Popcorn cinema - simple fun!

Rating: Null/10 (13 July 2002)

Somewhere I've read that this movie was "yet another videogame adaptation with even less plot than Tomb Raider"... Actually, that statement is wrong.
Yes, it is a videogame adaptation (of a game I never plaid), and it shows. The "Hive"? Linear plot development on a mission basis (Find the queen - kill the queen - fight the zombies - try to escape -.....)? Creatures just oozing that special air of "level end boss"? (The Queen, The fellow right at the end, maybe even the dogs).. Yup - it's a videogame alright.
But, surprisingly, it is FUN to watch! The plot may be a bit thin - but unlike the pile of bulldung that Tomb Raider had for a story, this movie actually has a lot more charme and skill worked into its storytelling. Of course, it's still far from a proper thriller/drama, but I'd say it isn't too inferior to "Aliens" on the level of its storytelling. Definitely superior to Blade 2 - another movie with similar elements.
On a visual level, this movie is pure joy. Vibrant colours, amazing creature effects, utterly scary Doberman dogs - yup! These visuals rock! And the action, too, is brilliant, although a few more kung-fu-esque kicking sequences would have been needed. The entry hall to the queen's chamber is definitely an impressive piece of action cinema, perhaps even the best of the movie, although it's a close call. The soundtrack underlines the action, and it fits superbly. If you have seen "House on Haunted Hill" it will sound similar, and it definitely enriches the movie.
All in all, this is a great summer action movie, looking like a mixture of Night of the Living Dead and Blade 2 - but being better than both at satisfying my tastes. Fun. Fun. Fun.
And the ending is very cool, too.....
8/10