Predator
(1987)
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| Directed by: |
John
McTiernan
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| Starring: |
Arnold
Schwarzenegger/Dutch |
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Carl
Weathers/Dillon |
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Jesse
Ventura/Blain |
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Bill
Duke/Mac |
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| RATING
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PLOT-CRUNCH:
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Dutch (Arnold) and his team of rough
neck mercenaries are sent on a mission in the jungle. But they get more
then they bargained for when they encounter an alien who has come to earth
for one thing…hunting humans. Let the violence begin.
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THE
LOWDOWN: |
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What happens when you mix Rambo and Alien? Predator happens. An action
packed, testosterone filled macho bullcrap serving that just don’t quit.
The effects are top notch, the action is bloody, the humor is
"pussy" oriented and Arnold is still on the one liner bandwagon…fun
times. The gang of bad asses are very likeable in a tough guy way and you
almost feel bad when the Predator makes mash potatoes out of them (I said
almost). The jungle scenery is made to good use and seeing the chameleon
like Predator leap off trees is a sight to behold.
The film does drop
intelligence when it comes down to the mano vs mano battle between the
Austrian bodybuilder and the creature but that doesn’t mean it’s not a
rollicking good time. My only other complaint is that I really wanted to
see the fight between Billy (Landham) and the alien…that off screen
screaming stuff was a let down.
Predator is a man’s
film. Big biceps, big guns, big explosions, big attitudes and a kickass
alien. That doesn’t mean chicks are not gonna dig too, we get enough pec
shots to satisfy them. But lets face it guys, this one was made for us.
Yippee!!!!
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| ACTING: |
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Yes, you need subtitles to figure out what Arnold is saying but he still
delivers the tough goods. Although I will admit he lets his cigar do most
of the acting. Carl Weathers shows that he can do something other than Apollo
Creed (Rocky) like be a jerk and take a beating. (wait a minute that
sounds like Apollo Creed). Jesse Ventura is upstaged by his huge rail gun
and goes method on us…he chews tobacco. Sonny Landham is all presence,
and in a fight I’d want that dude by my side. When Shane Black (Hawkins)
is not writing scripts (Lethal Weapon, Last Boy Scout) he’s acting, here
he brings the comic relief and dies a wonderful death. Bill Duke (Mac) is
the creepiest mother this side of the jungle and I was rooting for him.
Elpidia Carrillo (Anna) brings the female presence in the film and gives a
strong show. All the actors do their job well.
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| GORE: |
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Oh yeah!!! Skinned bodies, arms shot off and lots of bullet hits. The
Predator creature looks awesome with dreadlocks n all…too bad once the
mask is off he looks like female genitalia with teeth…scary…
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| T
& A: |
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Arnold’s and Weather’s pecs….
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| DIRECTING: |
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Relentless pace, well handled fight sequences, great shots, some slow
motion and lots of thrills. McTiernan delivers a real crowd pleaser. He
also makes great use of sound (predator noises) and I loved the Predator
POV shots.
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| SOUNDTRACK: |
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An engaging heart thumping score and a bit of old school rock 'n roll.
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| BOTTOM LINE: |
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You want action, great effects, lots of muscle, guns and
bang for your bucks? You go it right here baby. The production values are
top notch, the violence is gory and the alien is way slick. This is what
summer movies use to be about…I miss those days. This film is all about
entertainment, give your girl the credit card and send her shopping,
invite the boyz over, crack open some brews, get the bong going, slap in
the tape and have a blast!!!
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| BULL'S EYE: |
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According to an interview with director John McTiernan the "hole in
the jungle" appearance of the Predator was played by Jean-Claude Van
Damme in a "blue screen" (actually red) suit. Van Damme quit
after two days, unhappy with being cast as an uncredited special effect.
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