Details from IMDB:
Predator: Badlands
A young Predator outcast from his clan finds an unlikely ally on his journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
Initial Thoughts:
I’ve never been a huge fan of the “Predator” franchise. I don’t think I ever suffered through all of the 2nd movie and I just haven’t gotten around to watching “Killer of Killers” (though I will soon) but when this came out, got good reviews, and had a morning showing I was in.
Main Points:
I have this habit where I intentionally go to a movie late, the reason is because I hate the ads so much before the movie that I would rather risk missing some of the movie than sit through them. Most times I do miss the first 1-3 minutes of the movie and such was the case here, so perhaps that has a tiny affect on this review. I enjoyed this movie right from the start as we get to see how Predators work as a clan and their family structure. Plus the main character, Dek, is a smaller Predator therefore the underdog who I always root for, and certainly not typical of his species. He knows that he has to rely more on skills, tools and his wit more than a larger Predator and we quickly see he will journey with companions if that increases his chances of survival/victory.
For a Predator movie I was really surprised to see parts of this film are a buddy cop/adventure/action focused (which I enjoy). Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi does a great job as Dek and Elle Fanning is wonderful as Thia, she is both the comedic relief and heart of the film. I was impressed, however, to see Dek tell a joke and have a few funny lines as well. The action scenes are top notch and there are lots of them. Almost every living thing on the planet is trying to kill Dek and it’s only with Thia (and another creature’s help) that he isn’t. While there is a lot of violence, there is not much blood as primarily it is synths that are killed/dismembered. I was pleasantly surprised to be rooting for a Predator and I think that the joining here of this franchise with “Alien” made a lot of sense and was well done.
Final Thoughts:
I had fun with this movie and I think Trachenberg has shown he is THE ONE to handle the Predator franchise, I’m at the point where if he’s directing I’m in, you should be too. That said this movie is not for kids, lots of violence, some blood, lots of gore it’s interesting that it’s only PG-13, must have to do with no humans being hurt/killed in this. I would say ages 13+ plus for sure, there is also some coarse language. The plot is fairly simple and my only real flaw is that I would have liked a little more runtime and maybe a little more depth. Usually I complain about movies being too long but the 1.45 hour runtime went by quickly. I give this a solid 8 out of 10 and I high recommendation to see this in theatres, IMAX looked great and is worth it!