As I sit here and reflect on the past 36 years after watching Predator, it’s almost unbelievable to think that John McTiernan’s Predator was once not considered one of the greatest action films of all time. At the time of its release, the movie received harsh criticism from reviewers, but as the years have passed, even the most uptight of film critics have come to appreciate the unapologetically testosterone-filled violence of the movie. The sight of bullets flying, muscles flexing, and blood splattering across the screen has become a beloved part of the film’s charm.
How to Download Predator
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. Check out also the follow-up movies in the series – Predator 2 (1990), Predators (2010), The Predator (2018), and Prey (2022).
The Movie Review
The film follows a team of soldiers as they embark on a mission to rescue hostages from a Central American jungle. However, as they soon discover, they are not alone in the jungle. An alien predator is hunting them, using advanced technology and formidable physical abilities to pick them off one by one. The soldiers, led by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character Dutch, must use all of their training and cunning to survive against the unbeatable predator.
As the body count rises and the survivors become fewer and fewer, the tension only increases. The jungle setting adds to the atmosphere, as the soldiers are isolated and cut off from civilization. The special effects, while dated by today’s standards, are still impressive and hold up well.
The final confrontation between Dutch and the predator is a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the film. Predator is a classic of the horror and action genres. Its blend of genres and well-crafted story make it a must-see for any fan of the two genres. Even if you’ve seen it before, it’s worth revisiting for a dose of nostalgia and a reminder of why this film has stood the test of time.
One of the things that makes Predator such a memorable and successful film is its simplicity. The plot is straightforward and easy to follow, but it is also well-written and expertly executed. The jungle setting adds to the film’s atmosphere, and the special effects, while dated, are still impressive and hold up well.
But what really sets the film apart is the strong performances from the cast, particularly Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dutch. Schwarzenegger is known for his larger-than-life action hero roles, and while he certainly brings that same energy and charisma to the role of Dutch, he also brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity that is often lacking in his other performances.
Additionally, the film is able to balance the action and horror elements perfectly, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with suspense and gore while also delivering some truly iconic action sequences. It’s this balance, along with the strong performances and simple but effective story, that make Predator a standout film in Schwarzenegger’s filmography and a classic of the horror and action genres.
As the soldiers fight for their lives against the otherworldly predator, the death scenes are a chilling reminder of the creature’s ruthless nature. While gore is present, it is not overly gratuitous, leaving just enough to the imagination to make the killings all the more terrifying.
Each death seems to serve a different purpose, ranging from acts of vengeance to possibly even sustenance for the alien. It’s not until the sequel that we learn the predator may just be killing for sport. Despite the horror of these moments, they are executed in a way that adds to the film’s impact without crossing the line into gratuitous violence.
The Visuals
The cinematography in Predator (1987) is masterfully done, adding to the tension and atmosphere of the film. The jungle setting is captured beautifully, with lush green foliage and a sense of isolation adding to the feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world. The use of natural light in many scenes adds to the realism, and the shadow play when the predator is present is particularly effective in creating a sense of unease.
The action scenes are shot in a way that puts the viewer in the midst of the chaos, with handheld cameras and tight close-ups immersing the audience in the action.
Sound & Music
The music too is absolutely spectacular. I’m saying this with 100% certainty, the music is such a beautifully vital part of this film, from large orchestral soundtracks to banger rock tracks and slow somber orchestral melodies. There’s a variety of different genres of music, and each one adds something to this film’s different atmospheric moments. Alan Silvestri is an absolute master at his craft!
Verdict
It’s hard to quantify a film such as this in words, it’s the antithesis of Oscar bait. It’s a film made to be a mass-entertaining blockbuster powerhouse, and yet it’s so incredibly well made that people have no option but to laud it as a masterpiece. Predator is a film with the entirety of its focus on horrifying you and honoring you with some of the best fun moments in film, and it succeeds in doing so!
