Alien Vs. Predator Full Length Trailer!!

Ok ok, I know I've been posting a lot lately. This will be the last for a while.

Sorry I'm a little late on this update.

For all of you out there that are fans of the Aliens & Predator franchises, 20th Century Fox has finally released a full length trailer for Alien Vs. Predator! Each successive trailer that's come out since the "teaser trailer" last October, has been better and better. They haven't broken with tradition with the new full length trailer. It's better than all the previous released! I read an interview with Visual Effects Supervisor "John Bruno" discussing various mountains they've had to climb in the making of this movie. John worked with James Cameron on the second film in the Alien franchise "Aliens". Which concequently tends to be the favorite of all the Alien films among fans. Bruno mentioned that Cameron used "real" effects, models, lighting etc. whenever possible, and only used computer effects when no other choice was available. "Real is better" Bruno said. They've implemented this same technique in AVP. They've also kept to tradition with rules and facts already established in both franchises. "From "Alien," we're taking the best of the first and second movies. And from "Predator," we're using the first movie as a guide" said Bruno.

As always, I have VERY high hopes for this movie. When you watch the trailer, if you had doubts before, they should be quelled after. The link follows:

- EXTERNAL LINK -

Enjoy

- Josh

John,

I agree. We do seem to be smarter than the Aliens. We have done pretty well considering the circumstances humans have been put in with them. I can see the Predators winning outright, but at the same time, when Aliens can fight with such overwhealming numbers... who knows? Maybe we can make it a friendly wager? Just have our own little DVD Town poll on how many people think the Aliens will win, and how many think the Predators will win? That would be cool!

TGP,

No such luck on the Aliens "5" project. Sigourney Weaver said she'd be up for it a few years ago, but there isn't even a whisper of its materialization on IMDB. I think it's just being talked about right now. As we mentioned when first discussing AVP, the "Alien 5" project could very well lie in the balance based upon how much money they take in from AVP. However, I agree... if done properly it could turn out VERY well! I think it would be cool to see the "Sci-fi channel" start an Alien Vs. Predator series! I'm not sure exactly how they'd do that, but it would be cool all the same!

As for the numbers of Aliens to Predators?.... I know for a fact there will only be 3 juvenile Predators. The Aliens however... there hasn't been any numbers given out.

Director is Paul W.S. Anderson, of the aformentioned movies yes. He also did "Event Horizon". I thought Event Horizon was a good scary movie... not excellent, but definately good. As I mentioned in my posts above, Paul Anderson isn't going this effort alone. He's got the SFX guys from Alien II & III on board, as well as John Bruno Visual Effects Supervisor that also worked with James Cameron on Aliens 2.

I think it will be a great movie!

- Josh ;):D

Does anyone know yet if there will ever be an Alien 5 with Sigourney Weaver? I think it could be cool if they do it right...
As far as who will win, time will tell. It depends on how many of each there are. Plus, the Aliens aren't totally stupid. In Aliens, they hid on the walls to lure the marines in before attacking. They can hide well, and they strategically attack their victims. So does the Predator, however. It's a pretty close match, and it will probably end like Freddy Vs. Jason did where neither one loses, or they'll both lose and kill each other. Either way, I'm going to go see it. This movie is a Paul Thomas Anderson movie right? He did Mortal Kombat (okay), Resident Evil (barely okay) and some other terrible movies so I hope he can succeed with this one.

Given the Aliens' physical superiority over humans, I'd say we did all right in all four "Alien" movies, whether it took blowing up a ship or whatever to do it. That's because they're bigger and touger but we're smarter. I just see the Alien creatures as cool-looking monsters with little brains. The Predator creatures, on the other hand, are physically imposing AND smart. I dunno.

The movie is a clever marketing gimmick, and done right it should provide some fun. But unless the Aliens can attack in overwhelming numbers, I'd still place my bets on the Predators.

Say, maybe we could set up a pool? Yeah, well, maybe not.

John

Oh John... how easily we forget. The only Alien film where the humans "won" (if you can call it that) is Alien Resurection. In the first "Alien", "Ripley" had to destroy a $50 kajillion dollar ship in order to get rid of just "one" Alien! Even after she destroyed the ship, she found out it was still onboard the evacuation ship! In the second Alien movie "Aliens" the Marines had their butts handed to them by a hive of Aliens, and only one of the Marines barely escaped with his life at the end with Ripley. In the third "Alien 3" everyone dies (including Ripley) against only "one" alien, and the 4th "Alien Resurection" a few of the original group made it out alive with "hybrid Ripley" against another hive of Aliens. I think if anything else, it's been a stalemate!

