Predator Review
The Gory, Violent, Macho, 80's Action Film with a Twist
Recently, I watched the 1987 film Predator -starring Arnold Schwarzenegger- which spawned a well-known franchise.
The film has a simple premise: a US Special Forces team is sent on a mission to rescue some hostages in an unspecified Central American jungle. While on the operation, they are then hunted by an extra-terrestrial warrior.
Not Your Typical 80’s Action Film
Upon discovery that a bulked-out Arnold Schwarzenegger is the protagonist and that (arguably) the most famous of these films is Alien vs Predator, one may be inclined to discount Predator and the rest of the franchise as clichéd entertainment from another era.
The film may be from another era but it doesn’t feel old.
Whilst I cannot speak for the franchise, Predator is not a cliché (although it is from another era) and is worth your time if you enjoy action movies. Not only is it entertaining but it is also unique in how it takes the typical 80’s action film script and flips it.
The Hunters become the Hunted
As might be expected, Arnie and his team of hyper-masculine, testosterone-charged, gym-going and protein-shaked super soldiers destroy all the lesser men before them without breaking a sweat.
Despite being the crème de la crème, however, they find themselves completely outmatched by the Predator. And “outmatched” is the correct verb because the Predator, while possessing superior technology and strength, bleeds just like any other mortal creature and so it chooses to hunt Arnie and the team in a tactical manner.
Due to this, the film has a delicious blend of over-the-top-action, larger-than-life-characters and suspenseful tension which does not dissipate until the credits roll. What’s more, the film’s costumes and special effects have aged well; the film may be from another era but it doesn’t feel old.
Predator then, while having all the trappings of an 80’s action film, falls into a category of its own which makes it an interesting and enjoyable film night.
I can recommend it with crisps and popcorn.
4 out of 5 stars
