Review of AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) by Jonny B — 22 Aug 2012

Alien Vs. Predator combines two of sci-fi's greatest creations before throwing them into an underground war zone; already you lose interest with all human characters portrayed by real actors thus, they act only as bland paper cut outs which make way for the costumed alien races.

So, its fair to say a hell of a lot of expectation rides on the shoulders of both the alien and predators - a tad underwhelming is the unfortunate verdict. While it may be nothing short of cool to witness brutal battles between the two, it is like mashing a button on your games console constantly in order to defeat a villain - repetitive. The first time you view them you have a feeling of excitement, this soon wears down though and - other than the thrilling final 10 minutes - flatters to deceive for the most part.

Now the cast. They all take roles in the basic plot that follows a group of scientists/archaeologists as they search underground in Antarctica in search of a long lost ancient pyramid. They soon though fall prey to dangerous Alien Xenomorphs and are hunted by the devious Predators. They then realise that they must choose a side when the two supernatural races go to war!

So, the cast. Truthfully, only Sanaa Lathan as Alexa Woods can be deemed interesting. Alexa is a brave and thoughtful woman who is portrayed excellently by Lathan - there is some decent character development here.

Sadly, the majority of the others are reduced back seat roles; there characters are barely developed, you have no empathy for them and the acting isn't too convincing either.

Overall, for Aliens and Predators tussling it out in underground landscapes, it isn't great, but it's quite entertaining in parts. Sanna Lathan is also reasonably impressive in the leading (human) role however everything else is second rate and bland.