This film deserves recognition as one of the most overlooked from 2004. It wasn’t because it was exceptional, but simply because critics gave it a really harsh reaction! I believe this was largely due to comparisons with both the Alien and Predator series; that's understandable, but it could never have been what either of those films were. Ultimately, its problems stemmed from some weak dialogue and an attempt to appeal to a broader audience. Predators managed to be accessible without requiring viewers to have seen all previous installments, while still remaining true to the core Predator experience—targeted at fans of the franchise. AVP, on the other hand, included references to earlier films but then disregarded established lore in favor of attracting a larger fanbase. While it did succeed somewhat – even my grandma enjoyed it – that wasn’t enough of a shift in either direction. The film was confusing when viewed as a standalone project and problematic when considered alongside anything else in the franchise, with the exception of perhaps its sequel Requiem or Alien 3 or Predator 2. I think the movie functions best as a standard entry within the realms of both Alien and Predator, rather than a direct continuation or origin story for either. The main character is Alexa Woods, played by Sanaa Lathan (Blade, Contagion), who was evidently intended to be a modern-day Ripley but didn't quite achieve that goal. The Predators were as impressive as always, and some viewers complained that they weren’t as mysterious in the latter part of the film as they were in Predator/Predator 2, but we already had two films portraying them that way; these were younger Predators, so it made sense that they would be a bit more active. Bringing Lance Henriksen (Damien: Omen II, Piranha II: The Spawning, The Terminator, Aliens, Alien 3, Pumpkinhead, The Quick and the Dead, Mind Ripper, Scream 3, The Lost Tribe) back was an excellent choice, though it likely went over the heads of viewers unfamiliar with the Alien series. Tommy Flanagan (Smokin' Aces 1 and 2, Sin City, When a Stranger Calls [2006], Gladiator, Braveheart) is another actor I appreciate; it’s unfortunate that his character (Mark Verheiden) was so underdeveloped. Overall, this film is enjoyable if you don’t overthink it, avoid comparisons to the other movies, and simply expect a monster movie—you probably won't be too let down. 59% -Gimly

Source on TMDB