  AVP: Alien vs. Predator also known as “AVP,” “Alien vs. Predator,” “Alien vs. depredador,” “AVP: Alien vs. Prédateur,” “Alien Predator’e karsi,” “Alien enantion kynigou,” “Alien protiv Predatora,” “Alien vs Predator - viimane kokkupõrge,” “Чужой против Хищника”MPAA Rating:
 for violence, language, horror images, slime and gore.Reviewed by: Douglas Downs Very Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Teens Adults
Genre:
Sci-Fi, Action, Horror, Thriller, Sequel
Length:
1 hr. 40 min.
Year of Release:
2004
USA Release:
August 13, 2004
    
Relevant Issues
Are aliens real?
What does the Bible say about intelligent life on other planets? Answer Are we alone, or is there life elsewhere in the universe? Answer Does Scripture refer to life in space? Answer VIOLENCE—How does viewing violence in movies affect families? Answer Reviews of related movies
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) eGames
Movies in this series: “Whoever wins… We lose.” 
“Earth vs. the Flying Saucers” (1956) We now have “Alien vs. Predator” (2004). One can only imagine what two characters Hollywood will put into the ring next. I absolutely agree with the theme of the film, “whoever wins, we lose.” Yes, that about sums it up. The studios can now take two R-rated film series and disguise them as a PG-13 release. I expect that many fans of the original will be very disappointed with this watered down version that looks more like a SciFi channel direct-to-DVD release. I feel bad for director Paul W.S. Anderson who begged for almost 10 years to bring AVP to the big screen. 20th Century Fox will now try to combine two of their studio franchises into one picture. What makes matters worse is that Fox decided not to show or screen the finished 70 million dollar project. The bottom line is that the studio is hoping for a hit based on name recognition alone. They are also hoping for lots of toy sales, video games, and other product spin-offs. I’m sure they are also hoping for Christmas to come early too! I’m sure that it would not hurt their bank account if another generation went out and purchased the earlier DVDs. That fact is just part of the parental dilemma we are faced with in AVP. The PG-13 video-crazed crowd will watch the film and want to see the earlier R-rated releases. I should warn you, before we look at the content, that Anderson has made some other SciFi flops. Do you remember “Mortal Kombat,” “Event Horizon” and “Resident Evil”? The other problem is that none of the sequels of either film was as successful as the original. They all had different directors and producers. Well, as they say, on with the show. AVP is about a “hot spot” that is discovered under the ice of Antarctica (sorry “Stargate SG-1” fans.it is not Atlantis). This is a prequel adventure and an ultra-wealthy industrialist (sound familiar) gathers a team of archaeologists, scientists, environmentalist, and, of course, a cold weather expert to investigate. Quicker than you can say “Tomb Raider,” this team discover an underground pyramid. The pyramid is full of symbols that are from the Aztecs, Egyptians and Cambodians (where is Daniel Jackson when you need him). Let’s not forget a series of highly technological chambers that must be extraterrestrial. No SciFi film would be complete without accidentally waking up the evil alien queen. There is absolutely NO original “Alien” movie suspense. The video game generation quickly gets to see gross aliens that get in your face and pop out of chests. The film also rips off the cult-classic film “Cube” with mysterious, changing chambers. The fights between the aliens and the predators are fairly exciting to watch, and there is very little red blood. However, although I am a huge fan of this genre, believe me when I say you can skip this one. Much of the film editing is choppy and disjointed. I can almost guarantee that the DVD release will fill in all the blanks with deleted scenes. You know the ones that would have earned this movie an R-rating. Parents should know that Fox traded in any sex scenes for violence that is over the top. Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy may be partially responsible for this new standard that the MPAA now condones. My strong recommendation is to skip this one. Even if AVP wins the Box Office race, at least you won’t lose your money. Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Minor See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Negative—…the only thing offensive about this film was how misleading the title was. I was expecting to see Aliens fighting Predators, and instead I got to see pictures of one of the scientist’s kids! This was such an excellent idea that was done so poorly. I would have to agree with almost all of what was said in the original review of this film, except for the part about none of the sequels doing as well as the originals. Aliens, the second film in the franchise, was incredibly well-received, and definitely a fan-favorite, as well as made a ton of cash and cemented James Cameron as an extraordinary filmmaker. At least until he ruined his reputation with Titanic. But that’s another story. This movie is plain awful, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone even renting it. Wait until it’s on network TV, or somewhere else you can see it for free, and then only if you absolutely HAVE to. Don’t waste ANY money on it.
