Monster Hunter (2020) - Relentless Action with Fascinating Characters in a Dystopian Universe - 8/10 (28/04/22)

Monster Hunter is an international fantasy film based upon a video game of the same title. I haven't played said video game but watched a few trailers and playthroughs and realized that it might not be my cup of tea. The movie however offers intense entertainment that should appeal to a wide audience.

The story of the film is rather simple and frankly stated not very important. A group of soldiers is looking for a unit that has disappeared without a trace. They get caught in a devastating sandstorm and are transported to a parallel universe. Here, the soldiers discover the remnants of the unit they have been looking for. The members of the lost unit seem to have died gruesome deaths. The new group of soldiers, led by headstrong, resilient and tough U. S. Army Ranger Captain Natalie Artemis start to investigate and soon discover different types of gigantic monsters that destroy everything on their way. Their rescue mission has now become a challenging quest for survival.

This movie convinces on numerous levels. First of all, the film's special effects are truly captivating and best enjoyed on the big screen. The landscapes look dystopian, the monsters appear to be menacing and the numerous fight scenes with different types of strategies and weapons should keep viewers on the edges of their seats.

Up next, the acting performances are surprisingly great even though few words are spoken. Milla Jovovich is still the most talented action movie actress to be around and oozes with charisma, credibility and strength. Tony Jaa shines as mysterious Hunter who has trouble communicating with the protagonist but slowly uncovers a touching background story. Veteran actor Ron Perlman only appears in the opening scene of the film and in the final third but he portrays his commanding, gritty and rough character The Admiral with much conviction.

The movie has a perfect length of one hour and forty-three minutes and entertains from start to finish. There are no boring, repetitive or slow moments. The film might lack depth regarding the plot but excels in the action and fantasy departments.

Monster Hunter is a perfect movie if you feel like switching your brain off and enjoying a fast-paced ride through a dystopian universe. This film convinces with its compact length, convincing performances by the cast and breathtaking special effects. Both fans of the video game and those who had never heard of it beforehand like myself can easily enjoy this dynamic movie.