Another instalment in the Predator franchise directed by Dan Trachtenberg, fans should be very happy to hear that this is easily on a par with (and maybe even better than) his previous live-action Predator movie, Prey. In fact, between these two features and his animated side-project, Predator: Killer Of Killers, it would seem that nobody could be a safer pair of hands for the continuing success of this iconic character.
The story this time around concerns Dek (played under a whole load of make up by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Yautja who doesn't seem ready to take his place alongside many the others in his community. He's not managing to get through the standard rite of passage, despite his brother trying to help him, and his father thinks he should be killed. Which is why he ends up on a planet where almost everything is deadly, hunting a beast said to be unkillable. He soon ends up begrudgingly accepting some help from Thia (Elle Fanning), a synth who is currently missing her legs. The allies seek to get Dek his trophy, but there are others on the planet with similar aims, and they might end up also wanting to bag Dek.
It's hard to overstate just how great this is. Written by Patrick Aison, this is a film that has a mix of superbly cinematic moments, inventive action, the Predator details that you want to see, and sheer fun. It makes the union at the heart of the film feel plausible, helped by the fact that Dek is young and sorely in need of whatever advantage he can make use of as he attempts to "prove his worth", and allows viewers to become invested in the outcome, especially when the characters change direction in the third act toward a different destination.
Shuster-Koloamatangi gives a superb physical performance, and it's one that draws you in and keeps you onside throughout (contrary to the many dissenting voices who were critical of the look of his character when the first trailer was released). Fanning is equally good, helped by make up in a different, but just as effective, way. Her upbeat manner juxtaposed alongside the rough and straightforward nature of her new "friend" makes for most of the fun in the first half of the film, and she also gets herself involved in some great action sequences. The fact that she also gets to show another side of herself later on is a bonus, and allows her to feel like a very worthwhile new addition to the ever-expanding WYCU (Weyland Yutani cinematic universe).
All of the flora and fauna design is impressive throughout, the different environments all feel real, CGI is generally on point, accompanied by Jeff Cutter's superb cinematography, and Trachtenberg also helps lift everything up by making use of a frankly brilliant electro-infused score from Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch.
This is what a modern Predator film should be. This is what a fun sci-fi action flick should be. If only they could do the same now with the Alien franchise then we could eventually look forward to a much better attempt to showcase both creations in one feature.
9/10
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