Soldiers are transported from 'our world' to a 'new world' of dangerous monsters.
Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson and based on the video game series of the same name by Capcom, Anderson offers a mixed bag of tricks, the strong but relentless first 30 minutes of Monster Hunter is a ride in itself as the UN soldiers face horrifying threats.
At times Monster Hunter echos Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, in terms of monster design, even borrowing from Anderson's own Resident Evil franchise. The Enemy Mine bonding middle act is topped with an obligatory mid end credit scene. On the backdrop of Paul Haslinge's excellent electronic synth score we're fed little pieces of exposition here and there and dealt one too many repetitive Terminator Salvation, Black Hawk Down type crashes.
Milla Jovovich is on usual fine form as US Army Ranger Natalie Artemis. Both monster hunter Tony Jaa and reliable Ron Perlman are notable, despite Perlman's lack of screen time. The basic script doesn't lend its self to the actors or visual effects and action sequences. Akin to a Michael Bay money making machines its biggest sin is that is tries too hard to set itself up for a sequel and franchise. This hasn't the roundness of AVP, Event Horizon or Resident Evil but thankfully it is a return to filmatic form for Anderson.
Overall, it's a fantasy leave your brain at the door spectacle with visual clout. It's just is a pity given the talents on board it couldn't have had a little more monster meat depth to it.
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