Let's get this out of the way really quick, Predator: Badlands is flat out silly... but it is also so freaking entertaining!
When I first saw the previews for Predator:Badlands, I literally laughed out loud. I thought the special effects for this predator (a member of the Yautja species) were one of the worst things I had ever seen. It honestly looked like a really bad fan-made movie. Then I was reminded that the movie was made by the same team that made Prey (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and Predator: Killer of Killers (which I absolutely loved). In fact, I thought Killer of Killers was the best Predator content since the 1987 original starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. But even that couldn't get me to forget my first impression of that terrible trailer. Then over the past week I started to hear some really good buzz about the movie. So when my college aged son asked if I wanted to see it with him, I jumped at the chance. To be honest, even if I had heard it was terrible, I probably would have gone just to spend time with my son. But he had heard the same buzz I had so we were both pretty psyched.
From the opening scene, we knew we would not be disappointed. It starts with two predators fighting and the action only ramps up from there. Here's one of the first silly/awesome (let's just say silawesome to make this simpler) things that happens: they create a very quick backstory that makes you sympathize with and root for a Predator. Part of this is giving the predator an actual name: Dek. Dek is the runt of the litter and, much like the Spartans, his father does not want any runts around. So when the young predator Dek goes on his manhood ritual quest to prove himself to his father and his clan, you really want him to succeed.
In case the fact that they tried and succeeded to create an emotional connection with the most deadly predator in the universe didn't already clue you in on the secret... "Pssst. 20th Century Fox is owned by Disney... so Prey, Killer of Killers and Badlands were all made by Disney". That is not a bad thing, but it is something to remember when you are going into this movie. Another thing to keep in mind is that this movie is rated PG-13. It is not going to be the bloody action movie of 1987. They aren't just going to rely on cool action sequences and giant dudes flexing their muscles. They need a story and even some cute animals (yes I said cute animals).
Predator: Badlands is basically a buddy movie between a robot, a predator and a little animal pal named Buddy. (You did not misread that.) Like I said it is silawesome! Like all good buddy movies, they toss in some humor as the two buddies (well three) are getting to know each other. One is gruff and serious while the other is a chatterbox who can't "read the room". I know that might sound like you just want to roll your eyes and walk away, but if you go into this knowing what it is, it actually works incredibly well. I have already seen a ton of "Predators don't speak. They don't feel. They don't have personalities. They only kill". Seeing another one of those would be pretty boring. But having the predator be the hero? Now that I have never seen.
Once you get passed the fact that this is a buddy movie with funny sidekicks, the action in this movie is sensational. And there is tons of it. Dek spends at least 75% of the movie fighting something. So even if you don't like the buddy aspect, just put some headphones in and wait two minutes and I assure you the action will start back up again.
Now onto the special effects. When I first saw the preview, there were two problems. First they clearly didn't use the best shots from the movie in the trailers. Second, the director purposely wanted to create a old school feel by relying on practical effects as much as possible. Instead of creating of a guy walking around in a motion capture suit while filming and then drawing over him with CGI later, they actually used a good old rubber suit and mask. Well maybe not "good old" considering they clearly used some modern teach to make Dek and the rest of the predators look really cool. I actually appreciate when directors use practical effects. In many cases, I think they look far better than CGI... I'm looking at you Baby Yoda puppet.
If you are expecting to relive your youth and just see an updated version of 1987 Predator, this movie is not for you. If you are willing to evolve and see a unique member of the Yautja species who actually has developed some emotional intelligence, enjoy some jokes, like buddy movies, and love action then Predator: Badlands is a can't miss. In other words, if you can handle silawesome, you should go in see this in the highest quality theater you can.
My husband and daughter are going to see this on Weds, I'm not telling him nothing, I'll wait for his critique, he's expecting something different haha
Is this the movie that is supposed to be the sequel to Prey or are they still working on that as well. The way you describe it, it sounds like a Worf/Data collab if it were a Star Trek movie. I'll probably still watch it as some point, but I was hoping for something more like Prey.
This is not the sequel to Prey. It seems like the Predator universe is expanding. Plenty of stories. This is a crossover with the Alien universe. I really liked Prey and would love to see a direct sequel. Thai one is very entertaining though. The Worf/Data analogy is a good one.
Okay, thanks for the clarification! I'll have to try and check it out!
That was gooz movie 👌👌 i was look it in internet 😆👌 ... it was fast up there . But this was good one.
I didn’t expect a Predator movie to have that kind of twist. Your review makes it sound really fun and different. I like how you pointed out the mix of humor and action ,now I actually want to give it a watch.
That part is great if you can handle how incredible "Predator" really is. Its special effects are a bit over the top, so keep that in mind before going to see it in theaters to further enhance its special effects as well as the sound
I really enjoyed PREY ,and I learnt there's going to be a part two.@hanshotfirst,I just took a peak at the thriller of PREDATOR BADLANDS,it is gonna be real emotional and brutal, Looking forward to seeing the DEK and the little character.
For now I can't give a score and opinion till I watch it.
Thank you @hanshotfirst.
Your analysis was great. The funny and strange aspects of the film combined made me even more curious about it. The old-fashioned practical effects and the new kind of emotional presentation. This mix is what I think sets the film apart.
Great recommendation, man! I've seen some trailers and I liked them, so I'm waiting for it to arrive here in my country to see it in theaters, and in the best possible quality, because that makes the movie even better. I don't know how many times I've seen the original Predator, but it's definitely evolved, and now we see the Predator as a hero—a drastic but interesting change.
That part is great if you can handle how incredible "Predator" really is. Its special effects are a bit over the top, so keep that in mind before going to see it in theaters to further enhance its special effects as well as the sound
My son is taking his son to watch it this weekend. For me, once a movie scares the mcgiggers out of me, I am expecting them to top that.
Sounds like Predator: Badlands is a fun and action-packed movie with a mix of humor and cool effects!