Predators (2010)
By Adam Beck • MovieMassacre.com
Directed by: Nimród Antal
Written by: Alex Litvak and Michael Finch
Released by: 20th Century Fox
"The most dangerous killers on the planet... but this is not our planet."
For the past several years, fans of the 'Alien' and 'Predator' franchises were forced to sit back and watch as their beloved movie monsters went toe-to-toe with one another, in a series of poorly made “Versus” films. Luckily Robert Rodriguez and his crew at Troublemaker Studios managed to step in and gained control over the 'Predator' property...getting the series back on track and producing the first "official" sequel in the last 20 years!
In their newest film 'Predators', 8 individuals, ranging from combat soldiers to mass murderers, are dropped into a dense jungle habitat with no recollection of how they got there. While attempting to find a way out, they come to the realization that they're on an alien planet...and even worse, in that they were brought there for the sole purpose of being hunted by the menacing Predators.
Overall 'Predators' is very reminiscent of the original 1987, Arnold Schwarzenneger film. From its labyrinth-like jungle setting, to its rough-and-tough group of characters, to its familiar musical score...there is no denying the fact that this is one sequel done right. The film isn't simply a rehash of the original however, as we're introduced to several new species of Predators and conflicts never dealt with in previous installments.
I'll admit, when I first heard about this project I had serious doubts, especially in regards to the casting choices. Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Walton Goggins...all starring in a big budget action film? After seeing 'Predators' however I can safely say that all of the cast members did a hell of a job. The film does seem to have other slight problems however, which appear to have irritated some fans. Most of the concerns deal with the pacing of the film, which I don't necessarily agree with, but I did find myself scratching my head at times in regards to some of the blundering knowledge that the character's seem to possess. For example, Topher Grace's character Edwin, identifies and stops Nikolai (Oleg Taktarov) from touching poisonous vegetation, proving he's somehow an expert in alien plant life even though he's only been on the planet for about 10 minutes. Adrien Brody's character Royce, figuring out that they're on a "wild game" planet and are being hunted also seemed like a bit of a stretch...But honestly, this is a horror film we're talking about and not something that should be thoroughly analyzed. After all, even the best films in this genre have their faults.
When it comes to the 'Predator' series though, in my opinion, Nimród Antal's 'Predators' easily tops the 1990 sequel and is a very close second to the original. It was great seeing the Predator design still being created with practical effects, as well as showcasing the monster's signature tracking mode and camouflage effects in various action sequences. In a business filled with 80's horror remakes, it was refreshing to see an actual sequel come out of this, that not only pays homage to its predecessors, but one that also tries new and inventive things. If you're a fan of PREDATOR, this is one sequel you definitely don't want to miss!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Written by: Alex Litvak and Michael Finch
Released by: 20th Century Fox
"The most dangerous killers on the planet... but this is not our planet."
For the past several years, fans of the 'Alien' and 'Predator' franchises were forced to sit back and watch as their beloved movie monsters went toe-to-toe with one another, in a series of poorly made “Versus” films. Luckily Robert Rodriguez and his crew at Troublemaker Studios managed to step in and gained control over the 'Predator' property...getting the series back on track and producing the first "official" sequel in the last 20 years!
In their newest film 'Predators', 8 individuals, ranging from combat soldiers to mass murderers, are dropped into a dense jungle habitat with no recollection of how they got there. While attempting to find a way out, they come to the realization that they're on an alien planet...and even worse, in that they were brought there for the sole purpose of being hunted by the menacing Predators.
Overall 'Predators' is very reminiscent of the original 1987, Arnold Schwarzenneger film. From its labyrinth-like jungle setting, to its rough-and-tough group of characters, to its familiar musical score...there is no denying the fact that this is one sequel done right. The film isn't simply a rehash of the original however, as we're introduced to several new species of Predators and conflicts never dealt with in previous installments.
I'll admit, when I first heard about this project I had serious doubts, especially in regards to the casting choices. Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Walton Goggins...all starring in a big budget action film? After seeing 'Predators' however I can safely say that all of the cast members did a hell of a job. The film does seem to have other slight problems however, which appear to have irritated some fans. Most of the concerns deal with the pacing of the film, which I don't necessarily agree with, but I did find myself scratching my head at times in regards to some of the blundering knowledge that the character's seem to possess. For example, Topher Grace's character Edwin, identifies and stops Nikolai (Oleg Taktarov) from touching poisonous vegetation, proving he's somehow an expert in alien plant life even though he's only been on the planet for about 10 minutes. Adrien Brody's character Royce, figuring out that they're on a "wild game" planet and are being hunted also seemed like a bit of a stretch...But honestly, this is a horror film we're talking about and not something that should be thoroughly analyzed. After all, even the best films in this genre have their faults.
When it comes to the 'Predator' series though, in my opinion, Nimród Antal's 'Predators' easily tops the 1990 sequel and is a very close second to the original. It was great seeing the Predator design still being created with practical effects, as well as showcasing the monster's signature tracking mode and camouflage effects in various action sequences. In a business filled with 80's horror remakes, it was refreshing to see an actual sequel come out of this, that not only pays homage to its predecessors, but one that also tries new and inventive things. If you're a fan of PREDATOR, this is one sequel you definitely don't want to miss!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