To give you an idea of what's to come in AVP, towards the beginning of the movie, we're supposed to see a shot of a couple of Predators battleing a bunch of Aliens, drenched in Alien blood atop a pyramid near Peru. As the shot pulls back, you see that there aren't just a "bunch" of Aliens attacking them still, but hundreds... then the shot pulls back further, and you see THOUSANDS upon thousands of Aliens attacking the Predators! The final shot is the Predators activating their nukes, and ultimately destroying all of the Aliens, AND the Inca's of the period (explaining their historical unexplained disappearance off the earth). I don't think the Predators are guaranteed to win by any means! We'll have to wait and see. Either way, it's going to be a KILLER film!

- Josh

I always thought the Predator creature was by far the smarter and the Alien creatures by far the cooler looking. If they are both equally well matched physically, I should think it would be no contest between them, with the Predators winning every time. I mean, if mere humans could defeat the Alien creatures, the physically much superior Predators should be able to handle them easily.

The trailer looks promising, though.

John

I'm putting my bet down on the Alien. John's right that the Preditor is smarter and far more advanced. However, Aliens have their strength in numbers. The Preditor may have some cool weapons, but, in close combat, they also have that acid blood to deal with. To kill the Alien, one needs a measurable amount of distance, because being too close to the Alien, you don't stand a chance. And yes, John, I would use a measuring tape that carpenters use to measure the distance. :D

I notice that there are humans in this upcoming film, so will there be any wager on their survival?

The preview does look appealing, but I'm not going to get my hopes up just yet. I still say this franchise needs a remarkable story to spark the interest of the movie going audience, and it's fans. So far, from what I can see in the preview, it just looks like a bunch of sci-fi, over produced action. Not that I don't enjoy action and cool CGI, I'm just saying I'd like to see a substantial amount of substance along with the eye candy. I really do hope this film does well, and God know this franchise needs a boost back into the mainstream. I'm just afraid it's going to be the usual "place the brain aside" and enjoy all the CGI and non-stop action. I guess I'm hoping for a little more, and the thing is, maybe I shouldn't.

I'm with you on the Aliens winning Tim. It just makes more sense to me. I would put money down that Lance Henriksen (playing the part of "Charles Bishop Weyland" of the notorious "Weyland Industries" in the Alien Series) will survive. I think pretty well everyone else will get eaten, or splattered.

I think we have EVERY right to expect more from films now days. Since CG effects have dominated the movie industry, the expectation from storyline, plot, and just plain 'ol good story telling, has dropped dramatically. I think things will continue along those lines until we (the movie going audience) demand better. Even though we're all pretty well guilty of seeing a movie based solely upon it's CG effects, if we don't start to do something about it, things will remain the same. So I applaud you wanting more form AVP Tim, even though I'm a HUGE fan of both franchises, I'm not going to give it praise unless I truly enjoy it.

We have a couple months before we have to worry about it, but I look forward to the ride! :D

- Josh

My money's on Ra. I think he got pretty ticked when Kurt and James blew up his last ship, so he's gonna come back for his pyramids, and the Lord be with any Aliens or Predators in his way. That dandy boy's gonna give them an Extreme Makeover... Actually I'm with TGP. I think we'll get a stalemate.

Haven't seen the trailer yet, but I do hope this will be a decent flick. Anderson's track record has been less than stellar, spotty at best, so I tend to think it's a longshot. Hopefully it's at least up to snuff as a good popcorn action ride.

Sean (...if not, I know what folks were snorting snuff when they gave Anderson the keys to this one...)

Ridley Scott's "Alien" borrowed heavily from the eerie music of Howard Hanson's Second Symphony and from Mozart's decidedly non-eerie "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik." Kubrick used classical music throughout most of his films almost exclusively, including the music of Bartok, Ligeti, and Penderecki in "The Shining."

Music should establish an atmosphere and/or underscore a particular action or emotion, not deafen us to what's happening on screen. Unless, of course, that's the director's plan--to take our minds off the fact that nothing is actually happening on screen.

John

I know what you mean on the hard rock music accompanying the trailer, that annoyed me, too. Every action flick and even some of the new horror flicks have heavy metal/rock/techno that doesn't fit the movie. I actually think that choral/orchestral music has a bigger effect on action than rock. Like "Duel of the Fates" during the Star Wars lightsaber battles, and the shootings in Godfather to the baptism music, or the operatic song during the Super Burly Brawl of Matrix Revolutions. That heightens the drama. I also like when they use an oldie during action or a horrifying moment. Like when they played "Brick House" during a torture scene in House of 1000 Corpses. The best example of this, of course, is 'Stuck in the Middle With You" during the ear chopping by Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs, that scene practically invented this technique. Hard rock and metal has its appropriate places, but there's not too many of them in movies.

