Predators, The Review!

The Predator franchise has been traveling down a very dark and atrocious rode since 1987 when the original testosterone filled film released with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The original film is a must see among dudes. It has what I call the most manly moment in film, where Arnold yells at his antagonist at the top of his lungs from atop a tree, it is truly a spectacle to see. Man versus the universes greatest hunter! Its great flick and I highly recommend it for all of you action junkies. So now comes a sequel or reboot...however you want to call it. Robert Rodriguez apparently wrote this story as a direct sequel to the first film "Predator" in the 90's and has finally been given the chance to give it the light of day. This new film stars Adrien Brody and is directed by Nimrod Antal, while Rodriguez only executive produced and Alex Litvak & Michael Finch wrote the script based off of Rodriguez's original story. It's been a long time coming and "Predators" is here.

As far as story goes, this film is quite simple. Bunch of bad asses from our world get dropped off onto a Predator planet that acts as a game reserve. One by one people die, there are Predator dogs that make a thankfully brief appearance throughout the film. Once the Predators start making their way into the film though it gets pretty awesome. *SPOILER ALERT* My biggest issue with this film is it is to some degree original but as we get closer and closer to the ending, it feels like I'm watching the 1987 film all over again. The scene from the original where Billy dies is practically reenacted for us except this time we get to see the whole blood affair which was probably the best scene of the flick. The original Predator returns, how the hell did that happen? And the last final straw for me was the very end where Adrien Brody is half naked covered in mud and yells at the Predator "Come on! Do it! Kill me! What are you waiting for? Kill me!" when he is trying to trap the Predator. I nearly threw my soda at the screen I was so appalled. I can appreciate throwbacks but I don't need a full reenactment of a scene, just a "Your one ugly motherfucker" line would have sufficed.*SPOILER OVER*

The overall vibe of the flick is pretty awesome, its dark but not too dark like some sequels. (AvP-R I'm looking at you) There is plenty of good gore and classic depictions of Predator brutality. The film feels gritty and the set pieces overall are just great. For the most part the CGI is good, though there is one explosion in the movie that is just horrid, I'm not sure how they let themselves get away with it. Action scenes are great, people don't have infinite ammo and it feels realistic. I loved the mini gun throw back, it was much appreciated.

The score is also one of the best things because for the most part it is the sound track to the original movie. I have some issues with the throw backs in the film, but this is one thing that I enjoyed. I couldn't help but laugh and nudge my brother throughout the film because of the awesome music. The music from the original just feels so fitting for this film. I wouldn't have it any other way.

As far as actors go in this film, for the most part they all hit the spot. I'll keep my eye on the main contenders for this. Adrien Brody shines as a smart action hero, he really pulls off the role, the skinny pianist has been hitting the gym for this one too. He brings a real grounded sense of reality in the role, you can believe this guy is special forces or black ops. Alice Grace is great as Isabelle the IDF sniper, shes tough, shes cute and is great in the role of the girl gone bad trying to be good. Lawrence Fishburne is just over the top in the role as the one that got away and he feels so unbelievable. When he meets his inevitable end your either cheering or you just don't give a damn. Topher Grace plays a Doctor that is a bad bad man and his character just feels so unneeded even though it is designed to contrast humans to Predators, his character just doesn't seem fleshed out nearly enough. The rest of the cast plays their roles just fine but its nothing worth taking note.

THE VERDICT: B-
This one gets a B- for being the second best film the franchise has had. I personally would watch the sequels that have been left wide open for at the end of the film. I'm a huge fan of the original and if you have any joy in seeing Predator films go check this one out.