Review of Monster Hunter (2020)

Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and based on Capcom’s popular video game series, Monster Hunter (2020) attempts to bring the franchise’s fantastical world of colossal creatures and high-stakes combat to the big screen. While the film captures some of the essence of the games, it struggles with uneven storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and an overreliance on action set pieces. Here’s an in-depth review of this ambitious but flawed adaptation.

Plot Summary

The story follows Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich), a United Nations military officer, and her team as they are transported from Earth to a dangerous, monster-filled alternate world. Stranded and outmatched, Artemis teams up with a skilled Hunter (Tony Jaa) who is adept at surviving in this hostile environment. Together, they navigate treacherous landscapes and battle enormous creatures, including the iconic Rathalos and Diablos from the video game series.

As they fight to survive, Artemis and the Hunter must find a way to return to Earth while unraveling the mysteries of this strange world. Along the way, they encounter allies like the Admiral (Ron Perlman) and fend off relentless threats from monsters that seem unstoppable.

Key Highlights

1. Visual Effects and Creature Design

One of the film’s strongest elements is its visual representation of the monsters. The CGI effectively brings iconic creatures like Rathalos, Diablos, and Nerscylla to life, capturing their size, power, and intricate designs. Fans of the video game will appreciate the attention to detail in the monsters’ appearances and movements, which stay true to their in-game counterparts.

The landscapes also deserve praise, with vast deserts, eerie caves, and lush jungles providing an immersive backdrop for the action. The world-building, while not as fleshed out as it could be, hints at the rich lore of the Monster Hunter universe.

2. Action-Packed Sequences

The film excels in delivering high-octane action sequences. The battles between Artemis, the Hunter, and the towering monsters are intense and visually striking. Anderson’s direction ensures that these scenes are dynamic and engaging, with a mix of practical effects and CGI creating a sense of immediacy and danger.

The choreography of the fights, particularly those involving Tony Jaa, highlights the Hunter’s agility and skill, adding a layer of excitement to the combat. The use of iconic weapons from the games, such as the Great Sword and Dual Blades, further enhances the connection to the source material.

3. Chemistry Between Milla Jovovich and Tony Jaa

The partnership between Artemis and the Hunter serves as the emotional core of the film. While their dialogue is sparse due to the language barrier, their evolving trust and camaraderie are conveyed through their actions and expressions. Jovovich and Jaa share a compelling dynamic that adds depth to their otherwise straightforward characters.

Areas for Improvement

1. Weak Storytelling and Pacing

The film’s plot is simplistic and often feels rushed, leaving little room for character development or world-building. Key elements of the Monster Hunter lore are either glossed over or poorly explained, which may leave newcomers confused and fans disappointed. The narrative’s focus on action over substance results in a lack of emotional investment in the characters and their journey.

2. Underdeveloped Characters

Beyond Artemis and the Hunter, the supporting characters receive minimal screen time and development. Ron Perlman’s Admiral, while intriguing, is underutilized, and Artemis’s team is given so little depth that their fates carry little emotional weight. This lack of character depth makes it difficult to care about their struggles or triumphs.

3. Overreliance on CGI

While the visual effects are impressive, the film leans too heavily on CGI, sometimes at the expense of practical effects and grounded storytelling. The overuse of digital environments and creatures can make certain scenes feel artificial, detracting from the immersive experience.

Cinematic Craftsmanship

From a technical standpoint, Monster Hunter showcases Paul W.S. Anderson’s knack for creating visually arresting action films. The cinematography captures the scale and intensity of the monster battles, while the sound design amplifies their ferocity. The score, composed by Paul Haslinger, complements the action but lacks memorable themes that resonate beyond the film.

Themes and Subtext

At its core, Monster Hunter explores themes of survival, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding. The partnership between Artemis and the Hunter underscores the importance of cooperation and trust in overcoming adversity. However, these themes are not explored in depth, remaining secondary to the film’s action-driven narrative.

Reception and Legacy

Monster Hunter received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences. While the visual effects and action sequences were praised, the film’s weak storytelling and underdeveloped characters were widely criticized. With an IMDb rating of 5.3, it falls short of expectations, especially for fans of the video game series.

Despite its shortcomings, the film’s faithful depiction of the monsters and weapons has earned it a modest following among fans. It also highlights the potential for future adaptations to delve deeper into the rich lore and characters of the Monster Hunter universe.

Conclusion

Monster Hunter (2020) is an ambitious attempt to translate a beloved video game franchise to the big screen. While it delivers visually stunning action and faithful creature designs, it is hampered by weak storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and an overreliance on CGI. For fans of the games, it offers a glimpse into the world they love, but for general audiences, it may feel like a missed opportunity. Ultimately, Monster Hunter serves as a reminder of the challenges of adapting video games into successful films.