You’ll Enjoy It More, If You Turn Your Brain Off
Why is the incubation period for the chestbursters so short? Aren’t predators supposed to only hunt in hot weather? Why is there a love interest between the central protagonist and the predator? Don’t overthink it, people!
Yep, Alien Vs. Predator is not a great film, not by a country mile. The dialogue at some points is dire, and the characterization is mostly threadbare. However, it’s an unabashedly fun movie – an unpretentious piece of bombastic, mindless entertainment. Its opening globetrotting act is akin to a Michael Crichton film, as the team is slowly assembled before heading across the world to “make history” for Charles Bishop Weyland (played by the OG Lance Henriksen). Admittedly, it’s a formula that feels a little derivative, but it simultaneously acts as comfort food for my ol’ lizard brain.
What really helped me to enjoy the film – and it may help you, too – was to think of it as a non-cannon offshoot of the Alien and Predator series. On the whole, the pulpy throwaway story doesn’t really make a lick of sense, but when the action finally drops anchor, it’s a surprisingly glorious piece of fan-service that scratches a gigantic xenomorph and yautja shaped itch.
Sure, it may have its fair share of issues, but I still consider Alien Vs. Predator to be a pretty fun take on the sci-fi horror franchise in a “turn off your brain and eat some popcorn” kinda way. But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Even James Cameron liked it. That’s gotta count for something, right?
