Essentially this is a high-concept sci-fi flick with a simple premise: it's PREDATOR, done in Viking times. Having an intense love of both Vikings and rampaging alien monsters, I hoped I'd be in for a treat with this movie. It turns out to be an entertaining if not remarkable vehicle that goes through the motions in a calm, assured way without ever offering much in the way of novelty.
The main problem is the script, which never seems to tackle some of the more interesting challenges the concept offers (such as the parallels with Beowulf or the stuff with the warring tribes). It's strictly by-the-numbers, with a clichéd view of the Viking age and art design that at all times is 'borrowed' from the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Realism/historical accuracy doesn't seem to be a high priority, either, with characters sporting such distinctly un-Viking names as Wulfric (Anglo-Saxon), and (God help me) Boromir.
Saying that, the monster design is strong, and the special effects are often dazzlingly spectacular. Another plus is the cast, which is better than you might expect for a traditional B-movie such as this. Jim Caviezel (THE PASSION OF THE Christ) is a strong silent type as the alien hero, John Hurt performs well as a 'crinkly old elder', Ron Perlman is unrecognisable as a frightening warrior-chief, Jack Huston is charming as a youthful leader, and Sophia Myles is lovely as, well, the love interest.
Altogether I found the film enjoyable if not profound, and if it pales in comparison to the classic monster movies of yesterday, it feels a lot better & more interesting than much similar fare (such as THE RELIC).
The main problem is the script, which never seems to tackle some of the more interesting challenges the concept offers (such as the parallels with Beowulf or the stuff with the warring tribes). It's strictly by-the-numbers, with a clichéd view of the Viking age and art design that at all times is 'borrowed' from the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Realism/historical accuracy doesn't seem to be a high priority, either, with characters sporting such distinctly un-Viking names as Wulfric (Anglo-Saxon), and (God help me) Boromir.
Saying that, the monster design is strong, and the special effects are often dazzlingly spectacular. Another plus is the cast, which is better than you might expect for a traditional B-movie such as this. Jim Caviezel (THE PASSION OF THE Christ) is a strong silent type as the alien hero, John Hurt performs well as a 'crinkly old elder', Ron Perlman is unrecognisable as a frightening warrior-chief, Jack Huston is charming as a youthful leader, and Sophia Myles is lovely as, well, the love interest.
Altogether I found the film enjoyable if not profound, and if it pales in comparison to the classic monster movies of yesterday, it feels a lot better & more interesting than much similar fare (such as THE RELIC).