'The Predator' Review (Spoiler-Free)

The Predator is the third sequel to 1987’s Predator, which pitted Arnold Schwarzenegger and his fellow commandos against the now-iconic marauding alien in a Central American jungle. With incredible practical special effects, claw-biting tension, superb acting and some of the best one-liners in film, Predator remains one of the best and most original sci-fi thrillers to this day. Along with Terminator 2: Judgement Day, it’s also one of Arnie’s two greatest films. Its own 1990 LA-based sequel, Predator 2, however, fell somewhat short, but at least managed to make for some great expansion of the mythology in its final ten or so minutes. Fortunately, the far superior and criminally-underrated Predators in 2010 went back to basics with its jungle planet setting.

Now, The Predator sees one of the alien hunters crash-land on Earth after being pursued by a more “evolved” member of his species. Boyd Holbrook’s military sniper Quinn McKenna steals some of the super-tech from the wreckage, leaving the alien to be captured by the U.S. military. But when McKenna attempts to hide the space gear, it winds up in the possession of his autistic son Rory (Jacob Tremblay), who inadvertently activates a built-in beacon, thus inviting the far more deadly Predator to Earth. When all hell breaks loose, McKenna rounds up a posse of wise-cracking military jailbirds, and unites with Olivia Munn’s scientist Casey Brackett to battle the two Predators and save his son.

Kids - don't try this at home...

From the title, it’s fair that one would assume that director Shane Black has gone back to basics himself, just like Nimrod Antal did with Predators. It’s also fair to assume this given the fact that Black starred in the original, which he also co-wrote. But as you can probably tell from the somewhat convoluted plot, this is definitely not the case. That said, The Predator is the first film in the series to have a whole world of fun with itself. While of course there are appropriate levels of humour in each film to date, they also taken themselves seriously (rightfully so). With The Predator, expect a huge shift in tone – but don’t worry, because somehow it works, even though it shouldn’t.

Along with plenty of gags and hilarious one-liners, there's some super-smart dialogue, too, particularly between Sterling K. Brown's villainous Traeger and Olivia Munn’s character as they flirt with breaking the "fourth wall", while Keegan Michael Key and Thomas Jane are simply bonkers as two military convicts. In fact, the entire cast shines, and there's some wonderful chemistry throughout. And though Holbrook has some big boots to fill, he’s still tough enough to take the lead. As fun as the film might be, though, Black opts for a surprisingly-brutal flick. Fortunately, it’s rather comic book-esque in style, and not once does it venture into the tasteless territory where the despicable Aliens Versus Predator: Requiem spent its entire run. 

Rumour has it there was some conflict on set...

Unlike many sequels, The Predator doesn't even try in the slightest to stand up against the original, and instead expands on the universe and the mythology - something the Predator films have all done consistently well - all the while seemingly taking the series in a new direction. And for many franchises, the only way to survive is to make some bold moves – much like this year’s underrated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Sure, a less-is-more approach would have gone down far better with The Predator, especially considering it's what made the original work so well. But perhaps it's time to be grateful that this is neither a reboot or prequel. After all, the common sequel is becoming something of an endangered species.