Month: August 2021

Today’s quick review: Alien vs. Predator. When a Weyland Industries satellite picks up an inexplicable heat signature in Antarctica, Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen) assembles a team of experts guided by Alexa Woods (Sanaa Lathan) to investigate. What they find beneath the ice is an ancient temple where sacrifices were once offered to otherworldly visitors. But as the team explores deeper, they run the risk of becoming the latest sacrifices.

Alien vs. Predator is a sci-fi action horror movie that, as the title suggests, is a crossover between the Alien and Predator franchises. The Predators are a race of bipedal hunters with access to advanced technology who have come to Earth to hunt Xenomorphs, a deadly alien species with unique biology, in a pyramid designed for the purpose. Caught between them are a team of human explorers who have no idea what they’re in for.

Alien vs. Predator tries to combine the best of both series but gets mixed results. The movie’s best features are its setup, which does a passable job of justifying the three-way conflict, and its action, which shows how the Predator toolkit fares against the Xenomorphs’ natural weapons. But beyond the basics, Alien vs. Predator doesn’t have much to offer. Neither the story nor the action has the heft needed to match either series at its best.

Alien vs. Predator suffers from a few key flaws. The human cast isn’t nearly as interesting as the casts from the original Alien or Predator movies, making it hard to invest in their fate. The lore that the movie adds fits well enough with both series, but there isn’t much of it. Once the nature of the temple has been explained, there’s very little left to the story. That just leaves the action to carry the movie, and it isn’t quite up to the task.

Give Alien vs. Predator a shot if you’re a casual fan of the survival horror side of the sci-fi genre. Hardcore fans of Alien or Predator will be disappointed by the sharp step down in storytelling, atmosphere, and action. Those willing to take Alien vs. Predator on its own terms will find it to be a modestly entertaining watch. The movie won’t impress many viewers, but a few decent ideas and its iconic creatures are enough to let it coast by.

For a more iconic take on the same characters, try Alien or Predator. For a sci-fi action movie with a similar premise, try Predators, Doom, or The Thing.

5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for thin but adequate sci-fi action.

Today’s quick review: Life. As the crew of the International Space Station (Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, Ariyon Bakare, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Olga Dihovichnaya) process soil samples returned by a Mars probe, they make a momentous scientific discovery: a single-celled organism. But when the organism begins to replicate and show signs of intelligence, the crew must find a way to neutralize it before it can break containment.

Life is a sci-fi survival horror movie set aboard the International Space Station. Six astronauts are trapped with Calvin, a starfish-like alien with a versatile cellular structure, cunning intelligence, and terrifying strength. Before the horror kicks in, Life serves up a semi-realistic depiction of life in space and the procedures for first contact with an alien species. The interactions of the cast and attention to detail are its best features.

But Life has a harder time with its horror. The crux of the problem is Calvin, a plausible design for an alien organism that lacks the stage presence to hold the film together. Calvin may be inhuman and deadly, but it’s also small and comprehensible, more of a dangerous pest than the cryptic threat the movie wants it to be. Life’s plot progression exacerbates the problem, a flat series of skirmishes with no true climax to build to.

In spite of these weaknesses, Life has the makings of a viable thriller. Its realistic setting, well-rounded cast, and tense build-up all serve it well, while Calvin manages to pull off enough unnerving tricks to make the movie worthwhile. Life misses some of its potential; there are similar movies that hit harder and have more memorable creatures. But what it does have to offer may be worth a peek for fans of the grounded side of the genre.

For a much more effective take on a similar setup, try Alien. For a tense sci-fi thriller set in space, try Sunshine. For a realistic look at space exploration gone wrong, try Gravity or The Martian. For an even more unnerving sci-fi horror movie, try Annihilation.

6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a workable setup with a weak follow-through.

