Review of Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007) by Alanrayford — 27 Nov 2020

I didn't see AVP 2 in the theatres. I saw it on DVD in the relative comfort and solitude of my living room. As such, I really don't see why everybody on IMDb has seen fit to hate on this flick. I liked AVP 2 and think it was one of the better films in the franchise--for pure guttural thrills.

I will admit that the first AVP was a waste of film and time. But, I can't say that about this sequel. despite its dubious origins, it actually succeeds at being better, by far, than the original. It was friggin' awesome to see the aliens on Earth, stalking small town USA. This is largely because it didn't respect the typical boundaries of the genre. If Brock Samson, from the Venture Bros., saw this film, his eyes would bulge out--no women and children my ass.

When that ship crashed and the hunter and his child went to see it, I figured they'd escape. When the father was killed, I just knew the son would still get away--he didn't. I am a huge fan of the genre and see through most movies. That one death scene knocked me on my butt, because it established that no one was off limits. Pregnant chicks, the hot ex-girlfriend, children, they were all open to a violent end and many met them. Horror movies become terribly boring when you know who will live and who will die, which was not the case with this one I have to say. Yes, the characters weren't that well developed. But, seeing as how there was no guarantee they were going to live, does it really matter.

Another great part of this movie, which was sooo very lacking in the rest of the franchise, is that it was relatable. I don't live in the future and, therefore, can't claim to know what a space station looks like. However, I do know a hospital, a school, a diner, and a standard neighborhood when I see one. Hell, I patronize diners frequently. Seeing a poor waitress impregnated with three xenomorophs in a kitchen registered with me more than seeing it in yet another gun-metal grey hallway or ventilation shaft ever would. With everything being set in a real world environment, the movie just had more of an impact on me.

Lastly, the full title of this film is Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem. They are the true stars of this film and they are the ones who set the pace. The ship crashed because of an Alien. The human characters banded together after running for their lives from the Aliens. Chaos ensued when the Predator knocked out the power for the whole town. Coolness came about when the ex-con got his hands on the Predator's gun and was lighting things up. In short, it was the aliens who dictated how the story progressed and all the humans could do was react and hope to survive--which only four pulled off. It's only fitting that the actors were playing abstracts, at best.

All in all, AVP 2 really delivers. An appropriate level of violence--check. A high body count, which keeps you on your feet--check. Cookie cutter characters who you won't really care about until they die gruesomely and unexpectedly--check. Decent FX that effectively convey the inherent danger of the story for the viewer--check. A storyline and acting which require no effort to follow, allowing you to just watch, cringe, and enjoy--check.

To everybody who doesn't like this movie I say this. Don't hate it for what it isn't: a masterpiece, a life changing event, grand art, or a trend-setter. Anybody could do that and they'd be missing the point. Love AVP 2 for what it is: dark, grim, violent, unexpected, seemingly random, and, lastly, wholly entertaining. If another sequel is done, I hope it is paced like this one and not like a doctoral dissertation which has to explain the setting in great detail.