Saw this trailer last night. Hmmm....

Well, it definitely looks pretty lightweight, but has the possibility of being a decent brainless kind of action flick. That rock soundtrack for the trailer really turned me off more than anything. Why does everyone think a hard pounding guitar track has to symbolize visceral action nowadays? Dunno. I think it takes some of the heft from the trailer and makes it all look like a video game.

Loved that "Sacrificial chamber" line, though!

Sean (...I watched The Chamber...thought I might have to sacrifice myself on that one!...)

Unfortunately it's advertising executives that are usually in charge of what music to use to "promote" the movie. While I agree with you TGP, that hard guitar licks, techno, and the lot have been overused, keep in mind that AVP is "action based". When you're talking about the "advertising world" and keeping people's attention in the 30 second span of a commercial... soft, orchestral, or the like music isn't really appropriate for a 30 second trailer that needs to get people's attention, and keep it for such a short amount of time. Hard hitting guitar, techno and such will. They do LOTS of market research on this subject, and is the reason why it's so successful. Also keep in mind that with little exception, the sound track to promote a movie in the "teaser" or trailer, will very rarely be the soundtrack that's in the film itself. There's also a difference in the type of film you're talking about. While the "final brawl" scene in the Matrix between Neo and Smith, was meant to be sort of artsy and dramatic, the chanting and or orchestral pieces work very well for that type of situation. When you're talking about a pure xenophobic frightmare type of movie as both the "Aliens" and "Predator" series are, and then pit the two against eachother, you've got a whole different ballgame at that point. I think you'd be hard pressed to find the right orchestral music to fit such a movie. Putting music in a film that "doesn't fit" can go both ways with both fast paced, or slower orchestra music. In my opinion putting "Rage Against The Machine" in the Matrix films was a spot-on fit! And as John pointed out, in the movie "Alien" Ridley Scott put orchestral scores in, as well as some VERY unique and completely terrifying sounds from orchestral instruments in a lot of the scenes! If you tried that in AVP however, I don't think it would work. We'll have to wait and see what Paul Anderson and his crew pull out of their hats as far as musical score goes.

- Josh

While some hard rock could be used to emphasize the Alien vs. Predator fight, think of the end of Aliens, when the Queen is chasing Ripley and Newt. They used orchestra music WITH hard-hitting percussion and creepy string glissandos (For the musically uneducated, a glissando is when a note is played and then is bent upwards/downwards to make a smooth slide effect with many notes). The music was heavy and exciting but still orchestral, which was nice. As said before, The Matrix effectively mixed techno and orchestra, as do many other films. Another example was the teaser trailer for Kill Bill. It was an electric guitar song with bass and drums but it had a brass band in the background and no vocals, and what a great song it was. It immediatly perked my interest in the film and I bought the soundtracks for Vol. 1 and 2. Another example is the new Spider-man 2 teaser. It starts all soft and calm when Peter is speaking to Mary Jane, but it gets heavier and more exciting as the car breaks through the window. I consider that to be one of the better trailers I've ever seen, and it proves that you don't need to start with or even have heavy music all the time to promote a film, even an action movie. However, one movie that greatly utilized metal music was Freddy Vs. Jason. It was so badass to see those two duke it out, and since badass is a word associated with heavy rock, it was used to full effect. Orchestra music would not have been appropriate when watching two cheesy 80's horror icons fight (I'm sorry to admit this, but I love F vs J by the way). Also think of Lord of the Rings. It had a wide range of orchestral pieces- thoughtful, reflective musings, hard and exciting battle music, heroic themes, mysterious tunes of foreshadowing importance, etc. A great film soundtrack always has a variety of tunes that fit every scene (Kill Bill soundtracks, along with any other Tarantino soundtrack. Scorsese has good ones, too) and sometimes, heavy metal or hard rock is annoying or just inappropriate. You don't use metal during a tender love scene or romantic conversation. Imagine The Godfather, when Michael Corleone marries and consumates with Appolonia. Would metal music have fit there? Absolutely not.
Whoa, I'm sorry. I've gotten way off track. Forgive me for ranting, but i love music and I don't like to see it wasted.

