Predators Review

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Aliens vs Predator, Aliens vs Predator: Requiem, Terminator 3, Terminator Salvation… All these films have one thing in common. They were all attempts to restart a dated franchise while at the same time not doing a flat out reboot. The difference between all of those films and Predators is that Predators, is the only one to succeed at it.

Producer Robert Rodriguez made sure this film is the true sequel to the 1987 classic, going so far as to reference the events of the original film to establish true continuity. The films plot is very simple (as it should be). A group of killers (and one doctor) are dropped into a remote jungle only to realize they are not on a remote jungle, but rather a remote planet. Then, the hunting begins.

In case you’re wondering, yes, this film takes the franchise back to its gritty roots. It’s full of the wonderfully dark imagery that made the original so memorable. The film is also chock full of some great characters, most notably Adrien Brody of course. The dude just sweats the essence of Schwarzenegger. Despite not having the bruiting size of Schwarzenegger, he sure as hell has the attitude. The same goes for all of the other characters (yes, even Topher Grace), they are all gritty and pissed, just as they should be.

The environments and set design is also beautifully dark. The forest is bloody green, the sun never really brightens up the place, the night is freaky, it’s just what a Predator film should be. The same goes for the cinematography. Quick, clean, yet dirty and jagged at the same time, perfectly reflecting the tone of the world.

I also loved the mythology the film invented for the Predator species. The idea of a blood feud between two rival clans is such a brilliant idea for the franchise. The possibilities are endless to what you could do. Maybe one clan decides to help the humans to spite the other clan. It is such a great idea to think about. O, and where else are going to see a Predator battle with a Samurai Sword?

But of course, a film like this isn’t without a few glitches, most notably in line delivery. Now, I know that I shouldn’t be expecting much, and yes I did appreciate the fact that movie felt like the 80’s film but, that doesn’t mean the actors have to speak like they’re in the 80’s. The films is set in 2010, talk like you’re in 2010. Also, I would have liked a much more conclusive ending. The ending of this film is clearly setting up a sequel. Just once I want a film in a franchise to conclusively end, then see where it can go from there.

Overall, Predators is a quite enjoyable film. A slow burn in the first act but then it just takes off. I really hope we get to see more from the Rodriguez/Antal duo. They really make a great team in their creativity. This film should act as a benchmark from here on out of how to restart an old franchise (without doing a flat out reboot of course, Batman and Bond already have the market on that one).

7.5/10