1987. In the words of Frank Sinatra, it was a very good year. Ronald Reagan was president, and Nintendo fever was sweeping the nation. 3 years removed from "The Terminator", Arnold Schwarzenegger once again struck box office gold. The plot; a group of elite commandos enter the jungle of Central America only to find themselves hunted by an extra-terrestrial, superhuman killing machine. That film was "Predator". With Carl Douglas and then WWE Superstar, Jesse "The Body Ventura", it was a cast for the ages. The film would produce a sequel, as well as a crossover franchise in the early 2000's, but never set to reclaim its former glory. That is until the visionary Robert Rodriguez put on the producer's cap, in hopes to bring the Sci Fi epic to the forefront once again. This time, with the most lethal killers in the universe, spanning Yakuza, Black Ops, freedom fighters, and serial killers alike. The game just got a whole lot more interesting.
Royce (Adrien Brody,"The Jacket") takes on the Dutch role in this overhaul of John McTiernan's piece. Ascending from the sky, and literally dropped into the unknown jungle, he learns he's not alone. Encountering a seemingly random collection of warriors; a bulking Russian, likely Spetsnaz, the hardened Danny Trejo, a member of the Yakuza crime family, a convicted killer, and 3 others. All serve a purpose, all play a role in this game. How they got there is irrelevant, having the clairvoyance to know the moves is the key. With a medical specialist in tow, played by our favorite dumbass from "That 70's Show", Topher Grace, the team navigates the jungle, learning its ways at Royce's direction. Luckily this jungle is big enough to hold the collective egos, devoid of compassion and feeling, which are demonstrated by all involved. The Predator element lurking about this time is different, so says "seasoned veteran" of the mist, Larry Fishburne. Psychological effects having taken its toll, but sharp nonetheless, his Noland character uses them as his pawns, solidifying the fact that it's now every man for himself. The remainder of the cut n' paste death squad are privy to the Predator hierarchy by way of "being sniffed out"; where we're introduced to a new and improved alien being which would make Stan Winston proud. The rest is a display of tact, precision execution, and a few nods to the original film that of course never hurt.
With sparkly vampires and brooding, heartbroken werewolves having dominated the box office for the past two weeks, it was time for a man movie. "Predators" is unquestionably it. Packed with enough nostalgia to fill a theatre full of Garbage Pail Kids, a sufficient modern warfare element, and plenty of straight up ass kicking and gore, Nimrod Antal more than redeems himself for the disasterpiece that was "Armored". Brody shines as the heartless yet intriguing leader, with a solid supporting cast, for as long as they last on screen. While the middle of the movie hits a lull midway, and introduces a human element to our surviving main characters, the end is straight up "Predator". Brody, caked in mud, putting his stealth and battle tested skills to use. Having been described as 105 minutes of Darwinism at its finest, yes, there's a bit of underlying social allegory. When you pit the worlds most despicable, notorious inhabitants in one place against a common enemy, there's going to be some sort of twisted camaraderie. That is, until the fight to survive becomes evident, then its every man for itself, and deprivation knows no bounds.
A lot of faith was placed in the hands of Rodriguez, and it's my humble opinion that he's done the franchise proud. This installment further cements the cries of 2010 becoming a banner year for Science Fiction cinema. One can't help but think back to the summer of '87 and "The Running Man", "The Lost Boys", "Robocop", and "Evil Dead 2" rolling on the silver screen. While a sequel isn't imminent, "Predators" is a rare film that doesn't reinvent a franchise, but revitalizes and most importantly recognizes and respects its roots. In closing, I have but one thing to say; get to the theatah! Do it nowwww!
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