TGP,

I know what you mean. All of your points were well made, and I agree with them. Maybe the "ad exec(s)" they hired for the AVP trailer were inexperienced? Who knows. I too am a music lover, and pay close attention to music scoring in both theater, and advertisement. I guess I didn't have a problem with the "bad ass" rock in the trailer. The way I look at it is as I said in my previous post. It's a trailer, meant to get your attention. They accomplished their goal. The trailer may have different music by the time they start advertising on tv. Personally I would have gone for more of a mysterious lure in the trailers. Spooky. Ominous. Things that have been used in the past trailers for both franchises. Maybe interspersed with a few frames of action sequences, but kept so short, you weren't sure what you saw. To coin the old show business phrase "always leave them wanting more". That's one of the things that's really disappointed me in theatrical trailers, as well as TV spot's is that they show far too much of the important parts of the movie! I've figured out entire plots of movies from a trailer. Things that are supposed to be "surprise endings" or "twists" are no longer possible. It seems that the advertisement exec's feel they have to show you as much as they possibly can in the trailer, or you won't see the movie. I've only ever had one movie going experience where I didn't know a thing about it. I happened to be living in Germany, looked up at the movie marquee to see the title "Jurasic Park". I only knew of the book at the time, and had no idea it was being made into a movie, and then suddenly there it was. It was a great experience not knowing a thing about it, and seeing all of the images for the first time, versus something that you recognize from the bombardment of commercials up to a month and a half before the movie even hits theaters. To this day Jurasic Park is still one of my favorite films, and I still love the sound track.

I'm with you though TGP, I'd much rather see AVP adopt glissando's, and use other orchestral incorporation. To me it just lends far more quality to the film. Your example of the LOTR series is a perfect example of what a great musical score can do for a movie. Any of the movies John Williams scored has been extremely popular. All orchestral.

We'll just have to wait and see.

- Josh

"Personally I would have gone for more of a mysterious lure in the trailers. Spooky. Ominous. Things that have been used in the past trailers for both franchises. Maybe interspersed with a few frames of action sequences, but kept so short, you weren't sure what you saw." -Nachtkriechen

YES! My favorite trailers are the ones with cool music and fast images with little or no dialogue so that you are interested in the movie but you don't really know what it's about. The trailer for Eternal Sunshine was PERFECT! Also, the trailer for the original Alien, where it just had alarm sounds and quick images was great as well. I went to films like Eternal Sunshine and Mystic River even though I knew almost nothing about them and they were great! I hate it when I already know what's going to happen because thet trailer showed too much. Luckily, AVP's trailer didn't show to much and I'm ready to see it...

Yep... me too! I think in the following months, if I see even a hint that a AVP trailer is going to be shown, I'm going to change the channel as quickly as possible, or pull a Jim Carey and run out of the room with my hands cupped over my ears yelling "la la la la la la la!!". Ok, so maybe I won't do that exactly, but you get the idea. I think it's completely cool that I can go back and watch the "Alien" trailer (as you mentioned) and still be scared by it! It just goes to show what can be done with the right people at the helm. Eternal Sunshine looked completely wierd to me, but that's half the reason I saw it. I loved that you didn't get a clue really as to what the movie was really about in the trailers. Eternal Sunshine is another that's going on my "all time favorites" list.

I wish we could get Henning to allow for at least 8, 10, or maybe even 12 movies in your "my highest rated DVD's" section of "my town". I've said this before, but I'd like to be able to post at least one favorite movie per genre. Or for that matter, have an area where there are blank spaces available for "Western" "Sci-fi" "horror" "Action" "Thriller" etc. And just add a movie in each section.

- Josh :)

Well... again, because I waited a while before I saw "Chronicals Of Riddick" (6/21/04), at the theater I saw it at, they had a NEW AVP trailer that had even more footage than the "exclusive" internet trailer released this month. You've all probably seen it, but on the short chance that some of you may not have, I thought it pertinant.

I stated earlier, that I would make all efforts not to watch the trailers for this movie, as the tv spots came out, as it "spoils" the experience for me when I actually see it in the theater. When I saw the new trailer in the theater however, I just couldn't help myself... I COULDN'T LOOK AWAY!! :.(

It looks as though there's probably still enough in the movie to keep the hair on the back of your neck standing up however.

- Josh :)

Ive been reading a lot of the recent test screening review of this movie and they are mostly all bad. I want this movie to be good, but I have hard accepting the possibility that Paul Anderson can make a good movie. I remember awhile back I read an interview with James Cameron where he went to Fox and said I want to make "Alien vs. Predator," but the only catch is I get to make another Alien. We could have gotten two new James Cameron movies, let alone two Alien movies, but instead we get a new Paul "Mortal Kombat" Anderson. From a strictly business point of view, Paul does have experience with Sci-fi and can do wonders with a lower budget. The guy recently had to insure people that this movie didnt have a hard rock soundtrack, what kind of director has to tell audiences that, so they will go see his films. Now, all this may seem premature, but seriously every time I see the trailer it's incredibly unsettling to me that this franchise was handed to this man. Ridley Scott, John McTiernan, James Cameron, David Fincher, Paul Anderson, something there aint right. Sorry Josh, I know your excited about this one, but Anderson scares me. Ultimately, I really cant judge until I see it, but I had to get it off my chest.

