Now, for the second year in a row we are presented with a pairing of icons from the 80's in a showdown that's sure to blow audiences away. Last year we had the well made, but still flawed, Freddy vs. Jason, this year we have Alien vs. Predator. Last year was a battle of horror icons, while this year moves into the sci-fi/action realm. Both of these movies were entertaining, but I think the prior one was the more successful, having a better time integrating the histories of the two characters. This one tries, but fails to really connect. Like it has been described as some critics as more of a missed opportunity rather than an outright failure. I tend to agree with that sentiment.

This was a project that has been high on the geek wish list for many years. The question was, could this be brought to the screen in a way that would satisfy everyone? The answer to that is yes, the follow up is quite different. That being, will it? The short answer, no. I remember a time, not that long ago, when two luminaries of the science fiction world were in talks to collaborate on this project. Those two names were none other than James Cameron (Terminator, Aliens) and Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner). Cameron was going to write and Scott direct. To be honest, this may have just been a rumor, but I believe some very early talks took place. Then, shortly thereafter, Paul WS Anderson was announced as director, and there was collective sigh. I have enjoyed Anderson's work, and have defended him in a variety of places, but for as much as I have enjoyed his movies, none have really crossed over into the realm of greatness. His movies all have a similar look to them, so much so that it is easy to tell when you are watching one, but all too often you would watch it and say, that was very similar to such and such a movie. So, I was a little disappointed when he was chosen for what should be a high profile film. Disappointment continued when I also read that he had promised to deliver a PG-13 movie. I haven't been too happy with this trend towards PG-13 as opposed to R over the past few years, not that there is anything wrong with that rating, but that discussion is for another time. Anyway, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, and hope for the best.

The trailers started to hit, as well as some images online. The Alien and Predator designs looked good, but that first trailer was awful. The clip was edited to some generic rock music and looked like a video game, I believe this version was only released online. A few days later, I saw the next trailer incarnation in a theater, this one was much better, but it still had a distinctly video game look to it. As the release day approached, it was announced that it would not be being screened for critics prior to release. This is generally reserved for films that even the studios don't think will be any good, so they try to get it out for the box-office before word of mouth spreads. I decided I would give it a try anyway, being a fan both series already, it was destined to be interesting to see how it turned out.