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We have just uploaded the 43rd episode of the Alien vs. Predator Galaxy Podcast (right-click and save as to download)! Our last episode of 2016 sees Xenomorphine, Omegamorph, RidgeTop, community guest HuDaFuk and I take a look back at 2004 and discuss Paul Anderson’s Alien vs. Predator.

We cast our memories back to 2004 to the first time we saw Alien vs. Predator and our initial opinions. We go through the good and the bad, taking a measured approach to the film. It’s a lengthy one, clocking in just under 3 hours so we go into it in quite some depth!

This episode is currently planned as the last episode of 2016 but we will be recording a new episode if the Alien: Covenant trailer drops this side of New Year! I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the staff and guests who have joined in on the podcast. I’d also like to thank everyone who has listened to our episodes and commented on them.

Make sure you stick with Alien vs. Predator Galaxy through 2017 for more coverage of Alien: Covenant, The Predator and Alien 5 and for another great year of Alien and Predator podcasting.

If you are new to the podcast, you can also listen to any of our previous episodes in the Podcast section under the News tab on the main menu.

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Yeah, I remember when Darkness shut the site down, I was bummed because I was really into the site. Glad the site was brought back.

Can someone provide a link to Anderson's thoughts on AvPR?

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And where is it said that Milla and Michelle were offered Lex?

Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Dec 14, 2016, 02:07:53 AM
Can someone provide a link to Anderson's thoughts on AvPR?

---

And where is it said that Milla and Michelle were offered Lex?

Yeah, I've never heard either of those.

Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Dec 14, 2016, 02:07:53 AM
Can someone provide a link to Anderson's thoughts on AvPR?

"That movie showed what a good job we'd done with the first movie. It's like, OK, you can pick apart my AVP, but take a look at that one and then maybe watch my movie again and you'll have a new appreciation for it."

Source:
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/the-other-paul-anderson-the-psychotic-action-vision-of-pompeii-director-paul-w-s-anderson/

Michelle Rodriguez as Lex?  Way better choice IMO.  Sanaa Lathan is not bad but very vanilla casting.

Quote from: Omegamorph on Dec 14, 2016, 04:25:48 AM

Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Dec 14, 2016, 02:07:53 AM
Can someone provide a link to Anderson's thoughts on AvPR?

"That movie showed what a good job we'd done with the first movie. It's like, OK, you can pick apart my AVP, but take a look at that one and then maybe watch my movie again and you'll have a new appreciation for it."

Source:
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/the-other-paul-anderson-the-psychotic-action-vision-of-pompeii-director-paul-w-s-anderson/

Ouch... True but... OUCH.

I mean, I like the first AVP more than Requiem. Still... OUCH.

Quote from: RakaiThwei on Dec 14, 2016, 06:02:32 AM
Ouch... True but... OUCH.

I mean, I like the first AVP more than Requiem. Still... OUCH.

Anderson knows how to sick burn

Quote from: Omegamorph on Dec 14, 2016, 06:08:12 AM
Anderson knows how to sick burn

I mean don't get me wrong, I like Requiem but I also acknowledge that it's a flawed film... But damn..

I'll say this here, as much as I liked Requiem... even I can do without it, but keep the first AVP.

Quote from: RakaiThwei on Dec 14, 2016, 06:17:43 AM

Quote from: Omegamorph on Dec 14, 2016, 06:08:12 AM
Anderson knows how to sick burn

I mean don't get me wrong, I like Requiem but I also acknowledge that it's a flawed film... But damn..

I'll say this here, as much as I liked Requiem... even I can do without it, but keep the first AVP.

That was kind of FU to all the fans who downed him for making the first AvP the way he wanted to.

Quote from: echobbase79 on Dec 14, 2016, 06:20:36 AM
That was kind of FU to all the fans who downed him for making the first AvP the way he wanted to.

It doesn't help that not many fans liked either movie.

Quote from: Omegamorph on Dec 14, 2016, 04:25:48 AM

Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Dec 14, 2016, 02:07:53 AM
Can someone provide a link to Anderson's thoughts on AvPR?