[Better than Average/1] —Joseph J. Fusco, age 34 Negative—What an awful, awful mess of a movie. It’s an insult to both film franchises and should be avoided by all. Ugh. There’s nothing worth watching in this mess. The action is awful, the plot is ridiculous, and the characters are flat. In concept, AVP has potential. It’s a shame that none of it makes it to the screen.
[Very Offensive/1½] —Ryan Holt, age 18 Positive—I… was thoroughly impressed. Being a big aliens and predator fan I was worried they would taint their coolness with some cheezie lines or bad acting, however it was quite the opposite. The director did a great job as well as the visual effects crew. Both creatures were very well done and looked realistic. The movie contained very little offensive material, the only thing that could bother some was how in part of the movies explanation it shows the predators being revered as gods in the past by humans. The action was amazing with some very cool fight scenes. If you do not appreciate beautifully orchestrated action you won’t like this movie, as that is all it is. My only complaint is that it is too short. Great movie A v P fans will love it.
[Average/5] —Ian Johnson, age 21 Positive—…This film is not going to redefine the genre by any stretch, but it was definitely a fun one to go and see. I am especially proud that the main hero(ine) was an African-American woman. They built a decent premise for why the Aliens and Predators would be battling. And they surprised the audience with the twist in the story that had to happen if survival was the goal. The only negatives I saw were that there is the subtle point made that human beings are not alone in the universe; in fact, that we might be able to trust demon-looking creatures. I sometimes wonder if films like these are setting the world up for Armageddon—why else would people try and fight God, siding with demons (in a sense)?! The fun factor, the alien fighting, the lack of gore, and the sticking to the lore of the two series make this film a good time for mature teens on up. I like the fact that it is more sci-fi than horror.
[Average/3½] —Chris Brown, age 34 Negative—I thought the movie was excellent and the acting was real good but there were two offensive comments—one was where the two women were in the station and she asked about her carrying a gun and she told her it was for safety like a condom—also the other one was an f-word, and I felt it was uncalled for.
[Average/5] —twftm, age Negative—Wow, this is my time to this site! My first review given! I didn’t even know this site existed and I am glad to see it. As a science fiction fan I enjoyed the other films for what they were. For the Sci-Fi aspect only. I don’t go to a movie and expect to be given any deep Christian meaning, nor do I expect anyone in Hollywood to feel like they’re obligated to put it out there, especially in a Sci-Fi movie…
[Average/2½] —Chris, age 32 Neutral—To its credit, the normal level of violence (given the R rating of the Alien and Predator movies) was significantly watered down to a relatively mild PG-13 level. And while there is a little profanity, their is no sexual content or nudity in the movie. So I think it’s only fair to call it “average” at worst when compared with other Hollywood movies, though albeit it could conceivably be considered “very offensive” compared to meek conservative Christian movies. Certainly a number of alien and predator scenes could frighten small children. Any redeeming moral Christian messages? Not really. This is your strait-up mindless action flick.
Well, not entirely mindless. There was some character development and complexity which moves it from being terrible to of so-so quality. With this and a few cool looking action scenes, there’s not much else this movie has to offer. I pretty much got what I expected: an action flick with a few nice action scenes and mediocre movie quality. Not of extremely high quality, but not extremely horrible either. [Average/2] —Wade A. Tisthammer, age 23 Comments from young people
Negative—The Alien films, as they stand as a whole, are good. Alien, Aliens, and Alien 3 are all wonderful films that will stand the test of time. Alien Resurrection is mediocre at best. But, as a set, it’s a good set. I’ve viewed some of Predator, but really could not get into it. I saw this filmed based upon my love for the Alien saga. I went into it knowing it would be bad, and guess what, I was right.
It’s nothing more than an action flick with a few aliens thrown around. It doesn’t have the charm from the cast, nor does it provide ANY screams, or even ATTEMPTS to scare it’s viewers. Any characters that are even a hint of interesting (Which, there are VERY few) are killed off fairly quickly. When they are killed off, it’s rather confusing. With the pyramid shifting and all that junk, it’s hard to tell who’s still alive and who had been taken. The basis of the film isn’t bad, since the connection was already made in Predator 2. This could have actually been a good film, but in all reality, it could have easily been Predator 3. This is the Predator’s film. Even the fights between the two weren’t interesting, nor was the whole shifting of the pyramid chaos. It’s odd, because, by the movie’s standards, they were only in there less than thirty minutes. Director’s cut rumors? Not true. This is what we get, guys. Hopefully, someone will go back and give it what it deserves in the time to come. Is it worth watching, even if you’re an Alien fan? Nope. Is it worth watching if you’re a Predator fan? Not being one, I can still say no. As a Christian, the only reason I was offended was at the destruction of classic films… There’s some mild language, and green blood, etc. Nothing bad here, at least, for me. [Average/1] —Dylan, age 13 Negative—Wow, I saw this movie the first day it came out expecting to see over the top effects, tons of action, tons of cool fight scenes. Instead, I end up seeing a love story. The beginning part of the movie isn’t too bad. In fact, it keeps you in suspense. Then they show you a flash back about (which is the big war scene you see in the previews) and it’s all downhill from there. They drop the f-bomb once and almost again but it cuts off. There is two decent fight scenes but the ending is weak and stupid. The predator and the girl (the ONLY remaining person) almost makeout for crying out loud. I was ready to throw my popcorn. The special effects were just cheesy and horrible. They could of done so much more but instead they make it a lame movie.
