I am an unapologetic fan of action movies, good science fiction, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I, therefore, hold the original "Predator" as a cinematic classic in that genre. The "Predator" series has never gotten the attention or the respect of that other Fox modern monster series, "Aliens." The original "Predator" sequel that takes place in the city was a decent follow-up but it certainly wasn’t the series reinvention that James Cameron’s "Aliens" was. Following the comic-inspired teaming, an "Alien vs. Predator" franchise was born in theaters not too many years back. After only two movies, the quality of that series quickly tanked and sank the team-up franchise. The only way back for the alien hunters appeared to be to go back to the roots of the original film. That is what this new "Predators" is supposed to be, a return to the look and feel of the original. The writer and director of "Predators" did recreate the look of the first film, but missed what was hiding under the surface in making their indirect sequel.
"Predators" is based upon a screenplay written by writer-director Robert Rodriguez ("Desperado," "From Dusk ‘til Dawn") way back in the 1990s. Fox dug the screenplay up and asked Rodriguez if he wanted to make the picture. The actual director of "Predators" is Rodriguez preferred Nimrod Antal ("Vacancy") though Rodriguez was involved collaboratively in the making of the movie as producer. The film takes place in another dense jungle with a large, tough guy cast trying to survive being hunted by the near-invisible Predators. The movie’s hero, Royce, is played by the unlikely Adrien Brody ("The Village") in action star mode. Brody is known for his normally thin physique and respectable, Oscar-winning, acting chops. But Brody actually really wanted the part and fought hard to get it. Did he pull it off?
At first, Brody looks out of place amongst the cast of hardened soldier-types, but when he first opens his mouth the guttural way of speaking and his absolute certainty sells the role. His character is an anti-hero mercenary who ultimately takes the responsibility of leading the team. Unlike Dutch from the original "Predator," he doesn’t really care about the rest of the group. Not that I can blame him, because his group is made of some pretty sordid types. A few character actors including Rodriguez regular Danny Trejo fill-out a believable looking cast of bad boys and one bad lady. An actor I was looking forward to seeing in the picture, Laurence Fishburne, is essentially wasted in an extended cameo that proves all too-predictable. While his initial appearance and crazy mannerisms provoke interest in his character, that is all too soon wasted at the culmination of a boring and surprisingly slow second act.
More unfortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to expand characters’ personalities, build story momentum, or create an emotional connection that are essentially wasted by Antal. A predator versus predator battle is presented, but little interest comes with it. The smaller predator character could have been better developed and made a sympathetic, if reluctant ally, but Antal simply films an emotionless brawl. Not that all the action scenes are wasted. The opening scene proves to be a unique way of getting the characters into "the hunt," but instead of returning to and better explaining the back story, the director leaves it alone.
The whole movie is ultimately good-looking on the surface, with the creepy "I’m being watched" jungle scenario, but much of this potential is squandered in the seemingly long movie. I am pleased with the minimal use of CGI in the picture, giving it a more realistic feel. However, the emotional connection to the movie’s characters and driving momentum of the original is mostly absent. A firefight with Predator hunting "dogs" is the most exhilarating battle in the movie, but that occurs only halfway into the movie. Another scene worth mentioning, a one-on-one battle between a Yakuza with a samurai sword and a Predator is reminiscent of a scene from the original and equally cool. But much of the action is marred by scenes too dark to sufficiently see and too much stop-and-go momentum from the story.
Where the intent and basic story of "Predators" is good, the follow through is unexceptional. Perhaps Rodriguez’s vision really needed Rodriguez to direct it. The characters just weren’t worthy of any real concern for their well-being. I was left feeling cold about almost the whole movie. The only performances that really resonated were Alice Braga’s Isabelle and Walter Goggins’ Stans, though they were smaller parts. The movie ended up being all too predictable, while also failing to capture the viewer’s interest or passion. "Predators" sadly does not come close to the quality of the original or even the city sequel. It is instead another misstep in a franchise full of them.
Rated R
