Is It Too Late for Alien To Go Back to Basics? The Predator Franchise Shows There’s Always Hope

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As a gamer who has spent countless hours navigating through the haunted corridors of the Nostromo and battling xenomorphs in countless video games, I must admit that I am both excited and apprehensive about Fede Alvarez’s upcoming film, Alien: Romulus. The prospect of a return to practical effects and a more grounded approach to the franchise is certainly enticing, but I can’t help but feel a little skeptical.

Fede Alvarez’s announcement that his film, Alien: Romulus, would resemble the original style of the Alien series, was met with genuine excitement. Alvarez expressed his intention to incorporate as much practical special effects as possible initially. Additionally, his obvious passion and appreciation for what made the original Alien and Aliens films so iconic has only served to increase anticipation for the upcoming Alien movie.

I’m thrilled to finally catch the latest official Alien film in cinemas, and the prospect of potentially watching a fantastic one after decades makes me even more eager!

However, there’s still a slight hesitation. Simplifying the concept seems fitting for a franchise that frequently alters its aesthetic approach, much like how Sonic the Hedgehog game series changes its design every now and then. If you could provide a haunted space station with action and gory body horror elements, that would be just perfect.

My only worry (and yes, it could just be my worry) is that I’m not sure the magic Alvarez will aim for is still possible. In the years since Aliens, the franchise has been through something of an identity crisis. That has led to messy retcons aplenty and a convoluted, incoherent sprawl of xenomorph lore and variants.

Alien’s checkered past has maimed its mystery

Interestingly, Ridley Scott may have unwittingly tarnished the enigma and fascination surrounding the xenomorph, despite his initial attempts to reveal its origins in Prometheus and further expose it in Alien: Covenant. This is noteworthy considering that AvP2: Requiem had previously shown signs of killing off any remaining interest in this franchise with its poor quality. So bad was it, that it seemed to embrace its own awfulness, casting a darkness over the series that makes the dark scenes from Game of Thrones final season appear as bright as daylight.

With the passage of time and our increased understanding, can Fede Alvarez manage to transport us back to the familiarity of the past? While it may not be a complete return, there’s a glimmer of renewal in the intermittent cinematic battle between Xenomorphs.

As a die-hard fan of the Predator franchise, I’ve always admired the unique blend of sci-fi and action that John McTiernan originally brought to life. Over time, subsequent sequels have carried remnants of this iconic film, but they seemed to drift further from the raw intensity of the first installment. I may not be as critical as others about Shane Black’s The Predator, but I understand why it sparked controversy among dedicated fans. Its mixed reviews and underwhelming box office performance initially suggested a downfall for the series, especially after Disney acquired the 20th Century Fox franchise. Yet, surprisingly, we’ve seen a resurgence instead – a testament to the enduring allure of this alien hunter.

Prey for another chance

In a simpler and more conversational style: Dan Trachtenberg’s movie “Prey” returns to essentials by simplifying the usual formula. It takes place in 1719, offering a unique perspective on the Predator hunt during an era where human technology wasn’t as sophisticated as it is today.

As I delved deeper into the game, a twist unfolded that drastically shifted the chase – we stumbled upon earlier forms of the alien beasts. These creatures were familiar yet enigmatic, adding a fresh layer of mystery to what had become routine encounters. It was a stark reminder of how lethal and merciless these foes can be.

Beyond stating this, the film’s encounter with a novice yet gifted Comanche warrior, Naru portrayed by Amber Midthunder, significantly altered the power dynamics in an exhilarating manner. Although there were some issues with the computer-generated effects, it revitalized the franchise for the first time in 32 years (since Predator 2).

The series Alien, specifically Romulus, won’t travel to the 1700s, and rekindling the Xenomorph’s enigma might be challenging now. However, by devising a fresh approach to highlight the lethal nature of just one of these creatures, we could come close to recapturing the terror that characterized the Alien franchise at its peak.

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2024-07-31 20:40