[Very Offensive/2½] —Tim Whitaker, age 15 Positive—I enjoyed the movie. I don’t see why everyone hates it so much. It’s not all that bad. But they could have had more fight scenes between the Aliens and Predators. And they killed off the humans too quickly. They should have done more with that as well.
[Average/3½] —Chris, age 17 Positive—…I was really expecting the worst when I went to see this film, even though I’m a big Alien—Predator fan. But what I got was a lot better then I expected. STORY LINE: The story wasn’t as bad as it could of been, but still wasn’t anything a kid couldn’t make up. The first 20 minutes of the film was story, but not that much of a good story. ACTION: …the action was really awesome. I was rooting for the Aliens the whole time, and it was really exiting to see the Predators battle the Aliens. And, of course, the humans were thrown along for the ride, but I can see that the only reason for the humans in the movie was to die, so the audience can be more on the edge of their seat, but I was really surprised with what happens to the last human, but I will not tell. CONTENT: When I found out that this movie was going to be PG-13, I was kind of disappointed. I thought, how can you put the famous “chestbursters,” and “facehuggers” into a PG-13 film. But surprisingly enough, they did. I couldn’t believe it. It should of been R. DO NOT BRING ANYONE UNDER 14. There isn’t much language, (1 F word, maybe 3 sh*t, and a few others), but nothing too extreme. But the violence made up for it. There was everything from spears flying into people, chestbursters, open stomachs, and dying cocooned people. And of course a lot of green and acid blood. I’m into these kind of movies, and if your not, then I suggest you don’t see it, but if you are, its awesome. I wanted to see it again.
[Average/4] —Daniel Roberts, age 14 Positive—Let me start off by saying, if I took anyone I know to see it, most of them would think it was a dumb movie. I on the other hand, I loved it. Lots of action and suspense. The language was the biggest issue; other than that it was a great movie.
[Average/4½] —Daniel Robison, age 15 Positive—…excellent! Amazing graphics and lighting. There were some objectionable themes, but overall this movie was great. Some of my friends were saying that it was scary, but I did not even jump once! Yes, there there was some violence and profanity including F-word, and d*mn and h*ll, and God’s name in vain. It was also implied that the female character says mf. for the most part the only gore was the aliens’ bodies and blood on the predator’s weapons! This movie was awesome! I highly recommend it!…
[Better than Average/4] —Patrick Burton, age 11 Positive—This is a great movie. some language but hardly anything too offensive. I would not take children 10 and under to this—too scary.
[Good/4] —Rachel Southard, age 11 Positive—If you’re looking for non-stop action and fight scenes and don’t really care about the acting or storyline, then I recommend this one. Since the movie is rated PG-13, it refrains from showing too much gore. There is no sexual content or nudity, but there was some language (an unnecessary F-word used toward the end). All in all, a big, fun time at the movies!
[Average/2½] —Kris, age 16 Movie Critics
…proves once again that it doesn’t pay to double your trouble…
—Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune …doesn’t even skate by on novelty value… There’s no real plot to speak of… [D+]
—Gary Dowell, The Dallas Morning News …Audience loses in lame duel of horror icons…
—Paul Sherman, Boston Herald …The best parts of “AvP,” where the monsters actually start mixing it up, are amusingly garish, shallow and gory…
—Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune …more of a squandered opportunity than an outright failure…
—Peter Howell, Toronto Star …The good news? There aren’t many bad one-liners, since any attempt at… talking is sacrificed for more blood…
—E! Online …uninspired, derivative filmmaking; a self-purging entity puking itself up over and over again…
—Gary Dowell, Dallas Morning News |
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My Ratings: [Average/3½]
—Cam, age 39