Aliens vs Predator 2

For those who have caught the prequel AVP, this film is the exact reason why sequels are never worth your time. Watched it at Tampines Mall yesterday, and the only redeeming factor of the film is the fascinating cinematic effects. Other than that, I feel for my poor pocket.


AVP 2 is a confusing, erratic combination of poorly scripted plot, a myriad of characters and weak directions which leaves you wondering why you bothered paying money for the film. To start off with, the human characters are there for no sure reason.





You wonder whether they are there for the sex factor (with this cleavage revealing babe) or just to be killed off. The fight scenes are contrived, almost as if they are there to scare or gross you. No plot, no link, no thing. Nothing.




The only best part, and I emphasize this with only, is the aggressive sparring scenes between the Predator and Aliens. However, this is sadly interrupted with abrupt intrusions of human characters with no plot whatsoever.



And amusing enough, throughout the WHOLE entire film, there was only one Predator against innumerable Aliens. And you wonder why.

No wonder our friend joked that it was already stated explicitly in the film title that it was: AlienS vs Predator 2.

I guess what one of the critics mentioned abt AVP 2 is true: "The only winner in Aliens versus Predator 2? The one who avoids watching it."

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars

I am Legend

Initially viewed with my keen suspicion as just another movie with the same forgettable recurring theme of the destruction of mankind, I am Legend took me by surprise by being anything but that. The mise-en-scene sets Will Smith in a destroyed world, delivering his monologues to himself or his dog.
The movie does not state the obvious: you sense how the loneliness drives him almost delirious when he starts setting up mannequins in the local DVD rental store and visits it daily. Not knowing when his day is the last, he starts his day with a routine to keep sane. His sudden burst of fury and insanity - we can understand and even sympathise with - as it signifies his lack of control over the chaotic situation. His pursuit of a cure, though fleetingly slim, says more than anything else.




Flirting with danger, Smith steals the limelight and commands the movie with his solo performance. The pace of the show is set almost perfectly until a twist wrings away all the respect I had for the movie. A pity as it would have earned quite a high rating if not for the ending which stands out like a sore thumb.



The explanations become contrived and confusing, leaving questions unanswered. The end is rightly touted as a sheer disappointment; other than that, a show worth watching.

3.5 out of 5 stars