Entertaining? Yes.

"Alien Vs Predator", "Freddy Vs Jason"...both films feature two historic icons of cinema finally being able to clash in what fanboys have salivated over for seemingly more than a decade. A decade's worth of hype will only do a film harm and set the bar so high it will never be able to please, so I attempted to rewatch "AVP" 5 years after it's birth in cinemas to give it a second chance. My initial reaction was a sourpuss, I wasn't impressed. Not angry or displeased by the film, looking back I can say I was disappointed because I expected something different. What did I, anyone, expect? I can't tell ya, but it wasn't what I got. However, after tonight's viewing I can truthfully say I did enjoy it much more than at 17.

As I do recall the consensus for "AVP" at it's release was high and low disappointment. On a technical level this film is top of the line. Paul WS Anderson always had made films visually and technically top notch with impressive sets and CGI abound, but I've always felt his style of film is like a lollipop that is sweet, and takes 90 minutes to finish but the minute you are done no satisfaction whatsoever was obtained. And sadly that sense of hollowness can still be found, and while he has matured greatly as a filmmaker, if he wishes to make more than disposable eye candy he'll have to progress even further. While the cast is relative of unknowns, that shouldn't be complained on because what purpose is wasted talent when 95% of them will have no more than a few lines of dialogue before the slaughter begins? It was nice having a continuity through Lance Henrickson, and he even nods back to his "Bishop" role in a "blink or miss it" scene of him doing his hand and knife trick on his desk. Lance always stands out in any film he graces himself in and it is a pleasure to have him here.

Those in the Alien and Predator mythos might find a lot of implausibilities in the respective arcs of their stories, strengths, and weaknesses. Anyone whose seen the Predator and Alien franchises, I think, will agree that if a xenomorph were to combat a "Predator" the battle would be pretty one sided in that the "Predator" would slaughter that frail, spineless ballet monster in short time. So when you see a xenomorph hold his own and even devour a "Predator", it can quickly turns fans off. But, then we wouldn't have a suspenseful story if it were so one sided, right?

"AVP" doesn't give much to the existing franchise, and thankfully it doesn't really conflict with anything established, so it is able to operate with it's own artistic freedom. And for that it does well. It's face paced. Certainly entertains. And there is a lot of action and that won't disappoint. It doesn't fit the Alien or Predator franchises too well, it doesn't feel like it belongs, but in the world it plays it does it's job fine and I think people can appreciate it more now than back then when the cinematic crust was still cooling and expectations reached the moon.

If you haven't seen it before, I can recomend it. If you've seen it sometime back and were disappointed, perhaps another viewing is in store and I did, you might find your tune changed a bit. It's eye candy in the first degree, and as always, there is nothing wrong with that. Be sure to check out the far superior sequel.

Beautiful humans, goopy monsters, & a morality tale....

I purchase very few DVDs, and only after renting them through NetFlix & truly seeing something I would enjoy watching several more times. That, or loaning it out to friends as an example of what a GREAT SciFi flick is all about. That's Alien vs. Predator. Keep in mind, it's a MONSTER movie, so yes... you do have to let go of the realities of what should be, or ought to be & just enjoy it.

Hot chicky-babes, humpy stud-men, and even rather sexy "hunter" aliens. And of course, except for the world-renowned old guy with the bottomless check-book who buys their participation, there could not have been one of 'em over the age of 25. Yet we're asked to believe they are ALL world-class scientists, archeologists, pilots, ancient-paleontologists, and crack security folk. Okay, I'll buy it. You know things are gonna go nasty real quick when the rich guy, in his motivational speech to the troops, indicates how isolated and dangerous it will be; there's a clue!!!

Sure enough, the monsters who are starring in this wonderful drama are genuinely ugly, scary, ruthless, and efficient killing machines in the most grotesque of ways. And scare you they do. We're set up from the beginning to be on the look-out, but the environment is constantly changing, providing unlimited dark, cramped places in which to hide & pop out at you.

The action is non-stop and, since we've come to care about these people from the beginning, due to good character development & layout of the plot, each loss is gut-wrenching. That's the major difference in this film; other such offerings highlight the gratuitous gore, bosomy scantily-dressed Bimbos, and in-your-face special effects that add nothing to the story as a whole.

Right up to the suspenseful ending we are sucked into their plight (if you're willing to be) and care about the unlikely duo who survives. Mortally wounded, Mr. Alien acknowledges the brave assistance of Missy Good-heart by giving her a memento of their fun day together. He also decides not to run her through with his dangerous-looking weapon like they did to so many others. Shows what can be accomplished by team-work.

The best lines in the film are well delivered, after the last two surviving humans realize that they need the last (alien) hunter. It dawns on them that they really are there to hunt the monsters, not them per se: "enemy of my enemy is my friend," "...let's go find our friends." Chilled me to the bone.

It's one to see, and then see again. Sets, costumes, and CGI features are top-notch, adding so much to a well told story. Sadly, AVP2 was a total bomb and not worth the time to watch it. They could have done so much, considering what came before, but perhaps they were drained of ideas... not unlike the unfortunates in this film.

For what it's worth....

Good Sci-Fi fun, though not to be taken too seriously

Rather than write a long boring review, I'll keep this short and to the point. First of all, if you're a fan of the Alien and Predator franchises, this movie may, or may not please you depending on what you expect to get out of it. It's best not to think of AVP as an extension of the Alien and Predator movies because in reality, it's in a whole 'nother genre. The classic Alien and Predator movies were pure, unadulterated horror, and action. AVP is a comic book-like, stylized, fun sci-fi flick with aliens and predators in it. It's a saturday morning cartoon made live-action for grownups, and I don't mean that in a bad way. The first time I saw it, I hated it. Second time, I thoroughly felt entertained for an hour and a half because I knew not to read too much into what I was seeing and just took everything at face value. So in short, it's a fun sci-fi flick to watch, so long as you don't take it too seriously or expect it to have the same impact of the classic Alien and Predator films. Is it worth watching? Of course! Just don't bother with the theatrical version and only watch the unrated extended cut, which is luckily included in the Blu-ray disc.

AVP Rocks!!!

AVP Rocks!!! Spectacular Sci-Fi movie!

Anybody who's a fan of the Alien Movie Franchise, the Predator Movie Franchise, the AVP Comic Book series, or the AVP video games will love this film.

Although not exactly what I expected (I didn't like this movie the first time I watched it) it grew on me and is now one of my favorite action/horror films. Great action sequences, AVP battle scenes, and a decent cast make this movie special.

The special effects are great as usual and AVP has creepy feel to it.

Final Verdict:

4/5

Rent or Buy?: A fan of the AVP franchise, you must own this film. If you're not a fan you'll get by on just renting it.

IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you.

AVP Rocks!!!!

Alien Vs Predator is not quite what I expected but is still amazing!!!

Anybody who's a fan of the Alien Movie Franchise, the Predator Movie Franchise, the AVP Comic Book series, or the AVP video games will love this film.

Although not exactly what I expected (I didn't like this movie the first time I watched it) it grew on me and is now one of my favorite action/horror films. Great action sequences, AVP battle scenes, and a decent cast make this movie special.

The special effects are great as usual and AVP has creepy feel to it.

Final Verdict:

4/5

Rent or Buy?: A fan of the AVP franchise, you must own this film. If you're not a fan you'll get by on just renting it.

IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you.