Review of Predator 2 (1990) by Johnathon W — 10 Aug 2018

Disappointing but somewhat enjoyable entry in the franchise that has a cool concept but isn't executed well. The idea of setting a Predator in a new area with a new group of characters to hunt is a great idea but is never taken advantage of.

The fact that it's a group of cops & criminals it hunts is never explored, such as showing the cops investigate the murders & making this a horror/crime mix (like the original brilliantly mixed horror & action films).

The cast is solid, though not given much to do (Glover is over the top at times while Paxton is given few moments to show off his trademark charm). Gary Busey is fun as the FBI agent tracking the Predator, and his quote from "Wizard of Oz" is trademark.

Behind the camera, director Stephen Hopkins delivers some cool visuals (the scene of the predator stalking the Jamaican drug lord in a flooded alley is pretty epic) but is not a coherent action director, and doesn't use the scenes to further character development & story.

The opening scene is particularly bad, with just flashy violence but does little to establish the characters (unlike how "Predator" did perfectly in its first scene). Thankfully, the Predator itself is still awesome, with some cool new weapons (best frisbee since "Tron") and a glimpse inside it's spaceship (the skull rack is still a geek inducing tease).

Overall, as part of a larger "Predator" collection, a solid addition, but not worth owning by itself.