I always enjoy surveying all of the upcoming movies for a given summer movie season before the season actually begins, and when I eventually come across a film that I had not been aware of months before its release, I usually write it off as not worth my time. Predators only came onto my radar when I saw a trailer during Prince of Persia, and even though I am a big fan of the 1987 original, 1990’s Predator 2 and the subsequent two Alien vs. Predator spin-offs had me convinced that this franchise was dead. Casting Adrien Brody as the “tough-guy” male lead also seemed like a bit of a gamble, but early reviews were surprisingly positive, so I figured that I would give Predators a try.
Thankfully, Predators ignores the complicated plot elements that plagued most of the series and returns to the grit and suspense of the original. Adrien Brody is a surprisingly convincing action star, and his supporting cast, though not exactly A-list, help bring a diverse group of characters to life that truly engage the audience. For fans of the original, Predators is an enjoyable summer film that is very reminiscent of the Schwarzenegger classic, and for those new to the series, the mix of action and suspense is a unique offering among the other action movies released this summer. Predators isn’t perfect, as the story leaves a few too many questions unanswered, but the film’s positive aspect far outweigh any minor criticisms.
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Overall Recommendation: High