“The Predator” is the most disappointing film of 2018 so far. The newest installment in the enduring sci-fi action franchise attempts to differentiate itself from the other “Predator” installments, with the end result being an ultimately lackluster affair that feels tonally inconsistent.
The newest offering by director Shane Black (“The Nice Guys”) centers around a group of ex-military types as they oppose a Predator attack in the Texas suburbs. Our main hero is Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook, “Logan”), an Army Ranger sniper who returns to his family after his young son (Jacob Tremblay, “Wonder”) signals the return of the Predators to Earth. Along the way, Quinn is joined by squad of quippy jokesters chock-full of familiar faces, including comedy star Keegan-Michael Key (“Keanu”), Thomas Jane (“A.X.L.”), Trevante Rhodes (“12 Strong”) and Alfie Allen (“Game of Thrones”). Olivia Munn (“Office Christmas Party”) rounds out the cast as Dr. Casey Bracket, a scientist who studies a Predator during a government investigation.
Despite the obvious talent present, the writing could not be any more problematic, as the team would rather tell cringe-worthy wisecracks than engross themselves at the tasks at hand. Key in particular is more insufferable than funny, as his style of humor elicits more eyerolls than chuckles. The team has its own set of quirks and habits, which end up being the characters’ only defining traits for the rest of the feature. The lone exception is Munn, despite her acting being so awkward, it screams “miscast role.”
In true retrospect, the cast of 2010’s “Predators” had better chemistry and dynamic than anybody present in this flick. In terms of thrills and excitement, “The Predator” is a mixed bag. Gore and brutality are present, but the constant quick camera cuts and digital blood halt any sense of cinematic illusion or impact. The film also lacks any real suspense or tension. Repeat: A movie about an alien that hunts humans for sport is devoid of any real suspense.
The film’s third act is action-packed and demonstrates why we all love “Predator” in the first place. Some of the kills are genuinely creative, and the concept of using Predator technology against the Predators themselves is a commendable concept that translates to some of the best spectacles of the 107-minute feature.
Special effects and CGI in the film tend to be generally lackluster. While the actual Predator costume is exceptional, a chunk of the visuals are on par with dreck one would see on the SyFy channel. This is not to mention that the alien dogs that accompany the Predators appear like they wandered out of Ang Lee’s subpar “Hulk” movie from 2003.
Tone is the biggest problem facing “The Predator,” as the film shares more in common with a standard Marvel superhero fare than an actual “Predator” movie. As a result, the film loses its identity, and all audiences have left is a joke-filled mess with forgettable characters, a razor-thin plot and a few bursts of OK action. “The Predator” is Shane Black’s worse film by far and proves that Hollywood does not know what to do with this tired franchise. “Iron Man 3” has officially been forgiven.
Image from 20th Century Fox via YouTube.com
