As a concept, Alien Vs. Predator should be about the best thing since... well, since just about everything. Combining two of the most iconic figures in sci-fi and pitching them head long into a battle of survival should be kick ass.
However, as an exercise, AVP Requiem proves just how far reality can fall from potential.
I have loved the graphic novels from which the film takes its title, and have often been enthralled by the tales of genetic engineering, bio-weaponry and unlikely loyalty . I was disapointed with 2004's AVP, especially as it seemed to ignore the legacy from which it took its names. Unfortunately, Requiem does little to put right these ills.
For one, it seems that very little has been thought out in way of story or plot. The film kicks off shortly after the end of the first, with the predators leaving earth victorious. However it isnt long before the ship runs into trouble and plummets straight back to earth, backwater america to be precise. This should have been the kick off for a brilliant horror-sci-fi movie. I for one can remember nightmares as a kid (Ok, young man) in which the Alien arrived on earth. Unfortunatley, it is at this point that all atempt at reasonable plot are given up in favour letting our two protagonists get down to business. There is a half backed tale of teen love/lust and a cop/con brother act in there, but the acting is of such low grade that you never care enough whether any of the human cast survive for these stories to have any effect.
However, the biggest problem by far is the shear darkness of the whole film. I dont mean it's-the-end-of-the-world, life-is-pointless type dark. I spent literally the first half of the movie trying to work out just what was wrong with my telly as the contrast was so low before i realized it was the film that was at fault. To be fair, there could be a very decent and highly enjoyable action flick hidden away here, but it was just far to dark to be able to tell.
Overall, this is another poor showing from the AVP series, a series with the framework and legacy to provide a truly outstanding film. If you must watch this, however, watch it with the lights off. it wont be any scarier but it is the only chance youve got of seing anything on-screen