I remember the anticipation of turning fifteen and being able to rent any movie I wanted from the local video rental store (yes, such establishments existed, and we rented movies on VHS cassettes). I recall renting Predator 2 and watching it before seeing the original. While part two pales in comparison to the first film’s brilliance, it remains entertaining. In 2004, Paul W.S. Anderson’s Alien vs Predator debuted, featuring a few interesting sequences, but ultimately proving unremarkable. The dismal sequel, Alien vs Predator: Requiem, effectively ended the franchise, until the release of the somewhat unconventional Predators in 2010. Adrian Brody isn’t the immediate choice for an “action hero,” and my recollection of the film is vague, save for a general feeling of indifference.
Then, silence. A long silence. Until the murmurings began about a potential (…fanfare…) Reboot! My interest in a Predator reboot was minimal. However, things took a turn when the talented Shane Black was announced as screenwriter and director, promising to honor the original films and deliver a true sequel, not a mere reboot. My enthusiasm surged. Shane Black, who appeared in the first film as an actor, would now direct and co-write the script with Fred Dekker. Anticipation was high. I inserted the UHD 4K disc into the player, ready to see what they had created…
Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook), on a clandestine mission, is nearly killed by a crashing spaceship. He retrieves a piece of armor from the Predator pilot and mails it to himself, only to be promptly arrested. However, due to an unpaid mailbox bill, the Predator equipment ends up with his ex-wife, Emily (Yvonne Strahovski), and his autistic son, Rory (Jacob Tremblay). Rory’s curiosity leads him to tamper with the armor, inadvertently sending a signal that is intercepted by a Super-Predator, who immediately heads for Earth. Meanwhile, Quinn is en route to a mental institution in a bus with other soldiers suffering from various mental conditions. Events converge as the crashed Predator escapes, pursued by Casey Brackett (Olivia Munn). The group of soldiers, led by Quinn, teams up with Casey to stop the Predator, who is now targeting Quinn’s son for possessing his equipment. Simultaneously, the Super-Predator approaches.
I want to begin by acknowledging the film’s successful elements: its faithfulness to the original’s aesthetic, music, and graphic violence. It also features a few adequately executed action sequences. However, the film ultimately falls short. Shane Black’s resume boasts impressive credits, including screenwriting for Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, and Last Action Hero, as well as directing credits for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3. On paper, this Predator film had the potential to be outstanding. Instead, it barely achieves an average rating. The primary reason is that Shane Black and Fred Dekker attempted to do too much without a clear direction. Is The Predator an homage to the original films, a completely new concept, a comedy, or a horror film? Initially, I found it enjoyable, with several compelling sequences. However, a turning point occurs towards the end, diminishing my interest. The film devolves into a pseudo-rehash of the original, with characters running aimlessly through the forest, being picked off by the Predator. I won’t even bother with a spoiler alert, as the resolution is underwhelming. The film’s final sequence definitively precludes any desire for future Predator sequels.
Quinn McKenna is portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, whose previous roles include Logan and the TV series Narcos. His portrayal of the villain in Logan was remarkably bland, which I initially attributed to the script. However, his performance in The Predator reveals a lack of charisma, making him an unsuitable choice to anchor the film.
Quinn’s son is played by Jacob Tremblay, who delivered a stellar performance in Room. Here, he portrays an autistic character, providing perhaps the film’s most nuanced and impactful performance – a stark contrast to the rest of the cast. However, a particular sequence undermines the credibility he establishes.
The group of soldiers surrounding Quinn is comprised of a diverse cast, with Travante Rhodes and Thomas Jane standing out as the most compelling. The remaining characters are so cartoonish that their eventual fates elicit little emotional response.
A significant failing of Shane Black’s direction and writing is the absence of realistic and well-developed female characters. In contemporary cinema, strong female characters are no longer optional, but essential. The Predator features two: Casey Brackett (Olivia Munn), a scientist who studies the Predator and joins forces with Quinn and his team. Her character is remarkably flat. She progresses through the film without any discernible development or backstory, making it difficult to empathize with her. For someone facing an extraordinary situation, she appears unfazed. The other female character, Quinn’s wife Emily, is played by Yvonne Strahovski, known for her role in the series Chuck. Strahovski’s character is underdeveloped and ultimately disappears from the narrative without a proper resolution.
Of note is the appearance of Jake Busey, playing the son of his father’s character from Predator 2. This connection is never explicitly stated, but serves as a subtle nod to observant fans.
The UHD edition of the film elevates the viewing experience, presenting a visually stunning presentation on our reference TV OLED Panasonic EZ950. The black levels in the numerous night scenes, including the re-shot ending, are exceptionally deep and free of artifacts. The Atmos sound is robust and will fully utilize a well-equipped home cinema system. The disc includes ample bonus material, featuring informative documentaries about the film’s production, rather than mere promotional content.
In conclusion, I had high hopes for this film. It possessed all the necessary elements: humor, action, violence, and memorable one-liners. It featured a competent director and screenwriter, recognizable music and aesthetics, and a practical Predator suit. However, the film is undermined by poorly written female characters, unfunny jokes, a CGI Super-Predator, a nonsensical ending, and an uncharismatic lead actor. The potential for greatness was present, but the execution fell short.
