Cage Match Review: Splice (2010) vs. Predators (2010)


Ok, boys and girls...it's been a little slow around here since Halloween so, I'm switching things up a little this time around.

 I'll be reviewing two films with similar elements (actors, premise, hairstyles, etc.) and comparing them to each other in order to determine which will be victorious in this Cage Match to the death. In today's battle we will take a look at two entries into the Sci-Fi/Horror world that star none other than Mr. Adrian Brody and we will figure out which is the better film.

Remember...there can be only one!


The first competitor is...Splice.


Splice is a modern day Frankenstein tale of a young scientist couple (in the form of Adrian Brody and Sarah Polley) on the verge of creating a new life form. The two rebellious scientists are told by their employers to halt groundbreaking work that has seen them produce new creatures with medical benefits by splicing together multiple organisms' DNA. They decide to secretly continue their work, but this time splicing in human DNA. While it contains many elements very similar to other films in the genre regarding scientists trying to discover something...the final third of the film totally takes it to a new zany level.


The film is expertly directed by the talented Vincenzo Natali (the guy who directed the classic Cube) and is produced by none other than the shepard of quality horror films, Mr. Guillermo Del Toro.

I would really like to write more about this film...but, I cannot. It would ruin the the damn thing. I went into Splice not really knowing what to expect because I really did my best to shield any form of info from the film. It's pretty much the best way to enjoy the experience of Splice. All I can say is that if you want something completely different that has really off-the-wall performances by two of our generation's best actors...then, look no further than this film.


Splice is a tour-de-force of fucked-upness.



The second competitor to enter the Cage Match is...Predators.


Speaking of something completely different....the film Predators is not. While the film doesn't really offer anything new to the series, it doesn't really disappoint, either. In fact...it is quite good. Much better than any of the "vs" films and on par with the second installment, which I enjoyed when it came out. It doesn't hold a candle to the original Predator starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (I will refrain from using his stupid nickname on my blog).


Predators is directed by the unfortunately named Nimrod Antal (who directed the often underrated Vacancy) and produced by Mr. Robert Rodriguez for his Troublemaker production company. The film is anchored by a great performance from our good friend Adrian Brody and a few other stand-out performances. One such stand-out actress is Alice Braga who conjures up Private Vasquez from Aliens. That lethal combo of hot military chick who can snap your neck.


This film centers around a group of people who are literally dropped off onto some alien jungle for sport hunting by the predators. You'll remember that the predators like to run around hunting things. My favorite part about this film is Lawrence Fishburne. He shows up to fool you into thinking he will be the film's main hero. Fortunately, he is not. I can't stand him thinking he can just bring his fat "swallow the red pill" ass into any movie expecting to kick ass. Well...not this fuckin' time, Morpheus.

I really liked the film and Adrien Brody shows off his don't-fuck-with-me side quite convincingly.



Results:

Hot female factor: I usually enjoy Sarah Polley's work in the horror genre and will watch a film based on her presence....however, nothing is sexier than a girl that will kill you a thousand different ways after she slips you the tongue. Then, again...a genetically conceived bald chick that sprouts wings whenever she's about to orgasm is pretty hot, too...if you could only get past those odd grasshopper legs salvaged from The ArrivalWinner: Predators

Gore: I love a good exploding genetic experiment as much as the next guy...but, the predators are pretty much known for ripping a man's spine out of their body and saving the skulls for party favors. Winner: Predators

Acting: While Predators shows off a side to Adrien Brody's acting ability that on paper sounds as silly as getting your ass kicked by a smurf...Splice really shows off a multi-layer of craziness that will no doubt have you second guessing what you just witnessed. Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley really shine together. Winner: Splice

Film Quality: Both films are beautifully shot and exhibit a good sense of film making. However, Splice demonstrates a new look into a world of science fiction that allows you to breathe in its surroundings with wonder and amazement in a very simplistic and mature way. There's a scene in Predators where the resident "samurai" character challenges a predator to a sword duel to the death...it was shot rather poorly. Almost like some kid watched the classic Duel to the Death and decided to inject the film with some Asian flavor. The scene comes across so forced, it makes you feel like the character Hanzo was written in for this scene alone. Winner: Splice

Overall Score: I really liked both films for what they were, however while one film gave you more of the premise it is known for in past forays, the other film gave you an altogether original experience that will not soon leave your thoughts. It is a film that will make you go through a series of emotions with its insane substance and fine story-telling.

Predators gets an 8 out of 10.

Splice receives a 9 out of 10.

Winner: Splice






Thanks for reading,



bryan.

Comments