Today’s quick review: Charlie’s Angels. Elena Houghlin (Naomi Scott) is the lead developer for a clean energy device with a flaw that makes it the perfect tool for assassinations. The Townsend Agency, a private intelligence group, sends in Sabina (Kristen Stewart) and Jane (Ella Balinska) to take care of the situation. Led by Bosley (Elizabeth Banks), the trio races to recover the prototype devices before they can be sold on the black market.

Charlie’s Angels is a spy action adventure based on the television series of the same name. Charlie’s Angels introduces the latest iteration of the Angels, a team of multi-talented female operatives who fight crime around the world. The movie aims to be a fun romp fueled by glamor and adrenaline. In this it is only partially successful. Charlie’s Angels goes through the motions well enough but never finds the spark it’s looking for.

Charlie’s Angels never makes a real impact. The stunts are enjoyable in the moment, but there are no memorable set pieces to latch onto. The dialogue fares similarly, with jokes that earn a smile or two but fade away quickly. The plot is formulaic and predictable. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be a problem for an action movie, but Charlie’s Angels doesn’t put in the effort to make the formula work, offering up weak twists that lack emotional impact.

The end result is a passable popcorn watch for a receptive audience, but one that won’t impress critical viewers. Charlie’s Angels makes a fair pass at the basics of the action genre, but it never puts its own stamp on the genre’s conventions, and the few places where it tries to make a statement go poorly for it. Those looking for a dash of action may want to give it a shot. Those looking for originality, spectacle, or heart should steer clear.

For a less consistent but more spirited take on the same premise, try the version of Charlie’s Angels starring Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore. For a higher-octane spy adventure, try the Mission: Impossible series. For a heist comedy with a female crew, try Ocean’s Eight. For a much more graphic spy-flavored action movie, try Kingsman: The Secret Service.

3.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for mixed execution of a generic formula.

“I’ll be back.” —Sarah Connor

Today’s quick review: Terminator: Dark Fate. Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes), a young Mexican woman, has to run for her life when the REV-9 (Gabriel Luna), a shapeshifting robot from the future, comes to kill her. She’s saved by the timely arrival of Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an augmented soldier sent from the future to stop the REV-9. But to deal with the robot for good, both of them will need help from an unexpected source: Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton).

Terminator: Dark Fate is a sci-fi action movie and the sixth installment in the Terminator series. Dark Fate returns to the series’ roots by ignoring the previous three films entirely, picking up with Sarah Connor two decades after the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The movie features a strong new villain, plenty of action, and a reasonable twist on the classic Terminator plot, but it suffers from weaknesses with its characters and story.

Dark Fate’s greatest strength is its action. Polished special effects and a compelling new Terminator design lead to hard-hitting action sequences that fit in with the series’ traditions while still feeling innovative. The REV-9 takes the design of the T-1000 one step further: a liquid metal shell over a classic Terminator endoskeleton, each of which can operate autonomously. Dark Fate does a great job of actually putting this gimmick to work.

However, Dark Fate runs into a few issues when it comes to its story. Taken on its own, the plot works well enough, but its treatment of the canon, especially the ending of Terminator 2, will irk fans of the series. The new characters this time around are not especially compelling. The three leads have only weak chemistry with one another, and Grace and Sarah serve overlapping roles in the story, robbing either one of a complete story arc.

Terminator: Dark Fate gets enough right to be worth a watch for fans of the science fiction genre. Solid execution of its action, decent plot beats, and good use of a new Terminator design are enough to make Dark Fate a good popcorn watch. But dedicated fans of the franchise may dislike some of its decisions, and those hoping for strong character work will be disappointed. For a bleaker movie with a similar setup, try Logan.

6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for polished action attached to a mixed story.

Today’s quick review: Terminator Genisys. Years in the future, John Connor (Jason Clarke), the leader of the human resistance against Skynet, sends his trusted friend Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back in time to protect his mother, Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke), from a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent to kill her. But when Kyle arrives in the past, he finds a brand new timeline and a chance to destroy Skynet before it comes online.

