ "Release the Kragle" stars out of 4.

Read More