I think we were all a little surprised when we heard there was to be a new Predator movie. It’s 20 years since the last bona fide entry in the series, and our most recent exposure to everyone’s favourite extra-terrestrial hunter had been in those terrible AvP movies. I’m not sure anyone really took the concept of a new one seriously – until Robert Rodriguez came along with a new vision.
On paper, the story works pretty well and makes a lot of sense. Instead of a lone alien travelling to Earth and going hunting in a jungle (Predator) or in a city (Predator 2) – we have a new variation on the theme. A group of mercenaries/murderers awaken in freefall (in the new movie’s pretty damn cool opening sequence) and land on the surface of a familiar, yet also alien jungle landscape. They’ve no idea how or why they are there… but pretty soon it becomes apparent. The planet is a game preserve, and they are the game.
It’s an interesting approach, as this gang of cut-throats and government spooks must work together to survive this bizarre ordeal alive.
Surprisingly though, and almost dissapointingly, despite some big differences with plot this is by and large your typical Predator movie. So much so, that for a lot of the running time it’s no more than a thinly veiled remake of the original. Don’t let the guff about free-falling and alien game preserves fool you. This is a “guys fighting an extra-terrestrial in a jungle” movie – much like the original film.
I’m not a big fan of that so much. I know Predator 2 had it’s detractors. But what I liked about that second film, is they showed the beast operating an a completely different kind of locale. They showed more of it’s culture, and tried in a way to explain it’s motives. Our hero wasn’t a professional mercenary covered in muscle and carrying a big gun. Instead he was a police detective who relied on wit, rather than brawn to finally defeat this unholy alien monster.
I was hoping that this new movie would further explore that mythology. But sadly it doesn’t even reference these events.
Instead it just follows the mould of the original and adheres to it quite strictly. Adrien Brody (as lead mercenary Royce) even applies some of the same methods as Schwarzenneger did to battle this alien threat. I think after having waited for a couple of decades for this sequel – this is somewhat of a cheat.
When I heard that Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker studios had picked up the rights to this franchise, I was hoping for some of that trademark Rodriguez madness that we saw in the likes of El Mariachi, Desperado and especially in From Dusk Till Dawn. I thought this would be a very interesting addition to the already established Predator mythos. Instead, we have a largely generic studio sequel (perhaps even more unforgivable, given Rodriguez’ indie cred).
But the news isn’t all bad. Adrien Brody is a little unbelievable as a bad-ass marine/commando type, but he still tackles the role with charisma and humour. Topher Grace is likeable as a Doctor who’s significance to this team and reason for being there is revealed in a welcome and satisfying plot twist. Rodriguez regular Danny Trejo is huge fun as usual, and in it far too briefly. However, Laurence Fishburne’s cameo is badly acted, unnecessary and out of place.
The effects are used sparingly and effectively, and it’s nice to see a modern approach to the familiar cloaking/de-cloaking abilities these guys possess. I also like the pin sharp heat vision sequences (which always looked a little blurry in other episodes).
John Debney’s score makes fun references to the work Alan Silvestri did all those years ago, and is one familiar touch that is welcome.
And bottom line, despite the film’s many flaws it’s entertaining, action packed and NEVER boring. The final battle is brilliantly done and ends the movie on a brutal, bone crunching note. Plus, it’s nicely directed by Nimrod Antal.
Do I recommend this? Yeah, I guess – but with obvious reservations. It’s not as good as the original, but is certainly better than those woeful AvP abortions. I don’t know really if it’s worth taking a trip to the cinema for. But for a night in with a beer and a pizza, a DVD of this movie would go down pretty well.
But for die hard Predator fans… I’d say this is essential viewing, and probably the movie you’ve been waiting for your whole lives!
Average score – 6 out of 10
Score for Predator fans – 8 out of 10
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