Terminator Genisys is a sci-fi action movie that puts a new twist on the Terminator formula. This time around, Kyle’s trip to the past is derailed by radical changes to the timeline, resulting in a new set of allies, more advanced Terminators to fight, and an alternate Skynet that must be stopped before it can take over the world. The movie’s creative ideas breathe life into the franchise, but their execution leaves something to be desired.

Terminator Genisys has a strange setup. It takes the events of the first Terminator film as a starting point before veering off into new territory. The key plot elements are still there: cyborgs, time travel, and a bad future to avert. But the details are scrambled, giving the movie its own rhythm and its own opportunities to establish a new storyline. To its credit, this leads to some decent action sequences and a distinctive story.

Where Terminator Genisys runs into trouble is actually weaving its ideas into a cohesive story. Genisys bounces from one concept to the next without worrying too much about how they fit together, leading to a plot with bizarre twists and a handful of dangling threads. The characters are passable, but they lack the depth of their original incarnations. In general, Genisys dreams up big changes to the series but lacks the craft to make them work.

Terminator Genisys ends up in an odd niche: It will appeal the most to sci-fi fans who are familiar with the Terminator franchise but aren’t too heavily invested in it. Its changes to the status quo and shaky execution will put off hardcore fans of the series, but its daring ideas and serviceable action do give it some appeal for the right viewer. Those willing to roll the dice should give it a shot. Those hoping for another classic should skip it.

For a more steady take on a similar plot, try The Terminator. For another sci-fi action movie about a robot uprising, try I, Robot.

6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for decent action wrapped around an uneven story.

“Come with me if you want to live.” —Kyle Reese

Today’s quick review: Terminator Salvation. By the year 2018, Skynet has wiped out most of humanity and is rounding up the survivors with its army of Terminator robots. John Connor (Christian Bale) leads the fight against the machines, bringing hope to survivors like Kyle Reese (Anton Yelchin). On the verge of a pivotal confrontation, John’s plans are disrupted by the arrival of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a convict with a mysterious past.

Terminator Salvation is a sci-fi action movie and the fourth movie in the Terminator franchise. Terminator Salvation takes the series in a new direction, fleshing out the dystopian future where the Terminators of the previous movies originate. The movie handles its task well, serving up a new plot, an expanded setting, and several new Terminator designs. However, none of its characters or ideas shine the way the original movies do.

Terminator Salvation sticks to the basics of the sci-fi genre but handles them well. Its vision of the future is a ruined place, plagued by dangerous machines and full of tough choices. Some creative future technology and a sizable special effects budget help the movie live up to its promises on the action side. The plot, while not inspired, hits all the beats it needs to. These features make it a good standalone movie for newcomers to the series.

Still, Terminator Salvation lacks the clear vision and outstanding quality of the first two movies. The script comes close to some interesting ideas but never quite hits the nail on the head. The quality is serviceable, but there’s nothing iconic. The full dystopian future and lack of time travel are serious changes to the formula that fans may not like. None of these issues are enough to cripple the movie, but they do take off some of its sheen.

Terminator Salvation is a solid pick for fans of the science fiction genre. The changes to its story and setting place it in a somewhat different category than the movies that came before it. Those looking for a dose of gritty action with menacing enemies should give it a shot. Those hoping for a movie that hews closer to the earlier entries in the franchise or matches their degree of innovation may want to give it a pass.

For another war between man and machine, try The Matrix Reloaded or The Matrix Revolutions. For a similar flavor of military sci-fi, try Edge of Tomorrow. For a Terminator movie with a plot but more attitude, try Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. For budget sci-fi action in a similar vein, try Revolt, Skyline, or Beyond Skyline.

6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for solid craftsmanship without the inspiration to go farther.

