It does what it says on the tin

Rating: Null/10 (29 October 2004)

If you read most of the reviews for this film, you'd think that the Alien and Predator films were Shakespeare and beyond criticism. But each one is basically about an unstoppable killing machine disposing of a group of anonymous people. OK, Alien and Aliens contain more characterisation than most, but the plots are basically the same. Bearing this in mind, AvP, to use the annoying moniker given to this film, does a good job of fulfilling the requirements of both franchises. Furthermore, I think it actually works for the film that it is populated by a cast of unknowns. For once, the viewer can't be sure who will emerge as the survivor once the killing is done, or indeed if anyone will survive. It also means the film can get down to the real reason it exists - to show Aliens fighting Predators, which it does in spades. The film does a good job at filling in backstory for both franchises, although it leans more towards Predator than Alien. Plot holes are finally patched up as the story arc across all of these movies is completed.
** SPOILER **
AvP sets up a sequel premise which could nicely dovetail the end of Alien: Resurrection into a further outing for HR Giger's creation. I should add that I'm not referring to the blatant set-up at the end of AvP. These last 20 seconds of the movie would have ruined it if the film hadn't contained such strong material up to that point. It felt as if the director hadn't paid enough attention to his own script, with a needless and illogical sequel set-up barely ten minutes after a much more logical one had already been established. I plead that the producers ignore it in the inevitable follow-up.
** SPOILER ENDS **
I thought AvP was a fun and action-packed addition to the Alien and Predator franchises, with a strong cast and impressive visual effects. Certainly not the thoughtless mess which many reviewers would have you believe.