Great comic tie-in, lousy Alien film.

Rating: 5/10 (25 December 2004)

Its difficult to review this movie, you don't really know what it is, another Alien movie? or a comic tie-in? if its the latter then it fairs well enough after a slow start it serves up the action in high doses(albeit slightly bloodlessly, in the interests of a kiddie friendly rating presumably). there's nothing revolutionary here, the creature effects are of course improved but not supremely so, it merely reflects the improvement in FX technology over the years, and these new and improved creatures are largely wasted in the hands of a mediocre talent like Anderson. And this is the problem, the movie would stand alone fine if it was not for the huge weight of expectation that has crushed every alien movie since Aliens, there are visual ques and references to Alien here and there but they serve to remind you of what your missing rather than tying the whole franchise together. (forgive me for concentrating overly on the alien aspect rather than Predator, i was never a fan of the latter and have only watched those movies once or twice when they were on TV)
unfortunately this franchise is a victim of its own success, the 1 st movies were genuine works of genius, from 2 very gifted but very different auteurs, the perfectionists attention to detail and application of Lucas's "used Universe" of Scott's Alien stands as one of the greatest science fiction movies of all time, and when the grandiose kinetic technophile Cameron came on board he wisely shifted the direction of the movie and delivered the only truly satisfying sequel, he made an original work that did not try to be an homage to 1st film.
its a little sad that Alien movies, like star trek movies, have become forgettable multiplex fodder and nothing more, which brings us to AVP i saw it 2 days ago and can barely remember a thing about it, though i do remember thinking "this isn't that bad" while i was watching it.
all i can think of to say is if your under 25, or you liked the comics A lot! then this is for you and you won't be disappointed, but if like me your a fan of the original movies then its maybe worth giving this a miss and re-watch the 1st 2 instead, it will make for a far more enjoyable time.