Returning from a deadly mission against a rival clan, a small group of legendary Iga Ninja warriors witness a blazing fireball roaring across the sky before plummeting to Earth in the distant forest. Rushing to the impact site to investigate, they are caught completely off guard when they discover and are besieged by a pack of brutal and extremely ravenous extra terrestrials and their slimy offspring. These unwelcome visitors have most definitely not come in peace.
Quickly realising their swords, knifes and throwing stars are ineffective against the intergalactic predators, the fearless ninjas find themselves facing their greatest challenge ever in a mammoth fight for survival.
Alien Vs Ninja makes no pretentions about the kind of film it is. Knowingly silly, intentionally insane and unashamedly gratuitous; this blood splattered martial arts gore fest will certainly appeal to its intended audience.
For those amongst you after constant combat, blood splattered sequences and cardboard cut-out characters, this latest film by genre stalwart Seiji Chiba will tick all the right boxes. The script is a fun one, packed to the rafters with farcical scenes and ridiculous exchanges, whilst the action delivers with an impressive arsenal of weaponry and consistent displays of well aimed punches and nut-cracking kicks.
Alien Vs Ninja is not without its problems, mind. When it comes to prosthetics, the production team has willingly taken the cheap and cheerful route. For those entering into things knowingly, these crude aesthetics will prove little obstacle to enjoyment, but for anyone attempting to initiate themselves into a maniacal world like this one; its a tricky bait to bite.
Likewise, the cinematography often feels rushed and amateurish, even for a film like this one. Theres too many ill-judged close ups and jarring angles that do little to enhance the piece or aid with characterization and instead serve only to distract away from the film. It also means the film is often deprived the chance to establish any real scale or spectacle which, given that much of the story takes place against a seemingly endless forested backdrop of green and brown; seems something of a waste. Elsewhere, when the action is occasionally steered indoors; the scene stinks of a cheap set-up, with overbearing lights, gels and filters resulting in a jarring shift from the rural aesthetic outside, as opposed to an intended contrast.
Having said that; the CGI deployed here is surprisingly competent. It wont rival the eight and nine figure budgets of Hollywood by any means, but aerial displays and sparring matches are certainly impressive, particularly in long shot. Its just a shame that visually, the film suffers from hitting both extremes.
Overall Verdict: This DVD offers nothing in the way of extras, and an unimpressive transfer only highlights its shortcomings, but as a cheap and cheerful gore flick; Alien Vs Ninja is perfect late night, post-pub viewing.
Special Features:
None
Reviewer: David Steele