TWill,

I completely understand your view point. I actually agree with you in that I'm a little nervous about Paul Anderson directing this one as well. I too want it to be a VERY good movie, and don't want to be disappointed. However I'm going to reserve judgement until it comes out as well. I was just thinking about the soundtrack for AVP tonight before I looked at the message board. One thing that's lended volumes of "scare factor" to the "Alien" series, is the musical score. The opening credits have traditionally had very earie, spine tingleing orchestral scores, as well as a complimenting score throughout the movies. If Paul Anderson screws up my favorite sci-fi movie series ever, I will never see another of his movies! I want very badly to give Paul Anderson the benefit of the doubt, but the more trailers I see for AVP, the more it looks like it will have the "cool action" feel to it, versus, the "scare you so bad you soil yourself" feel.

Hopefully we both will be eating our words.;)
- Josh

TGP,

I don't know if this is going to answer your question or not, but maybe it will put a new light on the subject.

QUOTE FROM Q & A WITH PAUL ANDERSON:

Q) Do you see your movie as remaining true to the Alien and Predator history or are you going to set a new direction for the 2 characters?

A) Well AVP is, a sequel to the PREDATOR movies and a prequel to the ALIEN movies. It ties into both because, it's the predators hunting on earth as, as you've seen in the PREDATOR movies and, you get the indication of Weyland-Yutani and their link to the aliens as in the ALIEN movies. But AVP is designed as a stand-alone franchise. It's not designed to replace the PREDATOR or the ALIEN movies. As a fan I'd very much like to see ALIEN 5. I'd like to see another ALIEN movie with Sigourney Weaver. I'd also love to see another PREDATOR movie with Arnie. And this movie doesn't stop either of those from being made!





I hope that got you as optimistic as it got me TGP!

- Josh

That "YOU UGLY.... SON OF A..." quote is lingering in my head like a bad headache. I hope that's the low point for the movie's script.

Well, Paul Anderson should learn from his mistakes like anyone else. So I think this will be a good movie. Besides which, Paul is as avid an "Alien" & "Predator" fan as just about anyone out there. When someone is passionate about something, generally it gets done better than what might have been done by someone that's just out to make a paycheck.

We'll just have to wait until August 13th to see!

- Josh

I've been seeing TV spots for this that look INCREDIBLE. I can't wait to go. Maybe Anderson will churn out a good movie for once (I liked Mortal Kombat somewhat, though).

lol, so do I Depression... so do I. If you remember correctly, Paul Anderson was trying to keep with a running joke in the "Predator" movies. However, Paul has changed it up a little bit. The joke was first set into motion with Arnold Schwartzenegger in the first "Predator" movie with the line "you're one ugly motherf*&$er". The line was used again in "Predator II" by Danny Glover. I don't like that the line has been changed in that if it's going to be a "running joke", you don't change the basics about it. Oh well,... there's nothing that can be done now.


- Josh

According to the official Alein Vs. Predator movie site, the movie is rated... *deep breath, don't scream*... PG-13.
PG-13!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! :@ :( [:.(]
HOW CAN YOU MAKE AN ALIEN VS. PREDATOR MOVIE THAT IS PG-13? All the cool gore and elaborate death scenes will be impossible! I mean, it's directed by violent film director Paul Anderson and it's a culmination of 2 violent franchises and it's PG-13. Damn, I just lost a lot of hope for this movie. I mean sure, perhaps the gore is implied or it's more based on suspense or whatever but I can't imagine this being as cool as I hoped it would be. How cool would a PG-13 Freddy Vs. Jason been? Yeah, that's what I thought. They're going to have to make the movie less violent than the video game to get a PG-13. I'm not a gorehound and I'm not obsessed with violence but that's what you expect from a film called Alien Vs. Predator. And it's PG-13. Man, that just ruined my day. I'll still go see it, but my expectations just lowered. Maybe it's a joke or something, but it was on the official site. DAMN!

(End rant)

WOW! I don't believe I had forgotten about that movie! And I call myself a sci-fi nut! You can't see it, but I'm hanging my head in shame.

It's been since the theater since I saw Supernova. So I don't remember a whole lot about it. I think I've found a rental for the evening.

Supernova 2 eh? Sounds cool.

