I am a girl. I don't like Predator-movies. And yet, my kids can tell you that every single time they would watch the original Predator (which was many, many, many times), I'd pass through the room and say, "Oh, I hate those movies," then set down my laundry basket and watch every minute, completely mesmerized. I can't explain it. I cannot walk away from that movie. I'm not enjoying it, but I am stuck in it. When it all comes down to Schwarzenegger and the Predator, and he realizes brilliantly that he must cover himself in mud to lessen the heat form, and only his eyes are showing out of the water...well, I am entranced.
Also, second only to the alien in the original Alien, the Predator creature is the most down-right scary of them all in movies. Awesome design.
So, off we go to escape 114* heat and meet the new Predators, produced by none-other than Robert Rodriquez (though not directed). As son, Greg, aptly pointed out, it presents itself narratively as a sequel yet is so blatantly stolen - oops borrowed - from the original via characters, scenes...that it serves as almost a redux.
It maintains important elements of the original, such as the nasty, scary monsters, as well as sound and scoring. The dense jungle provides the same tension. The opening scene was the best, with Adrien Brody (yes) falling out of the sky. Early part of the film I truly felt there. And there is a spine-chilling-for-audience, and spine-removing-for-character scene that almost sent me running! But the film had major gaping wounds. I don't need a muscle man for a hero, and I generally like Adrien Brody, but I just couldn't get into him in this role. For one, he kept trying too hard to lower his voice to Michael Keaton as Batman level. Topher Grace as a supposedly misplaced doctor also didn't work. Didn't act, speak, or contribute the way a doctor would. And his character later left huge gaps in explanation and logic. Intrigued by Larry Fishburne's character, but he was way too well-fed and hair-groomed to be living on bugs for "10 seasons." Alice Braga stole the show.
Why oh why can't a classic ever be repeated? And why can't more action movies have more intelligence and character development, hmmm? Still, the popcorn was good and the room was cool. A fun-ish escape.
Nice post on Predator, girl! Just as we guys sometimes enjoy "chick flicks", ok for the girls to go for violence! I noted that you had some reservations about the new update. Can't quite see our award-winning "pianist" in that role, gotta admit. Sounds like some miscasting. In light of your cautious review, I think I'll await the film on DVD. Earlier version: Yes, indeed, lots of fun. I though Arnold ("aaaaahhll be baaack") was great as the final survivor who figures out how to take down the illusive tree dweller. Too bad the others could not survive...but that's why Predator is a guy's film! I agree that the little monster was quite a scary fellow. His last licks, exploding a bomb and making Arnold take a flying leap, are good, good scifi stuff! As you wisely said, if you put down laundry to watch a film for the umpteenth time, the flick must have some redeeming value! Right on, violent-minded lady!
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I am truly NO "violent-minded lady." I'm known to discreetly close my eyes when the really gruesome or cruel actions happen. It must be something else about that movie that draws me in.
ReplyDeleteRight, Valerie, correction noted. Let's just say you are a non-violent person who sometimes enjoys violence in films! I am the same. I am a person of peace and love, a true 60's product. But I like Steven Seagal, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jean-Claude Van Damme at their most violent best!
ReplyDeleteWelllll...... what I am trying to explain is that it is not the violence of this or any other film that engages me. It's all the other elements of the film despite the violence. However, I'm NOT against the use of violence for artistic or otherwise ends, but no, that is never what appeals to me.
ReplyDelete