Monster Hunter, the movie by Paul W.S. Anderson, sets it own tone for the video game movie industry. Anderson, who directed Mortal Kombat and the Resident Evil franchise, has come out swinging hard with Monster Hunter.
The movie opens with an amazing scene of ships sailing vast sands like an ocean. It then veers into bland territory as we are introduced to the protagonist, played by Milla Jovovich. For the next hour an intense sense of pregnant dread is set upon viewers as action sequences become as empty as the desert our characters are in. As far as movies go, there’s not a lot of story or world building, but that is made up for in the intense action sequences.
The movie is shot well and overall gorgeous. The special effects look good, and the monsters look terrifying. It feels like a movie designed to introduce one to the massive world that Capcom has built through the Monster Hunter game franchise. The movie, it’s dialogue, and story seem to be progressed well by Milla Jovovich, Tony Jaa, and Ron Perlman. If you’re a fan of the games, you’ll be bored through the first hour of the movie. However, if you, like me, are someone who has only dipped their toes into the franchise, you will probably enjoy this movie.
The scenes in the movie that look good work well. The movie seems really interested in seeing giant monsters throw themselves around or destroy things as opposed to setting a story and building a world. If you’re in the mood for a decent action flick blended nicely with some sci-fi and fantasy elements, this will be up your alley. If you’re a hardcore Monster Hunter fan, there have been reports of a lot of Easter eggs in the movie. Either way, give it a watch; it’s worth your time. I’m giving this movie a solid 6/10.
