Review: The Predator

Directed by Shane Black

Starring Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay.

the plot follows a group of mercenaries who try to protect a small town from an invading group of Predators.

Well so far, we are close to the end of 2018, and one more step towards one of the movies I am really hyped for (Halloween). Horror has seen a dramatic shift this year, there are great original movies such as Hereditary and A Quiet Place, there are some horrible films such as The Nun and Slender Man, and there are disappointing films. I feel The Predator belongs in this last category.

I was one of the many who were disappointed when it came to the presentation of the film through the trailers. It looked sloppy and in general something that didn't look too appealing. The actual outcome though, was kind of different? I mean, there were some fatal flaws, but nonetheless, I really did enjoy the film and it was plenty of fun.

Beware there are some minor spoilers below

The movie started out looking and sounding like Star Wars, I wish I was kidding but I am not. Ships jumping hyper space and attacking each other in a scene filled with cheesy action sequences and sound effects. The movie later picked up and became really interesting. The characters felt unique later into the film, and the movie was quite funny , I have to give a shout-out to Thomas Jane and Keegan-Michael Key for making me literally cry in laughter in some scenes. Jacob Tremblay did a good job, Holbrook was meh, considering that apart from some powerful scenes he has with his son, and the antagonist of the film, he was just there to shoot and shout. the movie started out alright, and suffered later through the final act and conclusion. I loved the elements Shane Black used to make it feel like the original Predator from 1987, with the same classic music piece from the original, a tone that keeps us searching out for the Predator and that he is close by, as well as the Predator's heat vision and ability to mimic voices for their advantage. Despite some of the inconsistent acting from the cast, I had loads of fun watching it, but this fun however didn't last long until the disappointing final act and conclusion.

The movie fell apart after that disappointing final act. The characters didn't feel so special anymore, and all emotional connections are cut short after some ridiculous decisions and moments. The effects dropped in quality, and the story/writing felt rushed which led to much confusion. While the ending did open up with interesting possibilities about the future of the franchise, this sadly was not up to much anticipation or excitement.

In conclusion, the movie started out alright, and suffered later through the final act and conclusion. I understand the movie's decision to stay different, and not exactly be like the original, but I felt that sometimes I wish the tension from the original could be implemented in a future Predator movie. While this movie did not have the tension and fear factor of the original, I didn't mind the humor/ action aspect of this film, and while it was disappointing towards the end, it wasn't as bad as The Nun. Watching this film was a very fun experience, one I haven't had in a while.

My rating: 6.0/10

#FilmReview #2018