When we were kids, my older brother and I had a rule: "stop, drop, and yell." The idea was pretty simple: if we were flipping channels and stumbled upon one of our favorite movies, regardless of whether it had just started or was about to end, we'd immediately stop, drop the remote, and yell for the absent brother to join us in the living room.
One of the titles on our list was "Predator." Were we too young to watch it? Probably. Did we care? Not at all.
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Writers: Patrick Aison, Dan Trachtenberg, Jim Thomas
Stars: Reuben de Jong, Cameron Brown, Elle Fanning
"Predator" is the perfect 80s action movie: over-the-top characters, tons of explosions, practical special effects, witty Schwarzenegger one-liners, and the most epic handshake ever seen. Even now, the movie remains incredibly entertaining. If I came across it on TV today, rest assured I'd stop, drop, and yell again, only this time I'd be yelling at my brother on the phone.
Then came "Predator 2," a couple of failed attempts at crossovers with the "Alien" universe, and reboots that, for the most part, didn't quite measure up. "Prey" managed to surprise me; it didn't have the absurd magic of the original, but it was entertaining, grounded, and reminded us why we loved "Predator" in the first place.
One of the biggest draws of "Predator: Badlands" is simply being back in that universe. It's exciting to see the characters navigate the dangerous world of the Yautja, and the film keeps the action moving at a steady pace.
Unlike some of the franchise's missteps, this one doesn't dwell too much on exposition. It constantly moves forward, presenting us with new challenges, traps, and close calls that keep us hooked.
This film also delves deeper into the Yautja culture, and it's as fascinating as it is terrifying. There's one particular scene exploring their rituals that made my son lean over and whisper, "That was really dark." And he wasn't wrong. "Badlands" does a great job of showcasing the Predator not just as a mindless hunter, but as part of a violent and highly ritualized society. This exploration of their culture gives the film a fresh perspective, especially since this time the Predator is more of a protagonist than an antagonist. Surprisingly, they even manage to make the alien relatable, which is no small feat. Including Elle Fanning as Thia was a wise decision. Her character, despite not being human, brings humor and humanity to the story, helping us connect with the other characters and maintaining the tension throughout.
She provides a touch of levity without detracting from the intensity of the plot, and her interactions with the Predator and the other characters help the audience immerse themselves in a world that would otherwise be fraught with constant danger.
The action sequences are solid, almost uninterrupted, and executed with great care. While the original films focused on how humans adapted to the Predator's hunting prowess, this time the focus shifts: the Yautja learns from its environment, adapting and becoming the Predator.
The formula of the original "Predator" films remains intact, but this new perspective makes it interesting. The fights are exciting, the chases are tense, and the practical and digital effects are impressive. This film will keep you on the edge of your seat.
"Predator: Badlands" is an entertaining addition to the Predator franchise. It offers plenty of action, deepens our understanding of Yautja culture, and introduces characters like Thia to balance the violence with humor and emotion. Seeing the Predator as a protagonist is a novel perspective, and the constant tension and ingenious action scenes make the film worthwhile.
That being said, it's not perfect. Some moments of slow pacing and forced humor prevent it from reaching the excitement and cohesion of the originals. While it doesn't quite live up to the 1987 "Predator," it far surpasses most of the previous sequels and reboots. For fans of the franchise, or for anyone looking for an action-packed thriller, this is a good option.
"Predator: Badlands" is officially rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi violence.
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