"That movie showed what a good job we'd done with the first movie. It's like, OK, you can pick apart my AVP, but take a look at that one and then maybe watch my movie again and you'll have a new appreciation for it."

Source:
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/the-other-paul-anderson-the-psychotic-action-vision-of-pompeii-director-paul-w-s-anderson/

Thank you. He's right lol.

Looking forward to listening to this one as soon as I get home from work. This will be an interesting retrospective on AVP I'm sure. As always guys - keep up the good work.

Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Dec 14, 2016, 02:07:53 AM
And where is it said that Milla and Michelle were offered Lex?

Man, it's been a while! I definitely recall it being reported that way in a number of papers and film-related publications, back at the time. Think Anderson might also reference them both in his commentry, though.

Not sure if they were offered the role, but I do remember them being reported as up for consideration. I strongly suspect it's because of having a pre-existing working relationship with them from the first 'Resident Evil' film.

Quote from: echobbase79 on Dec 14, 2016, 06:20:36 AM
That was kind of FU to all the fans who downed him for making the first AvP the way he wanted to.

I think it was a fairly respectful comment, to be honest. He's not name-calling. The fandom always seems to begrudgingly re-evaluate the previous film when a new one is worse than it hoped for. After 'Resurrection', it began to happen with 'Alien 3'. After Anderson's, it even happened with 'Resurrection'.

If people read the source he even starts by saying the Bros had their work cut out for them.

Great Podcast, thanks Hicks! 8)

I have it on Bluray with the extended cut, I praise it for faithfully mimmicking the cinematography of Alien and Aliens. The music score is great with it's blend from both franchise. The artic setting is just perfect and the way it's lit and filmed just makes the atmosphere of the movie so thick and cosy alien that I could touch it. The pyramid is a stroke of genius including the predator back story that is revealed within it. The action scenes are well made and entertaining. The story just works. However, the teaming up of the main protagonist and the predator is laughable and kind of breaks it towards the end.

Quote from: Omegamorph on Dec 14, 2016, 06:08:12 AM

Quote from: RakaiThwei on Dec 14, 2016, 06:02:32 AM
Ouch... True but... OUCH.

I mean, I like the first AVP more than Requiem. Still... OUCH.

Anderson knows how to sick burn

One thing is for sure, he has no idea of how to make good movies.

Got about an hour in lol

Fun listen so far, even if I disagree with a lot or most of the praise.

I think the thread has more love for AvP than any other on the internet, ever  :laugh:

Quote from: Scorpio on Dec 14, 2016, 05:45:36 AM
Michelle Rodriguez as Lex?  Way better choice IMO.  Sanaa Lathan is not bad but very vanilla casting.

Yeah, I wasn't a massive fan of the cast of the film, especially Lathan. She felt so flat to me. Lance is, of course, the exception.

Quote from: 426Buddy on Dec 14, 2016, 02:46:34 PM
Got about an hour in lol

Fun listen so far, even if I disagree with a lot or most of the praise.

I think the thread has more love for AvP than any other on the internet, ever  :laugh:

Ha. As long as you're enjoying it.  :laugh: I listened to it in spurts whilst editing so I'm not sure just how balanced it came out in terms of complaining and praising. I do genuinely think there's some good to be found in AvP, obviously, as I talk about it. lol

Listening to this, actually gave me a bit more of an appreciation for this film.  Thanks for a great podcast.

Same here. I actually am motivated to rewatch it. Which is amazing given that I currently disdain it.

I'm going to rewatch it too.  I have no idea what the soundtrack contains, as it went in one ear and out the other.  But seeing as how it was completely original, I am very curious to listen to it again and see if I can appreciate it on its own merits.  The idea of comparing / contrasting Charles Weyland with Peter Weyland will be in the forefront of my mind now as well.

Quote from: Xenomorphine on Dec 14, 2016, 10:46:32 AM

Quote from: BishopShouldGo on Dec 14, 2016, 02:07:53 AM
And where is it said that Milla and Michelle were offered Lex?

