“Predator” Trailer Movie Review

Maintaining a long running film franchise generally requires the introduction of fresh ideas with each installment. Sometimes a film concept requires a complete re-imagining or reinvention to survive. Think of “Batman,” “James Bond” and “Star Trek.” Such an endeavor is not without risk, as too great a departure from what fans of a particular franchise love and recognize may instigate a backlash, if not broad rejection. Think of the “Star Wars” prequels or “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” or “Alien³,” as well as “Alien: Resurrection.” Even though most of these films generated strong box office business, widespread disapproval of fans and critics alike sullied each franchise to a certain extent, jeopardizing its future and legacy.
The trailer for “Predators” seems to promise not to make such a mistake with the sci-fi/action series that began in 1987. It opens with the familiar shot of a starry night sky, assuring us all that this is a science fiction movie; no surprise to audiences of course, who know that the predator is an extraterrestrial creature. Then flash to a lush, drippy jungle setting (not much surprise there either as it seems to be the predator’s preferred habitat) and the words “Robert Rodriguez Presents”, promising intense action, true to the original. So, the atmosphere is suitably crepuscular and as the setting, suitably reminiscent of the original. The requisite trappings are so far firmly in place.
We are then briefly introduced to the eclectic cast, suitably reminiscent of the original one led by Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, this cast resembles that of “Tropic Thunder” almost as much. This is not likely intentional, but may cause some bemusement for those who have seen that film, a parody of war films. This, of course, is not a war film, which makes the comparison more potentially distracting. The original intrepid team of unsuspecting commandos was a heavily armed “rescue” team led by a former bodybuilder and future California governor (Arnie), and included a former professional wrestler and future Minnesota governor (Jesse Ventura), a former Oakland Raider and on-screen Rocky nemesis-turned-best friend (Carl Weathers), a former porn actor (Sonny Landham), a career movie villain and accomplished independent filmmaker (Bill Duke), and a token nervous guy (Richard Chaves). This time we have an equally diverse team led by an actor known mainly for dramatic roles (Adrien Brody-think Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder”), a mixed martial arts fighter turned actor (Oleg Taktarov, apparently filling the niches for “wrestler” and European accent), a sometimes dramatic actor probably best know for his TV comedic role (Topher Grace-think perhaps of Jack Black, or even Ben Stiller in “T.T”), a journeyman African-American actor (Laurence Fishburne, filling any number of character niches from “Predator” or “Tropic Thunder”), and a Latin woman character (played by Alice Braga) who is one of the guys this time, instead of needing their rescue as her counterpart in the original film. Regardless of any parodic comparisons one can make, this team are presented as “the most dangerous killers on the planet.” Well, there was no question that the original Schwarzenegger led team was too. But they were on a “rescue” mission, only to find that they need rescuing when it was too late. The new Brody led team is assembled on an alien world (presumably the predator’s home planet) under undisclosed pretenses. However, at some point the Brody character shares an insight with the team that “this planet is a game preserve-and we’re the game.” Evidently they were sent there not expected to return. Why? Undoubtedly for execution or some other pretense of disposal. Clearly though, there must be some parallel purpose. Why else bother to send them to a distant world just to snuff them out? Therein lies the mystery at the center of the film, and probably the greatest appeal for attracting audiences, who otherwise know what to expect.
So again, a diverse team of anti-heroes is sent into a dense jungle on a mysterious mission, only to find themselves hunted by an elusive but fearsome alien creature. This time however, there are many such enemies, not just one rogue. This jungle is not simply the predator’s preferred habitat. It’ s their turf. So here is presented the familiar theme of human hunters becoming the hunted, which has provided much of the appeal for this franchise and other sci-fi/action/horror ones such as the “Alien” franchise. Like James Cameron’s “Aliens,” this installment of the “Predator” franchise raises the intensity level by multiplying the singular nemesis of the original film. Of course, these two franchises have been combined into the “Alien vs. Predator” franchise, another example of bringing a fresh perspective to familiar and popular material, albeit one that many consider unsuccessful. The success of “Predators” will depend on whether the filmmakers can introduce into this 23 year old franchise enough new energy and novelty without tarnishing it. Hopefully they will heed precedent and remember why “Batman” needed Christopher Nolan so badly.

Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, movie, Movies, Predators