Josh,

I think we all know where space sci-fi is going, thats right, SUPERNOVA 2, James Spader dont take guff from no man

Ok, ok... I'm "enhancing my calm"... deeep breath in... aaaaand out. (joints snapping as I maneuver into a Tai-Chi position) Now... I'm not quite sure what this phenominon is, but whenever I mention the declinination in "space" sci-fi... people seem to miss the word ( ( ( S P A C E ) ) )!!!:D Yes... that final frontier! NOT sci-fi in general, not "Minority Report" or "The Matrix" series... SPACE sci-fi. I know sci-fi in general is alive and well, that's not the issue here. I mentioned "Star Trek" (because to my knowledge they aren't making another Star Trek "movie"), and "Star Wars" because there's only one left before it's gone. AVP may be the last in each of the Alien & Predator series, so where does that leave "s p a c e" sci-fi? "Star Wars", "Star Trek", the "Alien" series, and the "Predator" films are the last of "the greats". These are the films that brought us tag lines like "In space... no one can hear you scream", and movie lines like "The force will be with you... always" or "Kirk: Spock, where the hell's the power you promised? Spock: One damn minute, Admiral!". Now the buisiness has been left to people that think "BIGGER EXPLOSIONS" or "MORE CGI". Is this a problem? Or is it just me?

Sean,

Be glad I didn't "re" posit it.

- Josh ;)

Ultimately, I think the bottom line is depsite the material, with Anderson at the helm, this movie has a higher probability of sucking, but I will still give it my 9 dollars.

Josh,

To answer a question you posited:

I think my reservations come from Anderson directing it. He seemed more capable when he put out Event Horizon, but after that he's been pretty lackluster.

Overall, I think that Sci-Fi is losing some of its soul. Today it's all about style and glitzy special effects, not story (i.e.; Star Wars Prequels, Matrix Sequels, etc.). Science Fiction began as a commentary on society, but now it has become spectacle. As a result, today's filmmakers seem bent on out-CGIng each other rather than telling a good story that relates to the world's current condition.

If you look at the classicists of Sci-fi like Wells, Asimov, Clarke, you'll see how much their books echoed the world they lived in. Right now, I can't find a way to relate to much of what is being put on screen.

From what I've seen, Anderson's putting together more of the same with AVP. I pray I'm selling the guy short, so I'll be pleasantly surprised. However, my hopes far exceed my expectations.

From my understanding, Star Trek is not so much dead as the Next Generation crew is out of the picture. I would expect to see this cash cow come back in the not-too-distant future.

Sean ('course at my age, the not-too-distant could be longer than I'll see!...) ;)

I have the opposite opinion. I think sci-fi is flourishing. Star Wars to me is not the same as it once was but enjoyable nontheless. Star Trek is probably on it's way out soon, but I still love most of them. Then ther's The Matrix, which everyone seems to hate the trilogy except me. Recent sci-fi has been incredible (Minority Report was one of the best sci-fi films I've ever seen), and films like I, Robot are still successful.

As far as the ALien and Predator series go, Predator and the first 2 Alien flicks are classic, yet Predator 2 and ALien 3 and 4 are much maligned. Predator 2, in my opinion, is pretty good. I LOVE Alien 3, but I'm a minority there. I think Alien 3 is just as good as the first two. ALien Resurrection was kind of bumpy, but ended up being worthwhile in the end. Maybe I'm a geek, but I still love sci-fi and I don't see it fading out anytime soon.

It's funny that so many people are putting so much emphasis on this movie. Tim you don't seem to be very excited about this flick. Maybe you felt let down by Alien Resurection, Alien 3, or Predator 2, or all of the above. I don't know. I'm a big fan, and I too have high hopes and expectations for this film. But it seems to me that the expectation may be so high for "AVP" that it's doomed to fail no matter what.

"Alien Resurection" was more on track with the "feel" of the Alien movies (to me), than "Alien 3" was, whilst also breaking new ground with the whole Human/Alien "genetics" dabbling experiment. I really thought it was a good addition to the series. Short of one or two other people (besides myself) the majority opinion doesn't seem too "enthused" about "Alien Versus Predator". Maybe "space" sci-fi flicks ARE becomeing/have become passe? Or is it that Paul Anderson is directing this time? Or a little of both? If space movies are on their way out, then zealots like myself are not going to have anything to look forward to anymore. There's "talk" of a fifth Alien movie, but no information that leads you to believe that something might materialize. To my understanding the "Star Trek" movies have been laid to rest. "Star Wars" is on it's deathbed. There's nothing left!!

It's a sad sad day for Sci-fi.

- J:(sh

I've seen the full trailer to this film in the theatre . . . yeah, you still need to convince me! I liked the first two Alien films, and I enjoyed the first Predator film. However, can this new film create the same admiration I felt with the franchise?

