Review of AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) by Mark D — 13 Jan 2011

After re-watching this I decided it was time to update my review. I remember going to the comic store all the time to pick up the latest issue of Alien Vs. Predator. The concept was amazing, two of my favourite sci-fi anti heroes coming together in a legendary 'clash of the monsters'. So as you can imagine, back in 2004 as I walked into the theater my blood was pumping, I was physched. Let me tell you, the comics were better.

When you think about the alien franchise you think Action/Horror with plenty of gore, the same thing applies for the Predator franchise. The first problem with AVP is that it has the action, it has a form of horror, but it's lack of gore and cursing really make this almost like a kiddie friendly version of the two franchises. Sure, there is the occasional spray of blood, mainly in the uncut version, but it was never enough to convince me I was watching a true alien or predator movie.

The first time I saw this I was about 10 years old, so obviously it seemed a hell of alot cooler than it is now. Back then things like a plot dont matter, as you get older and rewatch older movies you realize how much they do matter. The main point of this movie is to send some humans down into a hidden pyramid under Antarctica to become hosts to the aliens so they can battle the predators. One of te characters even says thats the whole point of them going down there.

I can say the acting is pretty average, especially for the newcomers to the movie industry, but it was to be expected really.

The action was for themost part constant, but the stupid camera angles and slow motion sequences ruined the feel of it all. As I said before, swearing was constant in both franchises. Im not saying every movie needs cursing, but movies like this do in order to add to the atmosphere. I counted about five shits and a fuck, and that was in the extended cut.

AVP is a pretty big letdown, not as much as much as the sequel, but a letdown all the same. Avoid.