Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) Movie Review
“Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” (AVP: R), directed by Colin and Greg Strause, is the 2007 sequel to the 2004 film “Alien vs. Predator.” This science fiction horror film continues the crossover between the iconic Alien and Predator franchises, delivering a blend of intense action and creature horror. While it has a lot to offer fans of the two franchises, its reception has been mixed.
Plot Summary
The film picks up where “Alien vs. Predator” left off, with the Predator ship crash-landing in a small Colorado town. Inside the wreckage, an Alien embryo gestates and hatches, leading to a series of brutal attacks on the town’s inhabitants. The situation escalates when a Predator, referred to as the “Wolf,” arrives on Earth to clean up the mess left by the crashed ship and hunt the Alien creatures.
As the Alien threat grows, the townspeople are caught in the crossfire between the Predator and the Alien creatures. A group of survivors, including a high school student named Dallas (Steven Pasquale), his sister (Reiko Aylesworth), and other locals, must navigate the chaos and try to survive the onslaught of the deadly creatures.
Performances
The performances in “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” are largely functional, with the focus being on the action and creature effects rather than deep character development. Steven Pasquale and Reiko Aylesworth, as siblings trying to protect their family, deliver solid performances but are somewhat overshadowed by the film’s emphasis on spectacle over character depth.
The film features a range of supporting actors, many of whom are primarily involved in the action sequences. While the performances are serviceable, they do not particularly stand out in terms of emotional impact or character development.
Direction and Style
Colin and Greg Strause bring a visually dark and intense style to “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.” The film’s tone is significantly darker than its predecessor, with a focus on brutal, graphic violence and a tense atmosphere. The use of night-time settings and dimly lit scenes enhances the film’s horror elements and creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread.
The action sequences are fast-paced and violent, featuring a mix of hand-to-hand combat and creature attacks. The Strause brothers use a combination of practical effects and CGI to bring the Alien and Predator creatures to life, although the film’s frequent use of shaky cam and dark visuals can make some of the action sequences difficult to follow.
Themes
“Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” continues the exploration of the clash between the two alien species and their impact on humanity. The film delves into themes of survival, the consequences of alien conflict, and the struggle of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
The film also touches on themes of predation and survival instincts, as both the Predator and Alien creatures exhibit ruthless behavior in their pursuit of prey. The human characters’ attempts to survive amidst the chaos highlight the fragility of human life when faced with such powerful and relentless adversaries.
Streaming Services and Availability
As of 2024, “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” is available for streaming on several platforms. In the United States, you can watch the film on:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple TV: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
These platforms provide convenient access to the film, allowing fans of the Alien and Predator franchises to revisit or experience this crossover for the first time.
Conclusion
“Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” offers a dark and action-packed continuation of the crossover between the Alien and Predator franchises. While it delivers intense and graphic horror, the film’s focus on spectacle and violence sometimes overshadows its character development and narrative depth. The dark visual style and relentless action sequences create a tense atmosphere that may appeal to fans of creature horror and franchise crossovers.
For viewers looking for a high-octane, creature-filled experience, “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” provides an entertaining, if uneven, entry in the Alien and Predator series. Its availability on popular streaming services ensures that fans and newcomers alike can access this action-horror crossover with ease.
