My First Post

Yay! My blog is set up. How exciting.

Alrighty, today's topic: Anatomy of a Movie.
Case in point: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

[SPOILER WARNING]
Beginning: An international team of experts is assembled for an archeological dig in Antarctica. The most qualified member of team to lead the expedition is also the most cautious and realistic, and it is by her hesitant attitude we find she fits the role of “tragic hero.” Though she recognizes that the mission (to locate a heat source that may be lead to an ancient ruin below ground) takes many life-threatening risks, she knows that her involvement in the expedition is crucial to the survival of the rest of the group. Her ethics reflect concern for the common good; her moral character is compassionate and strong-willed. Introduction of the protagonist.

Rising action: Once in the ancient pyramid, the team of researchers stumble across room after room whose contents resemble that of sacrificial grounds. Slowly, the researchers begin to realize what exactly they've discovered. The title of the movie comes into play; the fated team find themselves in the middle of a rites-of-passage ritual that involves battle to the death between two alien species. It’s apparent that humans are inferior to both Alien and Predator, and so the audience is coddled into cheering for the lesser of two evils. The mantra, “My enemy’s enemy is my friend,” is evoked. And remembering the damage they did to Ripley, we say, “Down with Aliens. Go Predators go!”

Climax: Forced to kill the remaining member of the expedition team herself, our protagonist now finds personal vengeance in helping the Predator become an adult (kill all Aliens). She and her newfound buddy decide to blow up the buried ruins, and flee above ground. Following them to the top is the breeding machine Queen Alien, who wants payback for the destruction of all her hard, laborious work. The final battle scene is comprised of a series of tosses, jabs etc. (a la Godzilla). And so the remaining warrior Predator dukes it out, but eventually meets his demise (impalement). The focus is once again on our human counterpart, whose ability to push metallic tons in Arctic weather in nothing but a thermal undershirt is realized. Yes, she gets the job done and the Alien is defeated.

Falling Action/Ending: A Predator spaceship materializes and the body of the human-friendly Predator is retrieved. Our protagonist breathes heavily for a few moments, before the scene cuts to her running to an undisclosed place. Of course, any movie that contains the word “versus” in its title will most likely make room for a rematch. Inside the ship, we see the corpse of the young adult Predator. But wait…what’s that popping out of his chest? Ah yes, an Alien. Score: Predator 1, Alien ½…?