Harry Situation’s Countdown Reviews: Predators

Predators is the third installment of Predator film series directed by Nimrod Antal — boy, school must have been rough for that guy — and produced by Robert Rodriguiz (Spy Kids, Sin City). It also stars an interesting cast such as Adrian Brody, Topher Grace, Alicia Braga, Walton Goggins, Mahershala Ali, Danny Trejo, and Laurence Fishburne.

In this installment, 8 of the most dangerous people of earth have been dropped onto an unknown planet serving as a game reserve for the Predators. Technically, these guys are called Super Predators. They’re bigger and deadlier than the original.

What was nice about this film was that it served as a return to base for the Predator series. The Predator series had gone through a bit of a roller coaster ride. It had Predator 2 and then it bottom with the AVP films. Here, it goes back to what Predator was all about. An intergalactic species of hunters hunting humans in the jungle. That’s all it needed to be (I’m looking at you, The Predator). I much prefer a film that goes back to its routes, which is why I love The Force Awakens so much. You can bitch about how you think it’s shitting all you want, but it’s far superior than whatever bullshit you can squat out.

With it returning to it’s routes, the action makes it feel real. Less CGI and more practical effects is what I crave to see these days. And the folks behind this film gotta give themselves a pat on the back for that. There’s a great scene where the actors are tumbling down this steep hillside and into a waterfall with no wires or nets. Makes it feel more real and gritty.

The music, this time done by John Debney, also sounds like the score from the original Predator. This film was obviously made to serve as a direct sequel to the first film.

Too bad it kind of fails too.

One of the downsides was the odd casting in this movie. Don’t get me wrong, folks like Goggins, Trejo, and Braga were fine. But Adrian Brody and Topher Grace in a Predator movie? What the hell were they thinking? These two are the most least intimidating celebrities on the planet. And it doesn’t help when Brody is doing a Batman voice the whole film.

Not to mention that once you watch this film, you kinda forget about it. Admit it, you didn’t even know that there was a third Predator movie, did ya? Sadly, this film really didn’t have much to offer or new to add as a sequel. Except for that duel between the Yakuza guy and a Predator. That was pretty badass. Other than that, nothing. You will barely remember this film existed.

All I can say about this film is that at least it is better than Predator 2 (in my opinion), but doesn’t hold a candle to the first Predator. However, I can definitely say that it is a worthy sequel. If you’re wondering why this review feels short, that’s because there isn’t much to say about it. It’s much like the first one, but doesn’t have as many memorable moments as the first. There’s nothing else to say other than check it out. If you like it, cool. If not, that’s fine. But I think we have yet to see a solid Predator sequel. Maybe The Predator will be that solid sequel we the fans have been hoping for.

Positives:

-Back to routes

-Cool action & practical effects

-Great music

-Worthy sequel

Negatives:

-Odd casting

-Forgettable

Final Grade: C+

So there’s my review for Predators in my Predator movie countdown reviews. Thanks for joining me so far and join me next time when I review The Predator, releasing in theaters September 14th. And with this series countdown reviews concluded I’m starting my next series of countdown reviews next week with the Jaws series, all leading up to the premiere of The Meg, coming next month. So stay tuned for more Harry Situation’s Countdown Reviews!

Best Quote:

Royce: “Now... let’s get off this fucking planet.”

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