Review of Predator (1987) by Jonny B — 03 Aug 2012

Arnold Schwarzenegger may not be the most talented of actors, but the former Mr. Universe champion doesn't half make the cast of some classic films.

The Terminator star takes centre stage in this sci-fi action classic which may have its negatives, but is like a superbly executed spin off to Ridley Scott's Alien - you can't get many compliments higher than that!

And to be fair, Schwarzenegger more than suits the role; large, muscular and intimidating more than fits the characteristics of a special force ops solider. His acting is particularly decent also, you have a realistic sense of his emotions through the film.

The mission for Arnold's character Dutch is simple. He must assist CIA operative Dillon (Carl Weathers) in instigating a rescue mission for innocent civilians who have been captured as hostages trapped in the South American jungle.

The team proceeds to the camp where they're believed to be held unscathed before planning a routine and murdering the villains in the camp. Dutch soon realises though that Dillon was only intent on murdering the group of people and that there weren't any hostages.

However, as the atmosphere between the two becomes heated, a merciless monster with supernatural abilities is stalking Dutch's men as its prey. It's waiting...waiting to pick them off one by one!

The premise feels similar to Alien except in a jungle and their is a little more complexity within the film. Having said that, Ridley Scott's Alien was a much more terrifying and pulse pounding creation, the Predator isn't as overwhelming.

Some have described Predator as a B-Movie action flick; they are ludicrous as Predator is an incredibly entertaining and clever thriller which is on the boarder-line of a classic in the genre.