Choppy but Still Evergreen

Rating: 7/10 (15 November 2004)

Correcting numerous misconceptions about its creation, the AVP license brings to bear two of cinematic history's most potent science fiction symbols. The beloved Alien and his more civilized counterpart the Predator have been satisfying lovers of quality big screen entertainment for three decades now, and, with AVP under their belt, enter a new century of (hopefully) continued excellence.
However, contrary to many a belief, AVP has little to do with the popular video and computer games bearing the same moniker. Although the core ideas are identical, AVP the movie hails from a split second cameo by an Alien skull back in Predator 2, which later gave rise to a bevy of comic book reiterations. No matter what the reason, any recurrence of these two must be true cause for ululation, for it has been way too long since we last beheld either one (1997's torrid Alien Resurrection).
Sadly, though, more than love and admiration went into releasing AVP. Fox decided to convey this momentous occasion using a PG-13 vehicle, major mistake and deviation from both Alien and Predator series, each known worldwide for its subscription to gratifying violence, suspense, gore and mature language. Conversely, the 2004 addition has almost no blood, spares audiences most frightful moments, and uses its solitary F word with frugality so obvious it would shame the world's proudest of misers. But even if you can live with all these faults, remember Director Paul Anderson (Event Horizon, Resident Evil) probably intended and crafted this to be a full-on R rated monster mash. Since the studio decided, in their infinite mercantile wisdom, to hack and chop AVP at will, the resulting mess feels decidedly disjointed and helter-skelterish, often providing odd pacing and strange time sequences. All told, AVP's way too short, with characters buying the farm prematurely, micro-sized action segments and a sense of rush-job carelessness often associated with low-budget TV productions. And you simply know there's an agenda behind all this. Fox, playing The Company a bit too seriously, are doubtlessly working on a Director's Cut Special Edition Multi-Disc Box Set as we speak, wetting their collective lips with glee. Thank heaven for gullible fans.
Make no mistake, AVP's still a solid flick, mostly due to the sheer power evident in its two key personalities. Even encumbered with bad politics, Alien and Predator still come through paws and fangs a blazing, causing audiences to cheer zealously as their fateful encounter unfolds. Speaking of which, the story's set in present day earth, so don't go expecting Colonial Marines and M40 pulse rifles. Instead, the movie offers a possible explanation as to where the Aliens came from to begin with, pitting them against a team of clueless human researchers and adventurers who think they're heading to Antarctica in search of long-lost relics. Upon arriving at the frosty hinterland, the warm-blooded expedition soon realizes there's more than mummies and fossils going bump in the catacombs, as we see the good old Alien posse getting their groove on and teeth into people's faces left and right. Led by Charles Bishop Weyland (yes, The Company's alleged founder, done by Lance Henriksen), the excursion further stumbles upon hideous tragedy when a crew of Predator braves arrives to test their mettle and camouflage gear. Things soon escalate, with Alien and Predator mixing it up amid several triumphant moments designed to make long-time addicts go "yeah!" in their stadium seats.
To its massive credit, AVP uses very little CGI, opting to deliver excellently old-school effects and animatronics. Most creatures appear to be either mechanical models or guys in rubber outfits, and such skill in light of today's synthetic movie scene surely warms the heart. As far as the project's budget goes, as well, modesty seems to have been the operative concept, reaching a reasonable $65 million, mere pittance next to other Hollywood blockbusters. AVP exudes professional production and smooth execution, a trademark for its director, yet given a too-short runtime and brutal editing priorities, it plainly needs more space to show its true colors. Therefore, and while aware of Fox's cunning greed, this reviewer will indeed wait patiently for the unrated, expanded revision to reach store shelves or cineplexes. Such a product will grant the movie's extraterrestrial stars (from face hugger to queen) a better chance to share with us all they have to offer. As for the humans, in their present condition all stand as too brief and superficial to really care about, but you can tell several characters in their camp will benefit hugely from increased exposure.
The film also includes at least one novel plot twist, novel within the context of both franchises, and you'll be surprised at the new light thus shed on one of its main constituents and his social prowess. Nice touch, and well worth the wait.
Much the same can be said of AVP as a whole. We waited ages for this one to come out, and in retrospect, it's been highly justified a tenure. Sure, Ripley's absence did not go unnoticed, as didn't all of the picture's other problems, but just like she said in Alien 3, the critters have been a part of our lives for so long, we can't even imagine ourselves without them.
Rating * * *