Predator, like so many other Sci fi franchises (Alien, Robocop, Riddick) has had a difficult time maintaining the legacy or mythos alive. Sometimes, the sequels can't live up to its debut. Other times the stories are uninspired, or the studio heads lose track of what makes these characters so engaging to begin with. Whatever the case, The Predator franchise has stumbled since its film debut in 1987.
Well, now the hype train is running full speed with the latest Predator film being released in September. I'm both curious and hoping for the best, but the trailers haven't done much to peak my interest. I have a funny feeling that the latest film will be another sub par entry in the Predator franchise.
The problem I see with Predator, is that its origins haven't been completely revealed in any of the previous films. Or is it that air of mystery that has kept the Predator alive with its fan base. In the long run, it gets harder and harder to expand the mythos without disappointing the fan base.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, with information at our fingertips, mystery has become a lost art. Sometimes it's that air of mystery that makes a character so entertaining, nowadays everyone wants all the answers or have everything explained to them before actually viewing the film, which in turn, I think, leads to disappointment.
Honestly, all I want in the end, is a good movie. I don't need all the answers to the Predator. The character is so freaking cool because of that mystery . Because my imagination is allowed to run wild just adds a whole other layer of intrigue and fun to this fascinating character.
Predators ranked
1. Predator (1987)
The first and the greatest of the franchise. One-part action film, one part horror flick. Predator is just so well made; from the pacing, the action sequences , the commandos comradery all the way to the slow reveal of the beast, there is no weak point. The best part of the film is watching action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger practically lose his shit against his most formidable opponent of his film career.
2. Predator 2 (1990)
This time the Predator lands in the urban jungle looking for trophies. It took me awhile to like this movie. I probably was mad that my boy Arnie wasn't it in. None the less the film holds up. Not a perfect film but a solid entry in franchise.
3. Predators (2010)
Some of Earth's most notorious killers of that are being transported to an interplanetary game reserve . Adrian Brody leads this motley crew on an underrated action film that deserves a little more love.
4. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
The clash of the titans it wasn't. A bunch of scientists get caught up in the crossfire of the two baddest extra-terrestrias in cinematic history. Unfortunately, the film doesn't capture that urgency. The comic book is much better
5. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
Great idea of merging Alien and The Predator. Except, for me, the film loses steam at the half way mark.