The surprise in “Predators” is Adrien Brody, who in 2002 won an Oscar for “The Pianist,” but here couldn’t be further from that role. He’s the defacto leader of a group of mercenary types who are dropped into a jungle terrain, and his gruff, misanthropic machismo are a far cry from Wladyslaw Szpilman. Perhaps machismo is the wrong word; his character, Royce, is some kind of black ops mercenary who has long ago accepted he likes his work, though he keeps it quiet. No, Royce is the type of person who truly doesn’t consider others. It’s not selfishness, but obliviousness. He’s long ago needed to depend on anyone, and here, being hunted by the predator alien race, is no exception.
A Collection of Predators—Not All Are Alien
The other players are like Royce—some better, some worse. There’s Isabelle (Alice Braga), a Middle Eastern soldier, Nikolai (Oleg Taktarov), a Russian militant, Mombassa (Mahershala Ali), an African freedom fighter, Hanzo (Louis Ozawa), a Yakuza boss, and Chuchillo (Danny Trejo), a Mexican cartel enforcer. There’s also a pair of others: Edwin (Topher Grace) and Stans (Walton Groggins), the latter a murderer who was set to be executed in two days. Stans and Edwin are the most peculiar. The former boasts of his crimes, while the latter appears to be a simple doctor, terrified of this new environment where the others are not. But “Predators” has some surprises in store regarding his character which won’t be spoiled.
The film is quick to drop hints that this is not planet Earth, but it takes a while for the characters to get there. The scene where they discover this is a group, huge planets and moons on the horizon, is not as effective, however, as a prior scene where Isabelle shows Royce a compass that never settles on a direction. “Between that and the sun, I’d say we have a real problem,” Royce amusingly adds, informing the sun doesn’t change position throughout the day.
It’s these details—along with the typical group in-fighting and characterizations—that make “Predators” a film that tires harder. It sets up an atmosphere and tone that feels ominous. And even if it’s in more of a hurry to get where it’s going than the 1987 opener, it still takes considerable time for the appearance of the first predator (there are three we learn). It adds a sense of foreboding missing from “Predator 2” and 2018’s “The Predator,” which was all over the place.
Good Parts and Bad Parts
The film has its quirky elements and its great ones. Its quirkier side reveals the predators releasing alien hounds on the group, seeing how they react. The CGI creations are fine (nowhere near as bad as criticized by the late Roger Ebert), however their inclusion leaves a lot to be desired. The predators are such an advanced race it’s odd they would need to split the group up and study their habits. Though, as is told by a survivor the group stumbles upon (Laurence Fishburne, maniacally great in a small role), whenever a human kills “one of them” that’s when things really get exciting.
The great elements are in the way it makes most of these vile characters appeal to us. We have empathy for them, and Nimród gently dims their evil in the real world, even if a lot of them have it coming. And here lies the meaning behind the film’s title—predators. It’s not the aliens for which it’s named, but these men and woman. Predators in their world, they’re chosen because of their skill set which give the aliens good sport. But say as you might, a scene where Honzo finds an ancient samurai sword and stands shirtless in the rain, waiting for a predator, is a pleasing homage to the first film and ends appropriately. Last time around, Billy (Sonny Landham) deserved better. And the end, featuring booby traps, mud, and a tough-as-nails Royce, serves as fitting finale, even if Brody isn’t the same as good old Ah-nuld.
A Worthy Sequel/Reboot
All-in-all, “Predators” is a solid movie. It’s much better than it should be, and despite its weak-link plotting surrounding Grace’s character, has an ending that feels authentic. The dark tone, the prison-like jungle, and the sense of doom surrounding each of these characters makes their attempts at survival that much more interesting. Were it not for the release of “Prey” in 2022, I could solidly say this was the best sequel to the original. Not perfect, but solid, “Predators” offers enough scares and fan service to make it serviceable, but is smart enough to never go over the top. The restraint shown by Nimród and company is the film’s unsung and rewarding edge.
“Predators” is available to stream on most networks.
