Summer is almost over (I report for Registration next week) so I decided to watch these Aliens vs. Predator movies that garnered mixed reviews when they showed up a few years ago. The first movie, Aliens vs. Predator (2004), is the better movie: better plot, better cast, better production values. A scientific archeological team is assembled and sent to mysterious city found in the ice of Antarctica. The mission is funded by the billionaire Charles Weyland played by Lance Henriksen. Little does the team realized that they’re in the battleground between aliens (from Ridley Scott’s Alien series) and Predators (from the SF series featuring hunters from another planet). Much gunplay and mayhem ensue. GRADE: B-
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) continues the story from the previous movie, but presents the Alien vs. Predator battle in miniature. The story is set in the small Colorado town of Gunnison. Aliens escape a crashed Predator ship and immediately start killing people. A Predator arrives to set things straight. More shooting and explosions ensue. The cast is lame and so is the plot. GRADE: C-
Not my kind of movie and I bet not Diane’s either.
Diane did see the original ALIEN movie with me, Patti. But that was it for Aliens for her.
I’ve like Lance Henriksen in movies like the classic vampire tale NEAR DARK, which would make a great Forgotten Movie entry. By the way that was directed and co-written by Kathryn Bigelow, who is of course one of James (ALIENS) Cameron’s ex wives.
I may have to track down a copy of NEAR DARK, Jeff. You’re right about it being a great Forgotten Movie choice.
I’d give the first AVP film a B+ instead of your B-, but agree with you on the second. I liked the intricate plot and sets in AVP and enjoyed the way they handled the classic “Pick off one at a time” set-up. Perhaps since I’d read an Aliens vs. Predators novel nearly a decade before the film, I had a better idea of the background, but I thought it was handled briefly but fully in the film. I have watched it twice and would watch it again.
I caught the first AVP movie on AMC, Rick. They were having an aliens vs. predator marathon. I had to track down the AVP: REQUIEM DVD at a library in our neighboring county. Maybe if I watch the first AVP film again, the grade will go up.
I first watched it on a rental, late at night, and it’s spookiness and dark lighting was just right. The second time it was in an afternoon with a friend, over a glass of wine. Enjoyed just as much.
I’ve found a glass of wine aids the viewing of just about every movie, Rick.