Movie Review: 'Predators'

To catch a predator: Adrien Brody and Alice Braga in "Predators." PHOTO: 20th Century Fox

When “Predator” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, hit movie theaters in 1987, critical reaction to the horror/action hybrid was mixed. Some complained that the film lacked a strong storyline while others mocked it for its weak acting. Time though has mended that reaction as the movie is now generally regarded as one of the finest action movies of all time and an undisputed classic. Too bad its sequels (including the horrible “Alien vs. Predator” films) were mostly plain rubbish. Now, under the guidance of producer Robert Rodriguez comes “Predators,” the latest (and slickest) addition to the franchise. While it’s the first sequel that lives up to the grittiness, tone and action of the original, it’s still a disappointment considering the opportunity it represented to resurrect the franchise.

PREDATORS

“Predators” kicks off with a group of individuals who all wake up as they’re mysterious dropped from the sky into an uncharted tropical jungle with nothing but their weapons. With the exception of a physician named Edwin (Topher Grace), these people are all highly trained, cold-blooded killers. Royce (Adrien Brody), the de-facto leader, is an ex-U.S. Special Forces soldier who makes a living as a mercenary, Isabella (Alice Braga) is an Israeli black ops operative, Nikolai (Oleg Taktarov), is a Spetsnaz commando who fought in Chechnya, Mombasa (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali) is a Sierre Leone RUF death camp officer, Chuchillo (Danny Trejo) is a Mexican Los Zetas drug cartel enforcer, Hanso (Louis Ozawa Changchien) is a slick Yakuza assassin, and Stans (Walton Goggins) is a psychotic death-row inmate. As the group come to grips with their situation, they realize that the jungle they’re in isn’t some experiment for the military or purgatory as they originally thought so but instead a game reserve on an alien planet that’s used as hunting ground for the eponymous alien warrior race; And today, they’re prey.

Directed by Hungarian filmmaker Nimród Antal ("Vacancy," “Armored”),“Predators” is set up as a direct sequel to the original – meaning, it pretends the other three movies don’t even exist – and by and large, they’ve succeeded in making a film that’s thematically and visually very much in tone with the 1987 film. Both films are set in a tropical location (despite this film’s alien location) and features a team of warriors who end up engaging in a battle of wits and skill with a mysterious alien (four in this film) who steadily knocks off members of the group one-by-one. Even the story, cinematography (including the infra-red vision) and score are very reminiscent of the original film. Until about 65 minutes into the film, “Predators” is the sequel all “Predator” fans have been craving – It’s scary, tense and brimmed with solid action scenes. Sadly, it’s after the halfway mark that the film devolves into B-movie hokum, complete with overt-the-top acting, poorly shot fight sequences and useless character revelations that do nothing to enhance the story.

Adrien Brody and Laurence Fishburne in "Predators."
PHOTO: 20th Century Fox

Another arena where “Predators” squanders its potential is its inability to maintain the tension and thrills that the original thrived on. Antal and his writers Michael Finch and Alex Litvak do an excellent job setting up the premise and the characters but as I stated earlier, somewhere down the middle of the film (I can pinpoint exactly where but won’t for spoiler reasons) “Predators” loses its focus by introducing a ridiculous subplot with a beyond idiotic character that not only distracts from the plot but adds nothing to it. Because of this, the film is completely robbed of its pace and tension – something it never recovers from.

In its favor, “Predators” is a solid entertainer and that’s more than one can ask for considering the quality of the previous “Predator” flicks. The action sequences, while far from spectacular, are well shot. A chase sequence featuring dog aliens is very good, as is the team’s first meeting with the Predators, and the explosion-laden climax. Brody, whose performance here is far-removed from anything he’s done prior, is also very strong. Mostly known for his performances in small dramas, Brody was an unconventional and unpopular choice for the role of Royce – a de-facto replacement for the “Dutch” character played by Arnold in the original. But Brody, being an intelligent and terrific Oscar-winning actor, proved naysayers wrong with his dedication by allegedly putting on 25 lbs of muscle for the movie and delivering a commanding performance worth rallying behind. He even gets a nice moment or two to show off his pecs. However, maybe employing the Christian Bale Batman voice could have been avoided. While Brody is very strong, neither Laurence Fishburne nor Topher Grace is memorable. Fishburne in particular delivers a performance so ridiculously over-the-top and corny that it would have been better placed in “Battlefield Earth.”

BOTTOM LINE: It may not be high praise but “Predators” is, without doubt, the best of the “Predator” sequels. With a strong performance from Adrien Brody, colorful characters and good action, the horror/thriller hybrid is the “Predator” movie fans have desired. But then, thanks to an unnecessary detour halfway through the film, the movie loses its footing and comes to a screeching halt. This misstep proves fatal as the movie never recovers and thus, ends up being a squandered opportunity.

GRADE:

PREDATORS
Directed by: Nimród Antal
Written by: Michael Finch and Alex Litvak
Starring: Adrien Brody, Alice Braga, Topher Grace, Laurence Fishburne
Rated: R (for strong creature violence and gore, and pervasive language)

“PREDATORS” is now playing at all South Florida cinemas. Click on the NCM Widget below for showtimes.

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