Does it really matter what the Alien vs. Predator sequel is called? Unless Fox titles it something like Women who Grow Old Together and Discuss Past Romances and Needlework, the movie will attract the same fanboys, geeks and franchise loyalists who hope that it will redeem the series after a disappointing debut. So far, the studio has tried the following titles: the too-redundant Alien vs. Predator: AVP2; the too-abbreviated AvP2; the too-long Alien vs. Predator: No Peace on Earth and finally the too-inconspicuous Aliens vs. Predator (as if to align it with Cameron's masterpiece). However, according to ComingSoon.net, that "finally" wasn't actually a final decision, as Fox is now picking the dumbest title of all: Alien vs. Predator - Requiem. Sounds like a subtitle for a Resident Evil movie, and it's just as unnecessary.

Why not just go with the obvious: Alien vs. Predator 2? It's simple, it's straightforward and it doesn't require all the money paid to some marketing guy who probably took all day thinking up "Requiem." Considering how many titles are listed as Requiem on the IMDb, Fox might want to stay away from the thing. But then, the studio isn't the best at coming up with sequel names (Live Free or Die Hard?). Whatever it's called, AVP2 has only a few months left before its Christmas release, so Fox better finalize its decision and get us some posters and trailers soon. The sequel, directed by effects wizards Colin and Greg Strause, takes the battle of alien species to a farm in Texas, where Shareeka Epps (Half Nelson), John Ortiz (Miami Vice), Steven Pasquale (Rescue Me), Gena Holden (Final Destination 3), David Paetkau (Final Destination 2) and Reiko Alesworth (24) will be caught in the crossfire. According to Pasquale, it will be scarier than the first movie. According to many fans, it better be.

It seems like lately, every time you turn around, another person working on Alien Vs. Predator 2 is promising that it's going to be better this time around. Having missed the first film, it's probably not likely that I will be lining up opening day for this one either -- plus enough fans of the original comic book series telling me the film was blasphemous isn't helping. AVP2 star Steve Pasquale, who plays Dallas in the film, recently spoke with MTV movie blog and says that‚ "We are trying to get back to the basics [with] the suspense and the gore," and confirmed that the film was going to be "considerably scarier than its predecessor." The sequel has our two villains descending on a small town for another Battle Royale. and Pasquale plays an ex-convict and a part of the band of townsfolk trying to avoid the cross-fire.

According to Pasquale, The Strause Brothers, who are new to the franchise, seem to be ready to bring on the blood. "Directors] Colin and Greg Strause really know what they're doing in terms of a sort of true-blue monster movie," he said. Pasquale also confirms that this time around, there is going to no shortage of screen time for the two aliens, saying‚ "Aliens and predators will be fighting to the death, there's a little secret surprise that I can't tell you about that the sci-fi fans are going to go bananas over. It's going to be awesome." AVP2 is set to open on Christmas Day -- until then I'm sure this won't be the last proclamation from the production that this time they've "gotten it right."

Although this year's New York Comic-Con was a disappointment with regards to their coverage of upcoming geek-related films, this summer's San Diego Comic-Con (July 26-29) will be picking up the slack; they've just unveiled a fine list of films that will be giving sneak preview presentations at The Con. Hopefully we'll be getting some tasty footage out of most of these; if not, I'm sure others (which include films that just recently started production) will provide pics, plot info, etc ... The full list of films (which is subject to change at any time, and will probably grow larger as Comic-Con gets closer) is as follows:

Alien vs. Predator 2: No Peace On Earth, American Gangster, Babylon AD, Balls of Fury, Beowulf, The Bourne Ultimatum, Coraline, Fred Claus, Get Smart, The Golden Compass, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, I Am Legend, The Incredible Hulk, Indiana Jones 4, Invasion, Iron Man, National Treasure 2, Resident Evil: Extinction, Speed Racer, The Strangers, Stardust, Star Trek XI, Sunshine, Sweeney Todd, 30 Days of Night, Trick 'r Treat, Wanted, Where The Wild Things Are, White Out.

