The Monster Hunter Movie: Unraveling the Epic Mishaps!

Humanity has finally moved past the era of dreadful video game movies. While there are still some abysmal examples that make their way to theaters, it is no longer a given. Netflix has found animated series to be the ideal platform for the genre, but that doesn't mean the movies will cease to exist. Despite being skeptical, audiences are willing to give video game movies a chance, even if they end up being disappointing. The movie Monster Hunter won't significantly impact this perception because it quickly faded from people's minds.

Paul W. S. Anderson deserves recognition in the realm of video game cinema. He has produced a long series of poor entries in this genre, yet remains more dedicated to it than anyone else. His pinnacle achievement is still the 1995 Mortal Kombat film, which deviated from certain elements of the games but still managed to capture the essence and provide an enjoyable experience. Anderson directed a total of seven Resident Evil movies, each progressively less intellectually stimulating than the previous. Monster Hunter is his most recent video game adaptation, but it is highly unlikely to be his final endeavor in this realm.

What is the Monster Hunter series of games?

Monster Hunter, an action franchise about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, first debuted on the PS2 in 2004. Although it initially received moderate critical reception, it achieved significant financial success. Capcom, the game's developer, has since released five mainline sequels and numerous spin-offs. Monster Hunter holds the distinction of being Capcom's second-highest-selling series, outperforming other popular franchises like Mega Man, Street Fighter, Devil May Cry, and Dead Rising. Over the years, the game has amassed a strong cult following that expanded into mainstream popularity with the release of Monster Hunter World in 2018. While the franchise is not known for its storyline, its unique gameplay has sealed its legacy.

In Monster Hunter, players assume the role of mighty warriors who are highly regarded in their culture and tasked with vanquishing powerful creatures. The gameplay revolves around a simple loop: hunting monsters, collecting their parts, and using them to craft armor or weapons to take on even mightier beasts. Although there are missions that involve assisting locals or capturing specific animals, the heart of the experience lies in the sheer satisfaction of carving horns off dragons and utilizing them to defeat even more formidable foes. Monster Hunter is a pure and genuine franchise that embodies the kind of game that children in movies would play. Despite its appeal, adapting the game into other mediums is a challenge due to its heavy reliance on interactivity. To tackle this, filmmaker Paul W. S. Anderson introduced a squad of soldiers as point-of-view characters, allowing the audience to experience the game's world through their eyes.

What is the Monster Hunter movie about?

The Monster Hunter franchise takes place in the immense "New World," where civilizations reside in primitive settlements and engage in perilous battles with colossal creatures. In the film's captivating rendition, the New World is envisioned as a parallel realm that can only be reached through concealed portals. Leading the way is Milla Jovovich, portraying Natalie Artemis, a valiant U.S. Army Ranger Captain who commands a small contingent of U.N. soldiers. Their quest to locate missing comrades unveils an unexpected portal, transporting them to the enigmatic New World. Accompanying Artemis on this epic journey is the eminent martial arts icon, Tony Jaa, embodying a character known simply as the Hunter, reminiscent of the gaming alter ego. Rescuing Artemis and her soldiers, the Hunter soon discovers the harsh reality that the indigenous monsters emerge unscathed by conventional firearms and explosive ordnance. Determined to find their passage back to Earth, the group realizes that only by traversing an arduous desert can they access the portal leading home. However, standing in their way is the formidable Diablos, a horned wyvern with whom they must clash in order to conquer the treacherous sands and make their miraculous return. This uncomplicated premise delves into a thrilling reel of action, unfurling a clash between contemporary military prowess and the mesmerizing realm of monstrous creatures.

Why did the Monster Hunter movie fail?

Compared to other video game movies, Monster Hunter is far from being the worst. It offers mindless action sequences, visually impressive moments, but lacks a compelling storyline. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 44% positive score, which is higher than many other films in the same genre. In general, reviewers agree that it serves as a flimsy excuse for CGI fight scenes. Some viewers see this as a positive aspect, while others view it as a negative one. Director Paul W. S. Anderson delivers a fast-paced 100-minute action flick with a few thrilling monster battles. However, the film's success did not hinge on its quality alone. It was released in December 2020, amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Monster Hunter managed to earn $44.5 million against its $60 million budget, which was disappointing for all involved. The fear of falling ill deterred people from watching the movie. Perhaps delaying its release by a few months or even a year could have improved its performance.

Monster Hunter is a true representation of what a game-based movie should be. While attempting to adapt a franchise solely centered around its gameplay may seem like a misguided endeavor, Monster Hunter possesses a visually captivating style that would greatly benefit from the use of impressive special effects. The film stands strong on its own and doesn't require another chance on the big screen. Certain franchises simply belong to the medium they were created for, and Monster Hunter fully embraces its identity and purpose.