Wow, what a rush

Rating: 9/10 (16 August 2004)

This is an action movie that I could watch and enjoy, a Sci-Fi movie that for once I didn't feel like I was watching a video game. If you are not a fan of action or Sci-Fi, you are in the wrong place. This movie is better than a 90 minute roller costar ride. It will show and develop characters in a short time that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Anyone that rates this as below a "5" either wasn't watching the movie or was not paying attention, or they went to the wrong movie. For this movie, don't take your date, you will want to pay attention to the movie instead! This movie rates a SOLID 9.
The movie has many ties with the previous movies, some of which are subtle and easily missed. Many people choose to rank on the movie only because of it's "PG-13" rating. Well grow up. (or don't, but don't rank a movie only because of it's rating -- Shish how childish can you be?)
{Some details might be considered possible spoilers}
My movie commentary:
The action is great. The storyline holds true to all of the previous movies, and the plot holds water (on it's own) The FX -- as noted don't make me feel like I've just paid money to watch someone else's video game. Some people feel that the more blood makes for a better movie. Well, buckets of blood were used in many other movies (such as "House of the Dead"); that doesn't make it a good movie. In AVP the director did an assume job, the cinematography was great. After watching a special (on HBO) about the making of AVP, I was expecting the miniatures to be obvious, with bad FX. This was not the case -- I couldn't tell the miniatures from life-size. The actors did a great job. But remember: This movie isn't just about humans: It is about Aliens vs. Predators. And they were all in character. Remember "City Slickers"? Did you go to watch it just for the Cattle? When you watch this movie, pay attention as in "Aliens" (and Alien Resurrection) -- the Aliens had and use intelligence and abilities. From the movie "Predator 2", the Predators recognize and honor the true warrior.
In my opinion, there was one minor flaw in the writing of the movie -- in the story line dealing with the time line and the town where this took place. Perhaps the extended edition would answer this.
Final Recommendation:
If you have an IQ, watch this movie. If you enjoy action, or any of the movies: Alien, Aliens, {cough cough} Alien 3, Alien Resurrection, Predator, Predator 2, watch this movie. If you enjoy great Sci-Fi, watch this movie. Given the times that the previous movies were made, this is better than most of the listed movies. And the one really nice surprise was the credit to HR Giger for his design work.