Right off the bat, I find it interesting that Alien vs. Predator 2 has the title No Peace on Earth attached to it. That seems new, and I wonder whether or not it will stick. Also, where's The Dark Knight? There's no way Warner Bros. is letting their Batman Begins follow-up skip class that day; look for this one to show up unannounced. Some pics that folks will be especially interested in include Star Trek XI (will we finally get a finalized cast list?), Indiana Jones 4 (pics of Harrison Ford as Indy? A title? Sean Connery announcement?), The Incredible Hulk (our first peak at the brand new look of Hulk?) and Where The Wild Things Are (anyone else dying to see what Spike Jonze has done with this classic children's book?). Cinematical will be attending San Diego Comic-Con this year, so stay tuned for lots more as we get closer to the convention.

It's fairly easy for us to scribble down a number of films coming out this year that we're looking forward to; in the next few months alone, we have a third Pirates of the Caribbean, a third Shrek, a third Spider-Man, a second Hostel and a little Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez flick called Grindhouse. And that's just the beginning. But, like with every year, there's also a number of projects that, for one reason or another, don't deserve the hype.

This week, MSNBC has put out a list of their five least anticipated films of 2007. In order (followed by my comments):

• Wild Hogs -- I saw this Monday night, and can safely say it's not worth getting your hopes up. Look for my review later this week. Agree.
• I Think I Love My Wife -- And I think Chris Rock is a horrific actor. In fact, it's hard for me to place the word 'anticipated' anywhere near his name. Agree.
• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer -- Director Tim Story gets one more chance to save the franchise. I hated the original, but even I feel this sequel doesn't deserve a spot here. Disagree.
• Alien vs. Predator 2 -- Oh no, they're still fighting one another ... and we keep getting stuck in the middle. Isn't it about time we retire these two monsters? Agree.
• Rush Hour 3 -- Hey, if I had $30 million collecting dust, I'd pay Chris Tucker to permanently shut his mouth. Agree.

With the exception of Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, their list is pretty spot on. However, I would add Evan Almighty, Hairspray, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Underdog and, yes, Saw IV. What about you? What are your least anticipated films of 2007?

... or is it a still from the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles flick? I can't tell. Yes, whether you like it or not, an Alien vs. Predator sequel is on the way -- this one, however, will be rated R for extra special rowdiness. Zing! In this brand new pic (the first to hit the net), our two lovable archenemies are at it again, fighting one another with lasers and ... why are the aliens so tough again? Oh yeah, they have teeth and an abundance of disgusting drool. Sweet.

Original AvP helmer Paul W.S. Anderson has been replaced by visual effects gurus (and brothers) Colin and Greg Strause, who have promised a retro feel and a lot more gory action. Basically, they want you to know that their version of Alien vs. Predator could, hands-down, kick the crap out of the original if the two were ever to engage in battle. Perhaps the third installment could be called AvP vs. AvP 2: Which One Was the Bigger Waste of Time?

AVP Galaxy carried the exclusive pic, as well as some updates from Colin Strause himself who goes into detail as to why the image (pictured above) does not look as good as the final product. I'm up in the air on this one. While I hated the original, and wasn't at all happy with the early script reviews for the sequel, the Strause brothers are said to have revamped the script, pushed hard for an R rating (versus the original's cruddy PG-13 rating) and definitely know what they're doing with regards to special effects. The cast? Eh. Let's just say there's no Sigourney Weaver. AvP 2 hits theaters on December 10.

[via AICN]

Whether we want it or not, 20th Century Fox is spitting out a sequel to Alien vs. Predator and, yes, you're expected to shut up and like it. Though Paul W.S. Anderson helmed the first film, he will not be returning for another trip to the planet Crapola. Personally, I don't blame him. However, this means there is an empty seat to fill for some poor soul who feels like having their name attached to what's sure to be a gigantic disappointment.

IGN reports via a tipster that Greg and Colin Strause (a/k/a the Brothers Strause) are real close to signing on as directors of the sequel, having already met with producers. The brothers, who dabble in commercials and music videos, are best known for their special effects work (through their company, Hydraulx) on such films as X-Men: The Last Stand,  Fantastic Four and Terminator 3, among others. Keep in mind this is still a rumor, but now that word is out, we should hear something official real soon.

Not long ago, AICN had a script review up for Alien vs. Predator 2. I'd link to it but, since then, Fox forced them to take the review down due to, well, it ripping the story to shreds. If memory serves, pic will take place in Texas after the monsters crash-land there ... or something. Yeah, so instead of huge, glorious space battles, we're going to get a farm and a plethora of cowboy hats. Hopefully Fox took the review to heart and is currently tweaking the heck out the thing.