Are aliens and predators really this boring?

Evan Marmol

Paul W.S. Anderson wrote, and directed the most unimpressive

disingenuous clash of the titans in recent memory. “Aliens Vs.

Predator” managed to de-claw the menacing aliens and demystify the

pernicious predators.

The plot is utterly hard-boiled, divested of any character

development. What it boils down to is 90 minutes of nonsensical

boredom. The dialogue is as dry as last year’s Thanksgiving turkey,

and far less enticing. Kudos to the special effects, but it is one

thing to show the nefarious beasts, it is quite another to make them

entertaining.

The gist is a typical trite formula. An unassuming billionaire

assembles a crew of scientist from an array of disciplines, and

contracts them on a clandestine mission. The purpose is for this

coterie to discover an ancient pyramid. Amid the excavation, they

find themselves embroiled in a hornet’s nest of monsters. Aliens,

predators, take your choice -- each is as ostensibly vicious and

psychopathic.

There is only one problem. The action is orchestrated in the most

unimaginative manner. A number of unnecessary plot twists only

detract from the already tepid action. And the characters are so

poorly developed that you cannot identify with them and you do not

really care if they live or die. To make matters worse, the aliens

and predators seem as bored fighting as I was in my seat. These are

supposed to be the most devastating hunters in science fiction, and

they meander around as nothing more than eye candy.

This film is a major goose egg. It is nothing more than episodic

tripe attempting to capitalize on its namesakes. I dreaded watching

it, and the fear of sitting through it again is scarier than the

flick.

‘Village’ is another Shyamalan classic

M. Night Shyamalan cannot be imitated, paralleled or even touched

in the domain of true ingenuity. The director, writer, producer and

consummate master of movie making dons many genres, and is as

extravagant -- sometimes a bit outlandish -- as you can get. However,

his films never cease to amaze and captivate. “The Village” is

another in his burgeoning legacy of timeless films that will enthrall

for generations to come.

As with most of Night’s films, the premise of “The Village” is

merely the proverbial tip of the iceberg. His repertoire is vast, but

he loves to surprise the audience and take it on a tortuous ride that

can flummox the most canny patron and nonplus the sagest.

The film opens in an insular Pennsylvania community that has

buttressed itself against unnamed, savage creatures. This community

coexists peacefully with the woodland beasts by respecting their

boundaries. Within the community, there is a strained peace and

provincial ambience. Looming over the village resides a strange aura

that always guides its residents to be as isolated from “the towns”

as possible.

This eerie tale is as startling and bloodcurdling as it can be. It

can also be heartfelt and jovial. It is simultaneously a suspense

thriller and love story. The film accomplishes this with Night’s

direction and an all-star cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce

Dallas Howard, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver and

Brendan Gleeson.

This film mesmerizes from the get go, and consumes every sense. It

is a modern parable with dignity and heart. I recommend it to all.

* EVAN MARMOL is Laguna Beach resident. He graduated from UC

Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior. He can be

reached at Evan_Marmol@hotmail.com.