"Predator" Review

Title: Predator

Directed by: John Mctiernan

Screenplay by: Jim Thomas and John Thomas

Year: 1987


My freshman year in high school is when I first heard of Predator. I watched the trailer countless times, being so interested in the film. However it was not until recently that I finally saw Predator. And was it as good as I had hoped?

We begin the film by meeting Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger), the leader of a U.S. commando team who has been sent to South America for a particular mission. He and his team must rescue South American officials that have been kidnapped by terrorists. However, unknown to them, there is someone else in the jungle...and he is hunting them.

The cast of the film is a solid one. No noteworthy performances but the actors fit into their roles well and they all look like they're having a good time. Schwarzenegger plays the typical tough, army man but he does it rather well. We get to know little things about the rest of his team that have no bearing on the plot but allow us to connect with these characters. The only other main cast member worth noting is Elpidia Carillo, who plays Anna. Why is that? Because she is the only female in the film. Her role is nothing special but like everyone else, we sympathize with her situation. However, there actually is someone else to mention. Kevin Peter Hall plays the titular threat and his height makes the creature all the more menacing. Hall's movements and actions make the creature really come alive and also makes the Predator one of the most memorable aliens ever seen on the big screen.

The predator is a marvelous creation. Its design, concept, everything. The idea of an alien hunter that kills for sport is rather original. It becomes more of a presence with each victim it claims, as it picks off the team members one by one. Its cloaking technology and thermal vision make for some chilling moments and great direction. Using the thermal vision as a means to give us the view point of the predator is very clever and its cloaking ability allows for the creature to remain hidden for the majority of the film, which makes it even scarier. Then you see its face. The makeup and effects still hold up to this day and really emphasize the grotesque nature of the predator.

*SPOILERS AHEAD* I also liked how they gave the predator a set of morals. When he acknowledges that Dutch is a great warrior, he removes his helmet and takes him on in hand-to-hand combat as a sign of respect. However, these morals also present an issue. It is said that Anna was not killed by the predator because she was unarmed and therefore was not good sport for the alien. So then, why didn't the rest of the team just drop their weapons and go back to the helicopter? Cynically speaking, it would be because we wouldn't have our Schwarzenegger-Predator face-off. Seriously though, the writers wrote themselves in a bit of a corner here.

*SPOILER FREE* The film is shot very well, with several moments of very creative direction, but what really shines is the cinematography. The location of the South American jungle was a masterpiece of ingenuity and is a great setting for this story. Another aspect that deserves credit is the sound department. The musical soundtrack is very good and the sound effects an editing really immerses the audience, with the predator's voice and sounds being the most memorable.

Seeing as how this is heavily an action film, I should begin to mention that. Predator has many memorable action set pieces and each death is unique and creative. Even before the alien appears, we are treated to an action packed raid on a terrorist camp. The film moves at a breakneck pace and never lets up. It's a fun and enjoyable ride throughout and even now, the action never gets old. On paper, Predator seems like your average action movie. You know, nothing special but fun all the same. However, through its execution, it surpasses its expectations and goes beyond your regular popcorn-flick.

Grade: A