‘Monster Hunter’ Brings the Popular Video Game to Life
Based on the sci-fi video game of the same name, “Monster Hunter” was written, directed and produced by Paul W.S. Anderson and stars Milla Jocovich and Tony Jaa.
Taking place in an alternate universe ruled by evil creatures, the film opens with a pirate ship sailing across a desert while battling a large sand monster. Cut to Captain Artemis – played by Jocovich – who’s leading her unit across unidentified desert territory in search of missing soldiers. But after a desert storm and lightning hits, they wake up in a much vaster desert – unaware they’re now in another dimension. Artemis’ troubles continue when her unit is wiped out by a swarm of giant spiders and she’s left all alone. Only when a mysterious Hunter – played by Jaa – appears, does she see hope for survival.
Fans of video game film adaptations have come to view Paul W.S. Anderson as king. After “Mortal Kombat” and a six-film franchise for “Resident Evil,” this film is right up his cinematic alley. AV Club wrote about Anderson’s longstanding work in this genre, saying: “The global industry has no shortage of wannabe franchise-starters with generic plots, sequel-teasing ancients evils, and digitally animated abominations, but none of them have a fraction of the poise that Anderson brings to any given project. He is a dexterous director of set pieces, with an excellent sense of space and scale that goes a long way when it comes to showdowns with hulking demon things and oversized creepy crawlies or a climactic battle that pits the military-industrial complex against a colossal dragon.”
“For a year that's made audiences miss going to the movies, Monster Hunter just might be one of the best reasons to get out to a theater near you.” CinemaBlend
Anderson and Jocovich – married in real life – also worked together on the “Resident Evil” series. Jocovich seems to share her husband’s talent for this genre as she’s routinely received praise for every role. In reviewing this one, AV Club wrote, “Jovovich is our last classic action hero, capable of going toe-to-toe with the greats of the ’80s when it comes to delivering cheesy dialogue with a steely glare.”
Even if you’re not a fan of the video game series, critics are saying the film is still entertaining to watch. And if you are a fan, CinemaBlend writes: While non-fans of the ‘Monster Hunter’ video game franchise might still find plenty to enjoy in the film, that doesn't mean that fans won't get the adaptation that they're looking for. There are plenty of elements from the games that make the jump to the big screen.”
“Monster Hunter” is in theaters and VOD now and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.