Predator Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: A commando team is sent on a rescue mission in South America only to discover an invisible alien is hunting them.

Review: Ah, classic sci-fi and Arnold at its finest. Like many Schwarzenegger films, there is a lot more depth and creativity going on than at first glance. First off, this is one of those movies that shifts genre about halfway as it begins as a straight military action flick. I will say this though, the first half could have easily made for an awesome "Commando" sequel or something along those lines. But once Arnold, who plays Dutch, and his squad have laid waste to all the guerrilla forces they think killed the men they're trying to rescue, the focus turns to the alien that lurks in the jungle. I really love the originality to the predator because he/it is not like anything we've really seen before. It has a lot of technology, but chooses to fight primitively as we assume is a part of the sport; from what little we gather from the film, the predator likes to test his skill against worthy opponents and does not fight those who do not or cannot fight back. The look is cool too as he's reptillian-ish, with tribal-like attire, and mandibles for a mouth. As for his affinity for invisibility, the effect does look dated, but I like the approach. Not to be outdone, the commando team is full of interesting characters; each has their own kind of attitude and weaponry that makes it easier to tell them apart. Unfortunately, not all get a chance to shine as many die far too easily against the predator. Toward the end, we have a climactic battle between Dutch and the predator which does not disappoint. The action is top-notch, the music is also memorable and fitting, the creature effects are solid, the characters are fun, and the story is very entertaining. On the downside, the effects have become a bit weak, we don't get a lot of explanation with the predator, and the team was disposed of too easily considering how amazingly they wipe out the guerrillas. Check out this timeless sci-fi classic.

Notable Moment: When Dutch and the predator fight fist to fist, and we first see what the predator looks like unmasked.

Final Rating: 8.5/10