Predators – Starring: Adrien Brody, Alice Braga, Laurence Fishburne
It has taken 23 years but sci-fi fans have finally been given a decent sequel to Predator.
Featuring memorable performances, inventive fight scenes and a satisfying climax, Predators puts some bite back into a franchise that’s been wasting away thanks to tripe like Predator 2 and Alien Vs Predator.
Returning to what worked in the original, Nimrod Antal’s film sees a bunch of hard-arses – including mercenary Royce (Brody) and Israeli sniper Isabelle (Braga) – kidnapped and dumped in a jungle where they are attacked by Predators.
Their efforts to stay alive seem to get a boost when they run into long-time survivor Noland (Fishburne) but, as the alien hunters move in, it becomes clear that no one can be trusted. While Predators is a considerable step-up from the other sequels, it still ends up being patchy because of some serious issues with its pace. The middle section sags like Fishburne’s midriff and it is desperately low on action.
Fortunately, the film ends on a high thanks to some nifty sword-play and a smackdown between an impressive Brody and new breed of Predator in what is a welcome return to form for the series.
GOOD FOR: Fans of the original Predator.
3/5
Watch the Predators trailer here.
Review: Pierre De Villiers