“She’ll be back.” —The Terminator

Today’s quick review: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Even with Judgment Day averted, John Connor (Nick Stahl) has lived in fear of a future where Skynet wipes out humanity. His fears are confirmed when the T-X (Kristanna Loken), an advanced model of Terminator, travels back in time to eliminate his childhood friend Kate Brewster (Claire Danes). Now John and Kate must rely on a reprogrammed Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent to save them.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is a sci-fi action movie set years after the events of Terminator 2. The movie features a new villain with access to an array of futuristic weaponry, as well as bigger stunts and a plot that revisits Skynet’s dystopian future. Rise of the Machines has the makings of a decent action, albeit one that relies more on flash than substance. However, its ideas and execution don’t live up to the first two films’.

Rise of the Machines is a clear step down from the previous movies in terms of story and characters. John Connor has none of the skill and tenacity his future self was reputed to have. Kate Brewster is a lukewarm addition to the franchise and has little chemistry with John. The plot repeats the same beats as the first two films without innovating on the formula. Moreover, the themes and details of the story clash with what has been established.

Even so, Rise of the Machines makes for a fun action movie when taken in isolation. The premise of two nigh-indestructible robots from the future fighting each other with whatever weapons and heavy machinery they can get their hands on is still a strong one. The stunts are bigger than in previous films, with a greater focus on firepower and explosions, and while the plot isn’t masterful, it holds holds together well enough for an action flick.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines makes for a fine popcorn watch for anyone who enjoys the early 2000s style of action movies. A time-tested premise and a healthy special effects budget are enough to give it simple appeal. But Rise of the Machines misses a lot of what made the prior movies special, and fans who are invested in the series may be disappointed by the dip in quality. For a more sedate attempt to prevent nuclear war, try WarGames.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for solid action held back by lukewarm characters and a mediocre story.

“Hasta la vista, baby.” —The Terminator

Today’s quick review: Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Ever since she caught a glimpse of a future ruled by machines, Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) has been preparing for Judgment Day, the day when Skynet will trigger a nuclear holocaust. Sarah gets the chance to change fate when a reprogrammed Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) comes back in time to save her son John (Edward Furlong) from the T-1000 (Robert Patrick), the newer model sent to kill him.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a sci-fi action movie written and directed by James Cameron. Terminator 2 follows in the footsteps of the first film, keeping the same core of solid sci-fi while putting a new spin on the premise. Impressive action, a menacing villain, a high-stakes plot, and a range of iconic moments combine to make the movie a classic of the genre. Like its predecessor, Terminator 2 encapsulates the best sci-fi has to offer.

Terminator 2 builds on the strong foundation laid by the first movie. Sarah Connor has become a hardened warrior, willing to do anything to prevent the apocalypse. Her son John has been raised by foster parents, a troublemaker with only faint signs of the leader he’s destined to be. The Terminator has been reprogrammed as an ally, a tough an literal-minded guardian for John. In general, the changes to the formula are well-considered and interesting.

Terminator 2 has the same high execution quality as The Terminator, only with improved special effects and a greater emphasis on action. The movie delivers action in spades, with vehicle chases, gunfights, and tense showdowns. The plot finds interesting roles for its characters and has enough substance to satisfyingly fill the movie. Finally, Terminator 2 serves up another iconic villain in the form of the cold, shapeshifting T-1000.

Terminator 2 will still have some variation due to taste. The mvoie skews towards the dark, destructive side of the sci-fi genre, with traces of horror in the design and behavior of the T-1000. Its plot doesn’t delve as heavily into speculation as some science fiction, while its increased action and humor from the first movie may not sit well with purists. But these minor points are outweighed by the movie’s strong premise and high quality.

Watch Terminator 2: Judgment Day if you’re a fan of sci-fi, action, or iconic movies in general. The film does great things with the tools at its disposal, using the strength of its ideas, the tightness of its execution, and the polish of its special effects to carry off its premise. For another well-constructed sequel from James Cameron, try Aliens. For a sci-fi action movie whose story involves a hidden truth about the world, try The Matrix.

8.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for a memorable story backed by excellent fundamentals.

