What? Nothing more?

Rating: 5/10 (28 May 2005)

** YEAH, HERE WILL BE SPOILERS **
Recap: A satellite suddenly detects a heat signature under the ice in Antarctica. Soon it is discovered to be a pyramid, that contains features from pyramids all over the world (South America, Cambodia and Egypt). The head of the corporation, Mr Weyland, assembles a team to on an expedition to the pyramid. Among them are archaeologists such as de Rousa and survival expert Woods. However, as they reach the pyramid and expect to start drilling down to the pyramid they discover that a tunnel mysteriously has appeared during the last 24 hours. AS they venture down the tunnel and then into the pyramid, they discover that the pyramid was used as a sacrificial temple, and that they are not alone. A hive of Aliens has been awakened in the pyramid and three Predators has arrived to hunt them. The humans are in the line of fire, and as they get separated in the (changing) maze that the pyramid is, they get slain by Aliens and Predators alike...
Comments: It is evident that much work has been put into the set and surroundings. They are detailed and nice, with some goofy exceptions. It is unfortunate though that the same level of work hasn't been put into the story for example. A lot of time was spent to introduce first the different (main) characters, then the pyramid itself. We got to see and hear about the mythology and history of the pyramid (and the AVP mythology). However, on the part that I suspect most see this movie, the fights between Aliens and Predators, we see very little. The action part of the movie is over very quickly. Most of the Aliens are not slain in combat, but by a bomb. Quick and efficient, but not exciting to watch. The hero and heroine only escape this explosion because that the scientific team has assembled a sledge (pulled by wires on the ground) that actually can outrun an explosion. Impressive (and annoying). Then there are the mandatory end fight, between our heroes and the Alien Queen. It is short and not very thrilling, I had kind of lost interest by then (mostly because of how they handled the other Aliens). This takes place on the surface of the ice. I presume that it is cold on Antarctica, yet the heroine don't seem bothered by having to remove some of her clothes... In short, the poor story overshadows everything else. The character depth and development is mostly non-existent, but that is no problem in a movie like this, and doesn't disturb me. As said above... much of the details in set and history are very good but you can't make a movie out of that. Some of the fight scenes that are there are good though, and leaves an unsatisfied desire to see more. In total, a disappointment. I expected more...
5/10