Man, it's been a while! I definitely recall it being reported that way in a number of papers and film-related publications, back at the time. Think Anderson might also reference them both in his commentry, though.

Not sure if they were offered the role, but I do remember them being reported as up for consideration. I strongly suspect it's because of having a pre-existing working relationship with them from the first 'Resident Evil' film.

Quote from: echobbase79 on Dec 14, 2016, 06:20:36 AM
That was kind of FU to all the fans who downed him for making the first AvP the way he wanted to.

I think it was a fairly respectful comment, to be honest. He's not name-calling. The fandom always seems to begrudgingly re-evaluate the previous film when a new one is worse than it hoped for. After 'Resurrection', it began to happen with 'Alien 3'. After Anderson's, it even happened with 'Resurrection'.

I don't think it was a disrespectful comment, but it did seem to have some underlying subtext to it that makes it sound like he's getting something off his chest. Maybe FU was a strong word to use. I know he wasn't bashing the Strause Bros because in that same quote he talks about how he respects them.

Yeah, most of the sequels don't seem so bad in hindsight after a disappointing new film. Though I will say for myself even though I hated AvP at the time, I did think it was better than Resurrection.

From someone on Twitter regarding that awful condom line -

Quote@avpgalaxy Listening to your great podcast on Anderson's AVP.The Gun/Condom line is nicked from True Romance.

https://twitter.com/murray_lothian/status/809411625337978880

I've been using a variation of the condom line in many instances since the film, and it is where I got it from.  For example, I'm going into the forest for a half-hour walk at dusk.  I'm going to bring a flashlight (torch for you UK folks) with me.  My rational: better have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.  It's become one of my go-to sayings.

I seriously enjoyed rewatching this movie just now.  It is truly worthy of a spot somewhere in the pantheon of Alien and Predator lore.  I was amazed at just how similar it is to Prometheus, in so many ways.

Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Dec 15, 2016, 07:29:31 PM
I seriously enjoyed rewatching this movie just now.  It is truly worthy of a spot somewhere in the pantheon of Alien and Predator lore.

This always surprises me, because I feel like often times, I'm the only person in the world... who genuinely likes this movie. I mean years ago, I would say maybe six or even twelve years ago, if anyone came out and said they liked this movie... You'd be made a black sheep and get trolled the hell out of by a few people. Now it's like... more and more people are coming out saying they enjoy it for what it is, a creature-feature, or genuinely like it.

I think that the film has simply aged well.  I admit that I was not a big fan initially, and I do prefer Prometheus, but there is something which resonated with me much better on my last watch of the film.  It really is growing on me.

I've always thought the film had some good eye-candy and some cool stuff going for it.

Unfortunately there is just too much bad for me to actually consider it a good film. Make a few changes and I could have forgiven all of its faults. Just giving the film a darker tone and changing it to take place in space/future would have helped me be more forgiving.

Most Anderson films have an all pervading feeling that you're looking at a set rather than a real environment that the characters inhabit.  As good as some of the stuff in AvP looks, it still often has that 'fake' feeling to it.  Don't touch the wall or the paint will scrape off.

Its depth overall is about as thick as the paint, and most of the characters are non-entities.

Possibly the only thing AvP:R has over AvP is the environment doesn't have that fake feeling to it.

As time goes on I'm more and more forgiving of its flaws and more appreciative of its merits. The Predator ship flying overhead and sucking all the sound out of the mix has more grace than anything in AVPR or Predators. There are some beautiful shots therein.

The only thing that still really galls is the lack of understanding of the source it rips off. Broken Tusk teams up with Machiko out of fury at his wayward students and gratitude to the doctor. There's none of that in AVP, they just team up... I don't know, because? It takes the code of honour thing away a bit too much.

Anyway, it's miles better than its awful sequel, it tries harder to be faithful to the sources feel than Resurrection, it's less slavish to its precedents than Predators and it makes marginally more sense than Prometheus. I think it's earned a place at the table, even if it is in a high chair.

Seems like this movie might be getting the Alien 3 forgiveness treatment. At least I hope so anyway.  :)

A part of me says, that might be a tall order. Heh.  :-\

Don't hold your breath.

