Landed on Netlfix recently, this film adapted from a cult license from Capcom is a hit and yet it’s not brilliant.
Netflix likes to adapt the most cult video game licenses, we know that. Castlevania, The Witcher, Onimusha, far cry (all Ubisoft licenses in fact)… Films and series are legion on the platform. And that’s without counting the many other similar programs that join the catalog all the time. Like recently with a very big film from an absolutely cult license from Capcom.
And no, it’s not Resident Evil, the series has already suffered enough lately, don’t you think? Another big license from Capcom is in the spotlight this December on Netflix: Monster Hunter. Paul WS Anderson, already behind the camera on the film series resident Evil started in 2001 (that’s a long way away), took on a Capcom license once again in 2021 and gave us his vision of the famous Monster Hunter franchise. We’re not going to lie, the result is clearly not up to par.
Failing to recreate a complete fantastic universe, Anderson chose the easy option and the TV movie pitch. We therefore find ourselves with a commando of American soldiers who, during a routine operation, find themselves teleported into a parallel universe full of giant monsters. So.
The camera only has eyes for the ravishing Milla Jovovich, the poorly filmed slow motion shots are legion and the costumes are distressingly tacky. The fact remains that the creatures are frankly classy, the character design imposed by Capcom being respected to the letter. Diablo, Rathalos and other iconic monsters from the franchise literally burst onto the screen. But for the rest on the other hand… The fact remains that the film is currently a hit on Netflix. Released on December 28 on the platform, Monster Hunter joins the big end-of-year blockbuster that is Rebel Moon. Honest entertainment, or at worst a fun turnip, that’s what awaits you with this Monster Hunter.
Have you already tried?