"Why do you call it the Predator?"

the Predator

Non-Spoiler Review

[September 14th, 2018]

[R, 1hr 47min, Action, Adventure, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller]

 Since I have a lot of movies still waiting for me to watch all of them (as I did mentioned incessantly in the past), I need to pick and choose which one deserves its own spoiler post and which one would be sufficient being included in the pop culture weekly (maybe daily ...? I need to increase my viewing rate then!). So, here we go!

Ever since its awesome debut alongside Arnold back in the 1980, the Predator has been treated in a number of ways in the industry from being the alien to be feared alongside Xenomorphs to B-level villains in cashgrab ensemble and they just couldn't reach that first high! That 2006 Predators actually a return to form in my humble opinion with colourful characters that would face a number of them in their own ways but just didn't vibe with the original fans as hoped. Having the original cast member return to direct this most recent adaptation after having his own solid directing career since then, the prospect of this project actually turns to be fruitful in the end was at its highest and after watching the film myself, I can say that they succeeded in more ways than one in trying to bring the magic back. This premise works if the hunt is effective with the intergalactic hunter haveing formidable opponents to hunt down, and the setting is the second on the list since it is the variable that would affect how these two opposing forces interact with each other. The last is the human characters, with what they bring to the table that could contribute to the fight against the Predator would if not save their life at least make the killings entertaining at least. How are these elements being treated in this latest installment?

"It's a nickname, the data suggests that it tracks its prey, exploits weakness. Seems to enjoy it, like a game.."

Let's touch upon where this storyline take place first, as we wander from the typical familiar forest to government facilities to suburban street and school. I believe we naturally go from one place to another to follow where the human characters and the titled character, going with the natural flow of how the story goes ... but I can understand the criticism of how uneven and jarring it could feel. Since we have a lot more human counterparts than the usual for the franchise, we spend quite a lot of time with the main protagonist and his family as well as the eclectic band of criminals to flesh them out and try to make them relatable to us. They are casted well and serviceable in an ensemble film to me but it might be the most contentious part of this film as the script is using the R rating to its fullest potential, for better or for worse. How they fare against the superior hunter with their own expertise in handling guns and weapons could be much better but there are a number of inventive action set pieces that would make the premise proud. Oh, if you come for the gore and violence, you will get your money's worth! Being set in modern times with the first and second film having taken place in the past, they try to reinvent the formula by taking a page off the Alien versus Predator movie and !SPOILER! giving a little variety to the masked hunter's genetics (it is shown in the trailers ... I hope I didn't spoil it for you purists!) and this gives the franchise a much needed injection of excitement into its backbone. If this experiment proves to be successful in the end, there is interesting places they could go for the followup. The practical effects and CGIs are used well but I'm sure the latter would get much more derision especially with the 'space dogs'.

It might not leave up to the original predecessor's level but it is an enjoyable action flick worthy of the title of the film.

-  IMDb - RT - wiki -

"It's a nickname, the data suggests that it tracks its prey, exploits weakness. Seems to enjoy it, like a game.."

P.S. I love Shane Black movies but this doesn't come up to his usual level!
P.P.S. There are a couple of mental illnesses being used quite heavily throughout ... whether they are using them respectfully or not, they at least bringing them into the spotlight to be discussed by the public.