Imagine yourself being dropped in the middle of a forest with no inclination as to how you got there. You are surrounded by seven other individuals, all of whom are in the same situation as you. Imagine now that you go off exploring only to find an unusual camp with skinned human carcasses hanging in the trees. For a group of hand-selected individuals, this horrific situation is reality, and to think"¦ they actually believe they have a chance.
Produced by iconic filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, Predators is the highly anticipated follow-up to 1987's Predator and 1990's Predator 2. Both Rodriguez and his co-producers are determined to keep their distance from the recent Alien vs. Predator franchise, insisting that their film has nothing to do with those that added a 'cartoonish' layer to the once prosperous series. Mr. Rodriguez, your distance is noted and agreed upon.
Adrien Brody is the lead star here, and he does a great job in his portrayal of an ex-military solider turned mercenary. He packed on 25 pounds of muscle for his closing scene, and -in effect- transforms his body into that of a believable military leader. You don't doubt his expertise, his involvement, or his 'predator' instinct, and for a guy known mainly for his dramatic roles, I applaud him wholeheartedly.
For everything Brody represents, Topher Grace plays the exact opposite. A physician at first glance, Grace's Edwin looks to be the lone outlier in a group of otherwise military/ex-con personnel. His character is a mystery for much of the film (and to an extent, he still is after the credits role). But you wouldn't have the same film without his timeless comedic commentary. Granted it seems a bit off (and not quite as funny) after the fact, but during the course of the film, it is pure gold! I wasn't aware that he was even in the film to begin with, assuming at first glance that he would be a quick write off. I can confirm that he surprised me.
For an action film Predators wasn't too action-filled. There were rare moments where either fire or gun flair gave the film a premium boost; however, each was short lived and book ended by rather dramatic sequences. It wasn't a horrible thing; however, it did create some bland scenes, which gave the film an overlying boorish vibe. The characters were interesting, and a cast full of international stars helped the cause, but it ultimately couldn't compensate for the start-stop feeling that resulted otherwise.
I will credit director Nimrod Antal for creating a film that fit well into the horoscope of the previous Predator pieces. Creating a Predator world was ingenious as it opens the door to countless tales and potential sequels. To me personally, this film in-particular felt much like 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell. I am in no way complaining as Connell's short story is one of my favorites from grade school; however, I would suggest a little more originality if there is to be a follow-up.
Ultimately Predators wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. Instead of walking into the theater guns blazing, Robert Rodriguez's sequel strolls in with an emotional and humane touch. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it will likely strip the high-octane action fans of any interest. A middle section of about twenty minutes almost ruins the whole feature as it nearly put me to sleep with its deep character analysis. Get past that point and witness the entrance of Laurence Fishburne and you should be home free. It isn't a great film, but for fans of the originals it is a valiant return home!
