Plot
In 2004, on a small island off the coast of Antarctica, a heat blast gets the attention of Weyland Industries CEO, Charles Bishop Weyland.
He hires a team of scientists, mercenaries, drillers, and rock climbers to explore a mammoth pyramid hidden almost a kilometer below the surface.
But once they arrive, they discover that not only is it full of Xenomorph eggs waiting to hatch, it is also owned by the alien creatures known as Predators.
Direction
Directed by Sci Fi experienced director Paul WS Anderson. The ‘American’ PG-13 rating is very evident however, with comically bad blood – and lack of any real violence or gore.
Breakdown/Cast/Characters
With Weyland Industries back in the saddle (and a new human Bishop as well still played by Lance Henriksen) – the timeline here is “Earth’s 2004” – where the discovery of a pyramid hidden underneath the ice near Antarctica, sets the adventure for a group of unknowns in including mercenaries, scientists and… rock climbers… a cliche? trope to send a group of people to die one by one.
While there are some ‘known’ names like Tommy Flanagan (from Sons of Anarchy), Ewan Bremmer (from Trainspotting) and Henriksen, they are mostly secondary or tertiary characters, so the lack of a real strong lead is missed. Nothing against Sanaa Lathan as Alexa Woods, but half her performance is either overacted, or poor cliche?’ dialogue (about her dead parents of course).
The mythology of the alien v predator conflict is actually not terrible, with the battle between them a “right of passage” for teenage Predators to do battle with the Xenomorph’s in order to become more experienced… predators…human beings are brought there so they can host the Xenomorph’s in order to be birthed. This occurs every 100 years
The first half of the film is a misfire, and the lack of real violence (in a Predator and Alien movie no doubt) is hampered by some comical cartoon blood and violence (the film was rated PG-13 in the states).
The second half however is much more watchable, and Alexa becomes an okay lead (she’s no Sigourney Weaver however) where she makes an alliance with the Predators and they team up to defeat the Xenomorph’s.
The open ended ending sets up the next sequel (AVP: Requiem) which I will review in the next few weeks.
Overall
The lack of any real horror or violence is a big down for me, as it takes away from the past movies in the franchises (four Alien films and two Predator films).
Some only okay characters, and lack of any real star power makes it hard to really ‘root’ for any of the characters either.
A solid second half, makes up for a lackluster first.
Passable, but I’m hopeful that things improve in future films in the ‘franchise’.
3/5
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