Robin Atkin Downes Movies

Visual effects specialists Greg and Colin Strause both make their feature directorial debut with this no-holds-barred monster mash that attempts to set itself apart from the 2004 Paul W.S. Anderson original by serving as a straight-up sci-fi horror scarefest. The aliens (and a predator) have landed on planet Earth, and small-town America is about to become the scene of an epic interstellar showdown. As these two breeds of cosmic killers clash in the small-town streets Gunnison, CO, the locals are sent running for their lives. From the murky sewers to the rain-soaked streets, Gunnison has become a total bloodbath. Nowhere is safe, especially from the unstoppable new hybrid known as the "predalien." Now, as the once-quiet community of Gunnison is overrun by Aliens, the only hope for humankind is a fierce hunter from the deepest reaches of space. But this predator is far from a benevolent savior of the human race, because he'll kill any man, woman, or child who gets in the way of his mission to destroy every last alien under these stormy Colorado skies. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The laziest cat in America swaps places with the richest feline in England in director Tim Hill's lasagna-laden sequel to the 2004 theatrical hit Garfield. Jon Arbuckle (Breckin Meyer) is on his way to London to propose to his veterinarian girlfriend, Liz Wilson (Jennifer Love Hewitt), and his unflappable cat, Garfield, is determined to be there when Jon pops the big question. Of course, Garfield wouldn't go anywhere without his old pal Odie, and soon after arriving in the land of Big Ben, the clueless tomcat inadvertently changes places with royal look-a-like Prince. It seems that Prince's owner, Lady Eleanor, has recently passed away, leaving the care of her sprawling estate Castle Carlyle in the capable paws of her devoted kitty companion. The trouble is, Prince has decided it's due time for a vacation, and with Garfield in charge there's no telling what kind of trouble will befall Castle Carlyle. Despite having a devoted butler named Smithee (Ian Abercrombie) to cater to his every whim and a whole host of fun-loving critters with whom to pass the lazy days spent lounging in the sun, this crowned head begins to feel the sting of deceit as the envious Lord Dargis (Billy Connolly) hatches a dastardly plan to do away with the whiskered heir and claim Castle Carlyle all to himself. Meanwhile, as Garfield attempts to hold his ground against his greedy would-be nemesis, the fun-loving Prince is living it up with Jon and Odie by taking a trip to some of London's most popular pubs. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

B5 once more plays reluctant host to mercurial Psi Cop Bester (Walter Koenig. This time, Bester is determined to arrest the Downbelow refugee Telepaths. Elsewhere, Garibaldi has a falling out with Captain Lochley, and Delenn arranges for Londo, who has just barely survived assassination, to be given a bodyguard. As the episode draws to a close, an important revelation is made vis-a-vis the relationship between Sheridan and Lochley. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Strange Relations" made its American broadcast premiere on February 25, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Byron's refugee Telepaths issue an ultimatum to the Interstellar Alliance: Either give them a homeworld, or suffer the consequences. Meanwhile, Londo and his bodyguard visit Centauri Prime, where they are immediately swept up in intrigue and murder. The title of this episode was drawn from a quote which ends ". . .the one-eyed man is king" -- and as it turns out, the quote is more than just a proverb. Originally seen on March 18, 1998, "In the Kingdom of the Blind" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Summoned by Captain Lochley, Psi Cop Bester (Walter Koenig) attempts to bring the telepath crisis under control. Garibaldi's unexpected response to Bester's presence becomes a moot issue when he and Franklin are trapped by Byron's more violent disciples. This is one of those Babylon 5 episodes which asks far more questions than it answers. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, "Phoenix Rising" was originally telecast on April 1, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Sheridan finds himself at odds with the League ambassadors over G'Kan's proposed Interstellar Alliance Declaration of Principles. A small planet solicits the help of the Alliance in fending off raiders. And Garibaldi tries to align with refugee Telepaths by forming a new intelligence unit. The title of this episode is lifted from the "What a piece of work is a man" speech from Shakespeare's amlet. First telecast on February 4, 1998, "The Paragon of Animals" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

As if it weren't enough that frat guys drink too much, this episode of Buffy proves that they also worship the demon Machida. It begins when Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Angel (David Boreanaz) have an argument about where their relationship is going. Meanwhile, Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) gets invited to a frat party at the local college. Hoping to blow off some steam, Buffy decides to go along. Apparently, the frat guys have to sacrifice three teenage girls once a year to their demon lord. (The third girl is a student gone missing from another school earlier in the episode.) After being drugged and chained to a pool table in a musty, fake-wood-paneled basement -- in actuality, a dungeon -- all the girls can do is wait to be rescued. Luckily, Xander (Nicholas Brendon) is jealous over Cordelia's attraction to the frat guy and sneaks after them to keep an eye out. After the girls get loose and revoke Machida's fraternity charter, Buffy and Angel decide to give their love another try and go for coffee. ~ All Movie Guide