The Predator (2018)
Stars: Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay
Runtime: 107 minutes
Synopsis: All hell breaks loose when a kid accidentally summons an alien killing machine.
- Performances: 4/10
Why? Olivia Munn is the only actress who gave a half decent performance. The rest of the cast, which includes names like Sterling K. Brown, Keegan-Michael Kee, or Jacob Tremblay, was definitely hurt by the tone of the film and the script given to them. Their performances fluctuated between over-the-top and serious, much like their deliveries and mannerisms. It definitely feels like they didn't really know what kind of movie they were in, and ended up doing whatever they felt best fits the scene they were in.
- Screenplay: 3/10
Why? Although I've never been a fan of the Predator franchise, I do respect the simple hide and seek premise of its first entry back in 1987 and completely understand why it's considered to be one of the best action movies released in the 1980s. "The Predator", however, and despite seeing the return of Shane Black both in the role of writer and director, fails to capture the magic of the original on every level. From two-dimensional characters to cringe-worthy humor, there wasn't one single aspect about the film's script that set it apart from every generic, forgettable action flick that ever came out. The only element that might bring some enjoyment to fans of the franchise is the accurate portrayal of the menacing Predator who, unfortunately, is overshadowed by the unlikeable human characters and lousy action scenes.
- Special Effects: 4/10
Why? I was honestly baffled at how much the CGI was bad. The computer-generated blood and aliens looked like they were taken straight out of a video game that came out about 5 years ago.
- Costumes/Makeup: 6/10
Why? The practically designed injuries and gore, despite not looking as great as expected from a movie of this caliber, still looked better than the atrocious CGI. The costume designs were a bit cheesy and lazy in my opinion, but I can't say that it bothered me at all.
- Editing: 6/10
Why? The film is not badly edited, but its second half, which unlike its first is filled with action scenes, drags a lot and I found myself checking my watch numerous times.
- Cinematography: 6/10
Why? "The Predator" is decently shot but lacks the creativity that gave the original such a claustrophobic feel. I also wish we got more shots from the Predator's point of view, shots that were definitely some of the original's most iconic moments.
- Score/Soundtrack: 5/10
Why? The score doesn't bring anything, positive nor negative, to the movie.
FINAL GRADE: 4/10
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