| 09.18.2018 – Sometimes you ever wonder how to make certain franchise films stay relevant in this fast-paced world that revolves around social media.
“The Predator” was one of those films that you make or break the bank. With Shane Black attached to directing this film it has a momentum to make it. But it also will depend on the cast that make up this latest iteration of the film that Arnold Schwarzenegger made famous for. It’s a sci-fi suspense action that Black has put together as its fourth film. |
There’s a list of actors in this list that have notable names but Olivia Munn is one of those highlighted in the film that I never ever heard of until Sunday night. Usually, Munn gets cast in films that either eye candy or interestingly that made her noticeable in those types of films. But never a caliber like “The Predator” that involved a lot of killing and spine separating.
Visually, “The Predator” is superior to its previous films when it comes to the look and spectacle that brings the action for this film. But there are so many going on the narrative tends to derail itself from its original course that seemed to be something to be suspenseful, but falls off the rail when the only consistent threat is “The Predator” itself.
Munn’s a Mary Sue
Olivia Munn’s character is a scientist and from the time she appeared it is like out of nowhere. She suddenly appears and then the government agency just immediately takes her away. The next scene she was already taking a look at a Predator that was heavily sedated that went rogue when things got worse. Her character just started chasing the escaping alien in the next scene like no fear from being mauled by it that she appears to be the ‘Mary Sue’ of this film. Towards the scenes there was no character development, but rather she keeps evolving from a frail scientist to this bad ass chick that suddenly started kicking “The Predator” towards the climax scenes. There’s no limit to her character than meets the eye she just became something of a unique breed that took out one of the deadliest aliens in science fiction history.
Munn’s an eye candy at the same time her character tries to be likable but it loses the edge without a quick back story. The narrative itself is like a rollercoaster of confusions that doesn’t make sense of it all rather more of the action scenes that keeps the audience interested.
A Ranger of No Fear
Boyd Holbrook seemed to be someone with no fear in taking out a Predator. He’s probably the most consistent character among the casts of outsiders. But the heart of the film is Rory McKenna, the son of Holbrook’s character that featured heavily being cast a special child with autism. There are so many characters in this film you’ll find it hard to relate yourself to each one of them.
The only thing that is impressive in this film is “The Predator” itself that certainly have come a long way to be Arnold’s sparring match in the original film. There’s not much suspense to this than just visual spectacle that brings excitement to most fans but entirely it leaves a mixed narrative of confusions.
Predatory Perspectives
Entirely, the film have Shane Black as its director what made this a not-so impressive film is A LOT of characters that tries to be relatable at the same time confusing. The dialogue just got me lost in the fight and what try to attract is the female viewers with the ‘Mary Sue-like’ Olivia Munn character that lacked that character development. Don’t get me wrong Munn’s qualities as an actress has improved, but cast as a scientist that became tough as Boyd Holbrook’s character seemed to be a bit much of no weakness at all. Overall the film have the visuals and impressive director but loses its appeal on how to keep its narrative consistent a recipe for a mixed reaction that would end up being seen being streamed instead.
“The Predator” is now showing in cinemas worldwide. Its now playing in Philippines since September 12, 2018, from 20th Century Fox Philippines distributed by Warner Bros Studios.
Its also showing in Australia & New Zealand since Septemeber 13, 2018 distributed by 20th Century Fox Australia.
RATED: C+
NOTE: This film was screened publicly at Power Plant Mall Cinemas in Rockewell Makati, Metro Manila. This is reviewed with a personal opinion without spoilers not for you to agree or disagree about the views written by the author but to gain insight on his perspective about the film.
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