The Predator franchise has seen a tumultous journey to Black's newest instalment, with the original retaining its reputation as the best. Besides this, only Robert Rodriguez's 'Predators' is considered to be of a similar quality. Wheres these films were originally considered action-horror films, Black's new interpretation, whilst vastly different, proves a worthy addition, and hopeful defibrillator, to this otherwise dead franchise. Many have commented on the shortcomings of 'The Predator', claiming its comedic tone to be a bastardisation of what the original stood for. Whilst this may be a valid comment for die-hard fans of the original, one must remember that this is a 2018 Predator film. Gone are the days of 80's machismo and campy over-the-top action. We live in a cinematic landscape where every other film is injected with off-the-cuff humour, whether it be appropriate or not, inspired by the success of the MCU. In this case, it works. The R-rating allows for savagely funny comedy, aided by the inclusion of Keegan Michale Key and Thomas Jane, to match the brutality of the on-screen violence, which lacks the unconventionality Black previously deployed in 'The Nice Guys' and 'Iron Man 3', but reverts to its roots with indulgent, crowd-pleasing gore. The characters retain the series trope of being overtly shallow, but plainly serve as reminders that this series has never accommodated depth, simply prey for its titular star, which shines here above all iterations since the original. The narrative is laid thin, once again a servant to the graphic panache of its main antagonist, with the ending proving an unusual and seemingly rushed conclusion. Furthermore, the score, heavily reminiscent of the originals, contributes a level of nostalgia, which, alongside the reinvigorated visuals and tone, cements this as a Predator film for modern audiences, taking the action-heavy, mindless focus of the original and thrusting it into the 21st century. 'The Predator' is a ridiculously enjoyable action film that proves a direct descendant of the original, borrowing its shallow characters and plot to highlight the grandeur of the creature that made the series such a pop-culture staple. Black understands the advantages and allure of the property, and unapologetically utilises them to create his modern Predator film.
Review of The Predator