There is still a lot to see. From the previews, the humans look like food for the masses, and they stand no chance. The Aliens look stronger beyond comparison to the rest of what cast they have. Whatever the case may be, I'm going to give a future prediction and rate this about a 6/10. I maybe wrong, but, from what I've seen in the past, I'm not that far off.

Sean,

I hope Anderson has something HUGE he'll be pulling out of his... well, his hat.


TGP,

I hear you. I'm not a huge fan of blood, guts and gore either. But in these movies, it's just sort of a given. In Aliens we had the "chest burster" to signify that the spit had hit the fan, and it was time for the Aliens to come out and start the carnage. In Predator 1, we had the scene with the Army personell skinned alive in the trees. Then the first casualty of Arnolds squad having his guts laying on the jungle floor, and who can forget the scene where the Predator pulls "Billy's" spine and skull from his body by ripping it out from behind with that Predator scream! That creaped the heck out of me when I was younger... but it was part of the movie. It sickens me to think that Paul Anderson actually might have an ending where "we" win in the end. If we win by default... meaning that the Predators set of their nukes, and it wipes out everything within a few miles, then I'm ok with that. It still leaves the Predator integrity in tact, as well as the Alien's.

Personally, I was thinking that the Aliens would win at the end of the movie. Not because I like them better than Predators or anything, but purely from a logical perspecitve. 1 Alien against 1 Predator... the Predator will win hands down. But that's the thing. Aliens don't fight fair. They come at you like an "Army Ant" colony! They just come at you and come at you until they wear you down, then finally kill you. That's probably why (in the comic series) Predators use Aliens as a right of ascension. Because it's that hard to beat them.

Sean is right however. PG-13 movies have come a LONG way in the last few years! Look at "Solaris", "Bourne Supremacy", "The Others", "The Ring"... etc. It might actually be good that this is happening, being that it makes the directors "think" how they could make the story more "scary" versus "bloody".

Who knows... well... it's only 15 days and 19 hours before we'll know. ;)

- Josh

I'm not saying that every movie needs gore and bad language but when you combine two franchises that were defined by them then they should be included! This probably means that the humans will win! If Aliens bleed acid and Predators bleed green, and there's not enough human blood for an R-rating then we win. I'll still go, and an R-rated Director's Cut DVD would be super, but I know this is a marketing stunt so that they can rope in a younger audience. Paul Andersom is known for violent flicks (Soldier, Resident Evil) and he puts out a PG-13 AVP movie. *Sigh* I pray that this means that the flick will go for more scares than gore. I still have hope for this movie, but less now.

-TGP (Whoever wins... The audience loses.)

Josh,

No, I got it. Just didn't want you to think I was answering the de-posit-ed question! :D

Here's how you get a PG-13 AVP movie: no story + no character development = no dialogue = no bad words!

Hopefully Anderson can pull something out here, and let's all remember that PG-13 now pushes the envelope a lot more than when the Alien and Predator movies first came out. To agree with ya, Josh, I don't want to be pessimistic, so I'm still hoping for the best!

Sean (now what the best from Anderson is...well...that's another story...) ;)

Tim,

It's good to see you aren't a cynical critic. However, after reading TGP's last post, not only did I almost vomit after reading "PG-13", but I lost a bit of my optimism after verifying on - EXTERNAL LINK - I think TGP couldn't have said it better. I'm EXTREMELY disappointed in Anderson for this. I will still go see the movie. I haven't lost all hope for it yet, but I'm in full agreeance that it probably WON'T be all that it could have been with an "R" rating. I quote "Frost" from "Aliens"... "what the hell are we supposed to use man? Harsh language?" Ohhh, that's right, they can't even use harsh language against the Aliens & Predators... it's PG-13!! This PG-13 rating could easily explain why Anderson changed the "running joke" (talked about earlier in this thread) from "you're one ugly motherf*&$%er" to "you ugly son of a..." However, I'm thinking this "could" also be a strategic move for DVD sales. It could be that they're planning on a "directors cut" to DVD that's "R". That's happened in the past with some movies. I don't know... maybe it's just wishful thinking.