QuoteThere's none of that in AVP, they just team up... I don't know, because?

An Alien walked onto a spear Lex was holding.

Quote from: SM on Dec 15, 2016, 11:00:09 PM
Don't hold your breath.

Why do you think I said tall order?

As I said earlier, every time I watch it I just find new, dumb things to pick at.

It's a profoundly stupid movie. Still not as dumb as AvPR.

It's a profoundly stupid movie with some nicely composed shots that is clearly trying really hard to move in the same circles as Scott and Cameron. I think that's what forgives so much for me as the years pass - a well meaning failure has more charm than a cynical cash in.

...Remind me to never become a solicitor for the defence!

I think I squeezed every positive I could out of it a long time ago, yet the negatives are still head scratching to this day.

I just remembered that an Alien lifted a predator with its damn tail.

Wasn't anything wrong with that.

I didn't really have a problem with how the predators died myself, just thought it should have been spaced out a bit more. Celtic should have had more screen time IMO.

Quote from: SiL on Dec 16, 2016, 02:23:19 AM
Wasn't anything wrong with that.

Quite. It's the first time in years a filmmaker had remembered that the ordinary Aliens are incredibly strong. I love Alien 3, but Dillon holding one off remains ridiculous. Just because we'd only seen a queen do it onscreen before, doesn't make it unfeasible that a standard Alien could do just that to a Predator.

Dillon belted the crap out of a bunch of prisoners bigger than him.  Holding off an Alien for a bit longer until it killed him is a non-issue.

The Alien also didn't rush half of its kills anyway. I don't think Dillon was fending it off so much as remaining lucid longer than the others it mauled to death.

Yeah there's quite a bit of screaming mixed in with the taunts.

Hmmm, ok, I'll concede that one on the basis of the Alien playing with its victim. Fair point.

I still think the Predator lifting is both feasible in world and (although bungled slightly in the film) a neat dramatic entrance.

Originally, Dillon was supposed to be pulled into the lead by the Alien. I think him standing his ground sent the character out on a more dramatic note.

This was certainly a much more "balanced" assessment than I was expecting. :laugh: Personally there's not a whole lot I like about this film. I rewatched it fairly recently to see if my opinions might have changed, but alas they really hadn't.

I think one big problem I have with it that I don't see mentioned a whole lot is that it's just a very bland movie to look at. It has a very drab, dreary colour palette. Grey/white ice (at night), grey concrete pyramid corridors, silver Predators, dark, silvery Aliens with not a lot to break it up. It just gets dull real fast. Even though I was never a fan of the whole pyramid concept I at east might have liked it better if it had been more interesting to look at.

It's technically a better/more competently made movie than AVPR or sure, but yeah........eh. As a few folks said on the podcast, I don't hate it, but I certainly don't love it either.

Also, that mural-type image up the top there is unintentionally hilarious! :laugh: It looks like they're both strutting their stuff on the dance floor, not locked in mortal combat.

"Whoever Wins........Faces John Travolta in the Finals!"

Would rather the avp movies dissapeared the first was better than the second but still trash worst thing was the predator teaming up with a human no no no

Great podcast Hicks. 

I need to go and rewatch the film now. I still think I'll find it leaving me sour though. 

I do think I would have much preferred it to be relocated to another planet.  Not much would have had to change.

R rating.
Not set on Earth but still the pyramid angle.
Lengthen the gestation period.

I would also have ended differently. I would have Lex and Scar survive the Queen battle and then scar challenges Lex to a fight and have them end in combat. She wins. The other predators show respect and they leave her there. She sets up home.

Of course this would require lex to be a tougher character.

AvP is... another thing that happened. I don't watch Frankenstein or The Mummy and ask where the f**k The Wolfman is.  P.W Anderson really needs to be strapped with a leather belt across his hunched, bare, quivering back for confusing and warping entire generations minds. It's shocking, just the amount of damage he achieved to both series (and he still defends himself)

Comics and the games were a hoot though!