GREAT MIXING OF THE FRANCHISES

Rating: 8/10 (14 August 2004)

As a fan of both series I can say that this was an excellent way to combine them. My biggest fear was that the PG-13 rating would hurt the movie, but it doesn't. Not in the least. I know a lot of people want to see the violent eruption of the Alien chestburster in all its' gory glory. Here, of course, it's done off camera. But director John Carpenter once said, "Everyone knows what a man with a knife is going to do. You don't need to see it." So since we've seen the alien burst, and seen the Predator slash, we're not missing anything if we don't see it here. Besides I'm sure it will be on the unrated director's cut DVD. My only complaint is that the movie is too short. Barely 90 minutes. I wanted more! But what I got I was happy with. Great visuals. The movie is thick with atmosphere. Great action. That's what you go to this movie for right? To see the Alien and Predator throw down? Well it's here and then some. Plus you get good tension very reminicent of the first two Alien films. While the dialog is, admittedly, very flat sometimes, the actors do fine. Sanaa Lathan is not Sigourney Weaver, but her character is firmly in control, and can kick Alien ass with the best of them. *SPOILER AHEAD* Her final confrontation with the Alien Queen is excellent. *END SPOILER* Lance Henrickson is a nice addition to link the series up, and his characters' nod to his ALIENS character is sly and hilarious. The rest of the characters are kind of stock, but the actors do well. Let's face it, we've seen enough of these movies to know who's going to get it and who's not. Let's not kid ourselves or berate the movie just because we're geek enough to know these things. Hell, when one character shows off a picture of his kids, I said to myself "He's gonna get it first", and low and behold....So if you want a tense, fast paced, action packed movie featuring two of the greates monsters in cinema history, plunk down your money, grab your popcorn, and have a good time. And guys, it's a great date movie if your girl scares easy. :)