“I’ll be back.” —The Terminator

Today’s quick review: The Terminator. Los Angeles turns into a battleground when the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), an unstoppable cyborg with a human exterior, arrives from the future to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), an ordinary waitress with an extraordinary destiny. Her only chance of survival is to go with Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier sent from the future, and try to stay one step ahead of a killer that never gets tired.

The Terminator is a sci-fi action movie written and directed by James Cameron. The plot centers around Sarah Connor, an ordinary young woman who holds the key to humanity’s survival in a dystopian future ruled by machines. The Terminator sits at the intersection of some of the best features of the sci-fi genre. Technological speculation, an intricate plot, cutting-edge special effects, and raw action make The Terminator a satisfying watch.

The Terminator gets a lot of mileage out of its premise. The setup seems simple enough at first, with Reese on one side and the Terminator on the other in the battle for Sarah’s life. But soon enough, the story develops wrinkles. The mechanics of the Terminator’s hunt, Sarah’s gradual introduction to the danger she’s in, and the complications of time travel all work in the movie’s favor, helping to fill out a complete and interesting story.

The other core strength of The Terminator is its villain. The Terminator makes for an imposing and inhuman foe, pursuing its target with a mix of brute force and subterfuge. The design of the character stands the test of time, a terrifying endoskeleton layered with cold, disposable human flesh. The special effects are rough by modern standards, but they are impressive for their era and are still enough to do the Terminator justice as a villain.

The Terminator is a must-see for fans of the science fiction genre and a strong pick for action fans in general. There are movies that outclass it in terms of plot, action, and scope, but its memorable premise and rock-solid execution secure it a place as one of the classics of the genre. For its more action-oriented sequel, try Terminator 2: Judgment Day. For a lower-stakes clash with a humanlike robot, try Westworld.

8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for strong fundamentals and an iconic villain.

Today’s quick review: Batman: Hush. While investigating a kidnapping, Batman (Jason O’Mara) uncovers a mystery involving some of his greatest foes. As Batman searches for the mastermind who has been pulling their strings, a man known only as Hush, Hush takes aim at Batman with a series of targeted, personal attacks. Meanwhile, circumstances bring Batman closer to Catwoman (Jennifer Morrison), who has been trying to put her criminal past behind her.

Batman: Hush is an animated superhero movie based on the DC comic book series of the same name. Batman: Hush is a sprawling mystery that pits Batman against a sizable portion of his rogues’ gallery, as well as Hush, a new foe who always seems to be one step ahead. The movie has plenty to offer fans of the genre, with a solid balance of action, character development, and plot. However, its loose story structure won’t satisfy everyone.

Batman: Hush has the same consistent quality as the other movies set in the Son of Batman universe. The animation is nicely detailed without feeling stiff. The voice acting is skilled. There’s plenty of action as Batman fights his way through villain after villain. The script scores a few hits, especially when it visits the other members of Batman’s extended family. It also delivers up another peek into a living, breathing superhero universe.

Where Batman: Hush takes risks is with its story. The plot is a loose adaptation of the comic, keeping the villain and several of the key beats while stripping out some of the complexity. The changes go a long way towards streamlining the movie, but they do tweak some of the moments hardcore fans will consider pivotal. Batman: Hush also dives into Batman’s relationship with Catwoman, which is handled well and helps tie the movie together.

Fans of the superhero genre should give Batman: Hush a shot. It’s a concentrated dose of what the superhero genre excels at, with a story that covers a lot of ground and execution quality that’s hard to fault. Some viewers may not get as much as they hope to out of the mystery, thanks to its winding structure and grab bag assortment of characters. But Batman: Hush offers enough to please most existing fans and makes a great sampler for new ones.

For other animated movies in the same series, try Son of Batman, Batman vs. Robin, or Batman: Bad Blood. For a more realistic take on the character, try the Dark Knight trilogy from Christopher Nolan. For a similar adaptation on the Superman side of the universe, try The Death of Superman.

6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a high-quality and nicely varied superhero adventure.