The alien species known as the Predator

Written By: mike on September 3, 2010 No Comment

The alien species known as the Predator hits the big screen for the fifth time in the movie Predators. While previous sequels like Predator 2 and the video game inspired Alien vs Predator movies take place in a variety of settings, Predators returns to the franchise’s roots as a band of soldiers attempt to cut their way through a jungle while being stalked by a mysterious foe.

Unlike the Arnold Schwarzenegger 1987 classic, featuring a band of mercenaries on a supposed rescue mission, these soldiers have been kidnapped from various combat zones around the globe and have been dropped into a sweltering jungle via parachute.

Soon after their arrival the soldiers learn that their foe is not human, and they are stuck on a unknown planet. Running is futile; the only way off the planet is through the group of Predators that are stalking them. In addition to the Predators, moviegoers are introduced to many new creatures that have not made appearances on the big screen before.

In the original Predator, Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) leads a tightly knit group of mercenaries. In Predators the group of soldiers does not get along. A loner mercenary named Royce (Adrian Brody) reluctantly takes the lead, but his followers find that he isn’t entirely trustworthy.

The action in this film is not the modern style of computer generated images and over the top fight scenes. Instead, director Nimród Antal goes to action movie roots and features large guns, hand-to-hand combat, and massive explosions.

The Predators feature light bending cloaking devises, making them difficult to spot. Their primary weapon is a shoulder-mounted energy based cannon, but Predators also wield retractable metal claws that are more like blades. They wear heavy armor and a mask that allows them to see many different light spectrums (primarily infrared). Their main goal is to hunt and kill other species for sport, the tougher the better. An unarmed foe is of little interest to them. While a thirst to kill has always been the main characteristic of the Predator, some have shown a sense of morality and reward prey that show valor during a fight. Predators have been stalking humans for thousands of years, and take trophies from their victims.

Predators is a decent nod to the original in feel and style, and would be a good view for any fans of the classic action movie era of 15 to 25 years ago. Some will find the film a bit slow and underwhelming.

Starring Adrien Brody (King Kong), Topher Grace (Spider-Man 3), Alice Braga (Repo Men), Walton Goggins (The Shield), Oleg Taktarov, Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), and Danny Trejo (Desperado, Machete). Running time 107 minutes. Directed by Nimród Antal (Armored). Rated R for strong creature violence and gore, and pervasive language.