Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem

I had the same problem as with the first one: it became boring after a few minutes. That’s surprising because there’s something going on almost all the time – the aliens killing someone or fighting with the predator – but it’s executed in such a sterile and dull way that it almost makes you sad when you imagine how it could have been if… If the action scenes weren’t confusing, if the characters uttered sensible dialogues, if the extraterrestrial monsters were shown in full at least for a bit, or if it focused more on the atmosphere – in other words, if someone else had directed. The final impression is a little bit better than with the first one, but still weak. AvP 3 this time in space and without Straus, please. (01/31/2008)

The potential is there, both space monsters are still an irresistible attraction for viewers, but the resulting dud is something that even those for whom the names Alien and Predator never meant much do not deserve. The level of B-ness was truly unbearable, whether it was the routine and impotent direction or the utterly insane and chaotic editing, where probably even the crew couldn't find their way around. Thank God that Rodriguez fixed everything with his Predators. (02/03/2013)

The beginning is so fast that you can't even properly take a look, turn off the lights, and grab popcorn, and we already have alien embryos attacking the faces of poor people. This sequel strictly follows its predecessors in terms of classic trademarks and other specifics – from the sounds of fights to typical gimmicks on both sides. As a bonus, we get to see from time to time the planet of Predators (amazing) and some new cool gadget and weapons we didn’t see in the previous movies. All of this in sharper camera shots because we're no longer in the 80s, technology is advancing. Unfortunately, the plot is nonexistent and the characters, with a few exceptions, behave like morons. There are classic clichés (group division, heroic acts), but fortunately, the people don't play the main role here. The monster fights are nothing special, lacking clarity in action and a proper drive, but the emphasis on the physical abilities of each monster is intriguing (breaking through walls, destroying everything around them). As a detailed showcase of legends, it's very entertaining and technically quite decent. As a tribute to classics, it is acceptable because many scenes are basically replicas in a modern attire, but as a pure slasher, it's rather weak. Therefore, better focus on the hunter and the slimeball, and then you’ll feel better. (07/19/2008)

My mom summed it up with a pretty accurate statement: “They messed up the whole thing with those people." And I agree with her (it reminded me of those two episodes of General Hospital I saw), and I just want to add that they messed up a lot more things. To start off I would add a little more light. Just remember the first or the second Predator, which played out during the day for the most part. Well it is what it is. The main Predator is a nice guy as always and the aliens are revoltingly revolting as usual. The problem is in the Strause brothers’ directing, because they didn’t manage to create the right atmosphere. The plus is, that they fulfill some fans’ fantasies. The Predator planet and children used as incubators are probably the most interesting ones. And for that its three stars. (02/08/2008)

The start-up of this B-movie is great. Beginning on a predator ship, a crash, alien "face-huggers" rampaging through the forests, a predator planet, a predator who goes to Earth to find out what happened. Seriously, the film is not flawed up to this point. But then it starts to run out of breath, the atmosphere ceases to build up in any way, and most importantly - night comes and the power goes out in the city. The darkness annoyed me to no end. Everything that took place in it was unclear - especially the predator-alien fights, which were also confusingly edited. What follows is boredom interspersed with occasional eating, shooting, skinning someone (it's spectacularly filmed, yes), which culminates in a fairly decent scene at a hospital. Towards the end, the film picks up again, but to be honest, I wasn't in the mood for it after an hour and a bit. So I give both stars to the great beginning and the decent ending... (02/21/2010)