Back in the day, if you were going for Arnold Schwarzenegger 95 percent, you were getting an action flick. Naturally, you would think this is the same with Predator. For about 15 minutes it does look like your typical action film until we get confronted with some horrific sights. You then realize Predator is a horror film.
Perhaps not as scary or terrifying horror films usually are. But one where you are put on the edge of your seat to see how Dutch (Arnold) and crew are dealing with an enemy they never faced before. Once Dutch is aware, he desperately wants to find out, but how are you going to face a monster with quite a few tricks up his sleeve. Predator does a real good job of building up tension and thrills. Here you have an elite team of soldiers, or like Dillon (Carl Weathers) states, the best. Then soon after are out of their element and terrified of the enemy they can't see. Reminds me of how American soldiers described the Vietcong. Perhaps an allegory? It doesn't matter. What matters is how they are going to get out of their predicament.
The pacing of Predator overall is tight. Every event counts, even the comic relief ones. Maybe some scenes are dragged out a little too much, then again they do raise the tension. Especially for first time viewers. Still, it's a Schwarzenegger film. You know how it's going to turn out. On multiple viewings, some scenes certainly will feel slow.
Predator holds up pretty well and is regarded as the best in the franchise. I agree with this notion. Part of me is curious what the sequel would be like if the studios were willing to pay Arnold the amount he had asked. But maybe this was a blessing in disguise, as it establishes compelling lore for the whole franchise. And I, for one, am grateful. I do have to mention a fun fact. Van Damme was cast to portray the Predator. But when he saw the suit he had to wear, he lost it. He didn't understand that the suit was like that so that they could apply special effects on it in post-production. This is one of the many mistakes he has made in his career.
Overall, Predator is a classic that should be seen at least once.
Also check:
No comments:
Post a Comment