In 1989, Dark Horse Comics published a crossover series called, “Alien VS. Predator.” Based on two sci-fi horror movie series, both villainous species from their respective franchise duke it out. The series spawned several video games, merchandise, t-shirts, action figures and a film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.
Alien VS. Predator was released in 2004. (same year Dawn of the Dead came out) It earned negative reviews from critics, fans and movie goers alike. Despite poor reactions, the crossover made enough money at the box office. At first, James Cameron hated the idea of a crossover, one screening later, he really enjoyed it. Ridley Scott however, disliked it. A sequel titled, “Aliens VS. Predator: Requiem” is worse than its predecessor. A prequel to Predator titled, “Prey” is streaming on Hulu. I’ve yet to see it. Ridley Scott is producing an upcoming Alien series on Hulu. Now that it’s Halloween 2022, I’ll be sharing a few horror films to get into the mood.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. This crossover is not as good as “Freddy VS. Jason.”
Victory & Defeat Elements
Victory: Sanaa Lathan did a great job for her performance as Alexa.
Lance Henrikson plays Bishop. The founder of Weyland Corporation that plays a huge role in the Alien franchise. Lance also played an android of the character in “Aliens” & “Alien 3.”
Both Xenomorph and Predator sound effects are retained.
I rooted for Team Predator. Thankfully, the last surviving member of the trio defeats The Xenomorph Queen.
My favorite Predator weapon is a shuriken disc.
Action Sequences are a hit and miss.
Grandmaster Predator gives Alexa a spear as a worthy fighter. A callback to “Predator 2” with the Predators awarding an antique gun to Danny Glover’s character Mike Harrigan as a worthy fighter.
Practical Effects were used to bring the Xenomorphs to life.
Alien creators Walter Hill (The Getaway, The Warriors) & Dan O’Bannon produced the film. It’s not their fault they made this stinker.
Defeat: Paul W.S. Anderson (Resident Evil movies) didn’t do so well directing this crossover.
I never got the heebie jeebies. I was straight up stone-faced.
Visual Effects are pretty fake. A swarm Xenomorphs look like they come from a PS2 game. This is why I prefer Practial Effects over C.G.I.
Near the end, a hybrid Chestburster pops out of a dead Predator. Alien Queen can impregnate victims with her tail? Doesn’t make sense.
Unlike previous R-rated Alien and Predator films, this one is PG-13. Fox spayed and neutered the gore and fatalities both franchises are known for. What makes it worse is they omitted the last two syllables of the infamous line from Predator is “You’re one ugly motherf***er!” Thankfully, it’s unaltered in the unrated version.
The human characters are forgettable except Alexa, Bishop & Sebastian. I don’t remember their names. Unlike Dutch and his team from the first Predator, Ellen Ripley, Hicks, Newt & Hudson from Aliens, Bishop’s crew lack chemistry and memorable personalities.
A flashback shows the Predators using humans to build Aztec pyramids and fighting a wave of Xenomorphs is the biggest controversy of both franchises. Ridley Scott hated how Fox ruined the Alien mythos. A sole reason why he came back to direct the prequels “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant” with no ties to Alien VS. Predator. Xenomorphs were never discovered on Earth. Ripley and her crew found an egg in the first movie.
The Final Verdict: D, FOR DELIRIOUS!
Alien VS. Predator is a muddled crossover lacking interesting human characters, PG-13 rating ruined death scenes and a lazy ending as a poor excuse to set up a sequel. If you wanna see a better version of both baddies fighting, I highly recommend the 2010 video game playing as Xenomorphs, Predators and Colonial Marines. Don’t forget to play “Mortal Kombat X” with both Alien & Predator as playable DLC characters alongside Jason Voorhees & Leatherface.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 