Sean,

My "re-posit" comment was a joke. Repository? Any way my Star Trek comments were because I had heard that no more movies would be made. And as far as the TV series goes, all that's left is "Enterprise". I only get to catch that show once in a blue moon. Even then, it's not that great to me. Not to mention the fact that it's on the "sci-fi" channel which is notorious for canceling GOOD tv shows! (need I mention "Farscape") I agree, since the days of Wells, and Asimov, things have gone steadily down hill. However, the afore mentioned movies were/are still good movies in my book. The directors that made those movies however are now "over the hill" and probably only have a few films left in them! Then where do we go? Soon, all we'll see from start to finish is a movie full of explosions with CGI overlays throughout! The script will be 3 pages long, and plot's will consist of (our hero goes to the drug store for some milk when all of a sudden!!! BOOM! It blows up, and he's chasing the culprets throuough the film) I hate to be "pessimistic" here. Like I said... I'm hoping for the best. I'm going to go see AVP anyway in hopes that Paul Anderson will prove us all wrong. Maybe there WILL be an "R" dvd release.

- J8)sh

Josh,

The reply I referred to was actually the Anderson question. As far as "space" Sci-Fi, I think that it's in the same boat with all Sci-Fi. When I brought up Wells, Clark, and Asimov, these are authors who not only started Sci-Fi, but what you would also term "space" Sci-Fi. Their works had a soul that today's space films do not (i.e.; again, Star Wars). Overall, I think sub-genres like this often stay fairly close in line with the bigger genre. As you and I both mentioned, "space" Sci-Fi has gone the route of bigger and better effects, smaller and worse writing.

I think the only current "space" Sci-Fi franchise that will continue for a while is Star Trek. I think this because these stories have long focused on the characters with the plot relating to what they are going through or what is occurring in our present world. Do they miss a step here and there? Of course, but with its huge fanbase and if they keep that focus, I think we can expect more from this franchise in the future.

Sean (of course, I'm waiting for that film adaptation of Space: 1999!...)

Josh,

No dude, I love the Alien series. The only one I truly hate is "Alien 3", other than that, they're all fun films to me. I even enjoyed "Preditor II", if you can believe it. The thing is, I'm just seeing a franchise that seems to be diminishing and it's hard to imagine that some new film will reserect in place of such classic sci-fi's.

I don't show you a lot of hope because I'm used to disapointment as a critic. However, I'm hoping for the best with "AVP" and I would like to see this franchise get a new face-lift. Believe me dude, my fingers are crossed that this film will do well. My past comments are just based on the reality of the real world and the diminishing audience for this genre. No offense to anyone intended. Believe me, "Aliens" and "Preditor" are some of my favorite Sci-fi films.

Excuse my language please, but Anderson is a studio whore, that is why it is rated PG-13

- EXTERNAL LINK -

The above link shows a short clip from the film of an alien fighting a predator. Don't really know what to think about it. There really isn't tension and it looks kinda cheap. Kinda smells of Freddy Vs. Jason too. More sub-par to mediocre filmmaking from Anderson. I hope he proves me wrong...

Tony

Ok, I just couldn't resist... I mean a fight scene between a Predator & an Alien BEFORE the movie is released!!! I had to watch it. I don't think it will ruin the movie for me, as Paul Anderson said that there was PLENTY of Alien AND Predator carnage throughout the film.

The fight scene:

HOLY CRAP!! That was a FREAKING cool scene! I cannot wait to see this! That scene has restored my faith in the "coolness" factor of a PG-13 AVP!! I think we all might be underestimating Paul Anderson on this film. I feel I can go to AVP with an open mind now!!

- Josh ;) 8)

Josh,

As much I fear this movie will suck, your enthusiasm for it does improve my outlook. Watching the scene, technically its vey good, but still bland. Reminded me a lot of the bathroom fight scene in T3. I'm still pulling for this one...

Tony,

Keep in mind that I'm probably as big a fan (if not bigger) than Paul Anderson claims to be of the Alien & Predator series. I've seen the Alien films more times than I can remember... so much so that I could probably recite each Alien movie line for line, character for character, scene for scene. Same goes for the first Predator. I'm such an enthusiast, that I'm still hoping that we'll see a "Predator III" with the "Governator" returning as his character "Major Dutch Schaeffer"! As well as an "Alien 5" with Sigourney Weaver, and hopefully a look at the Alien's home planet, and where they fit in their food chain on their planet! These ideas may not materialize, but one can hope.

I think we're all (fenatics and casual alien lovers alike) going to have to go to AVP with the same open mind needed when you go to see "The Village". I went hoping for the best, but still having read all of the "negative" reviews. I came out of The Village loving it! I think people maybe felt ripped off from the trailers. But then, I feel if they did, then they aren't true Shyamalan fans. Same goes for AVP. While Paul Anderson has a pretty crappy track record in movies, keep in mind he didn't have the same level of "enthusiasm" for his previous films as he "says" he has for the Aliens & Predator films! This could be Paul Andersons "big break" on the film scene (no pun intended).

COME ON PEOPLE!! GET EXCITED FOR AVP!!! (insert Howard Dean scream here)

;):D