After Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers, I was really psyched for what writer/director Dan Trachtenberg would bring us. He gave us a fresh take on the Predators and expanded on the lore. Then I saw Predator: Badlands, and I didn't know what to think.
The first time I watched it, I was heavily disappointed. This part was very much unlike what had come before. The once super impressive alien has now been reduced to a weaker and more emo version of the original. Normally, I would write my review and be done with it. But because I didn't want my disappointment to dictate the review, I decided to give the film a second chance. So I watched it again.
This time, I found myself enjoying the film a little more. It's like a coming-of-age story for a younger Yautja who has to prove himself to his clan and his father. His father has no fate, but his brother Kwei believes in him and sacrifices his life so that Dek can flee and survive and, once and for all, show everyone what he is made of. The death planet, Genna, is full of challenges, and Dek learns some valuable lessons. Tonally, this part in the franchise is very much a Disney movie, including cute creatures. It's the opposite of what Predator should be about. But here we are. And yes, it took me some time to appreciate this. But once you do, you will find some solid entertainment.
That being said, I don't want them to continue this route. We need to go back to predators being menacing and dangerous. I don't see the point of likable predators unless they are fighting monsters who are worse than them. The kiddyifying of the Predator is stupid. I am all for expanding on the lore. But not like this. Here they are making a joke of beings who aren't to be messed with.
Overall, the film is entertaining enough, once you can find yourself to let go of the earlier parts. Otherwise, you will have a hard time accepting the demystifying of the Predators.
Also check:
No comments:
Post a Comment