MONSTER HUNTER, US, 2020. Starring Milla Jovovich, Tony Jaa, T.I., Ron Perlman, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. 99 minutes. Rated M (Fantasy themes and violence).
It is there in the title – or, is it? The human hunters of monsters? Or is it the monster, pursuing the humans, a Monster Hunter? Well, both.
For more than 20 years, British director, Paul W.S. Anderson, has been making a variety of action films. He also has relied on computer games for his scenarios. In fact, he has written and directed six Resident Evil action shows. And, for almost 20 years, his leading character has been played by his wife, Milla Jovovich. And they are working together here.
Back in the 1970s, there were a number of British shows set in Palaeolithic times – or before – with titles like Land that Time Forgot, People that Time Forgot, At the Earth’s Core. Exotic creatures, dinosaurs, Neanderthals… In a way, this is a 21st-century variation on the theme, based on a computer game, from Capcom’s Monster Hunter series.
It has a striking opening, some old-style galleons sailing through the desert, through the sand dune waves. And then, after appreciating the setting, we are transferred into ‘our world’ and a United Nations patrol out in the desert, led by Artemis (Milla Jovovich), which is suddenly overwhelmed by a sand tornado. Giant tusks emerge from the sand wind, and a gigantic monstrous creature (with touches of dinosaur and dragon) wreaks havoc on the unit, tossing Artemis through the time barrier back into the world of the galleons. She emerges from a pod, finding the gigantic creature but also a whole flock of smaller versions. Lots of pursuit and chase.
But, we have seen a mysterious warrior figure in the mountains, with large bow and arrow. He comes to confront Artemis, instant suspicions and hostile but, we know, that despite language barriers, there will be some meeting of minds and martial arts forces (after some vivid fights) and a bar of chocolate providing one means of reconciliation. This is The Hunter, played by famous Thai martial arts actor (the Ong Bak series), Tony Jaa.
So, the action is mainly fight and survival. And another character appears, the Admiral, played by veteran Ron Perlman. And, there is a return to ‘our world’, a helicopter and plane rescue which will be fatal.
So, back to the world of galleons, Artemis, The Hunter, and the Admiral and, one supposes, Monster Hunter 2 (at least!).
Sony
Released 2 January
Peter Malone MSC is an associate Jesuit Media