Review of Predator 2 (1990) by John P — 05 Jul 2009

Is it possible for a movie to be a failure simply because it isn't as good as its predecessor?

Many seem to believe this sequel to posses that failure, but I disagree. Sure, it's paper-thin, the characters aren't developed, and it seems to follow a slasher-movie formula of "scene with murder followed by investigation followed by scene of another murder", and the script doesn't do us any favors by giving Gary Busey the most brain-meltingly stupid lines to say, like "Lions... Tigers... Bears... Oh... My." (it works better in context) and "Don't follow him. We're too close" (again, context helps, but trust me on this). Also, midway through the movie, there's a giant non-sequitur involving a cast member and an unborn child that's blink-and-you'll-miss it, but if you do catch it, you'll be very confused and aggravated at that character's exit from the film, and subsequent lack of mention whatsoever.

However, the weaknesses of the script and lack of characterization don't really matter, because the Predator's the star, and all that matters are the scenes of mayhem, and that's where this really succeeds. They did a good job of convincing me that this was Los Angeles 1997 with a heatwave, and there's some really subtle dystopian touches here to please the dystopian future fan in all of us (?).

Anyway, Danny Glover ain't no Arnie, but he does an admirable job, as do the co-stars. The script may not show it, but the actors playing Glover's team of police do a great job of showing believable camaraderie.... While they're alive, anyway.

Gary Busey's nuts, and his dialogue reflects that, Kevin Peter Hall (RIP) didn't get enough praise for making the Predator character believable, even though it's Stan Winston's (also RIP) effects that mostly bring the character to life.

So, it's not as macho and crowd pleasing as the first film, and it's certainly darker and more cynical this time around. It's almost like a Paul Verhoeven film. It's worth your time, and I'd recommend it along with the first film.