Welcome to Movie Monday! Each week we will look at a movie either in theaters or available to stream by a major streamer. We will briefly review the movie, and tell you why it is enjoyable. This isn’t meant to be a detailed criticism, rather, a celebration of why a movie is entertaining or worth the watch. We will typically avoid spoilers, but if there are any, we will denote that clearly before it appears in the review. This week, we’ll look at Predator: Badlands.
A movie franchise that began nearly 40 years ago, the Predator franchise has not settled for sequels that feel repetitive and over worn. The latest example comes to us in the form of Predator: Badlands.
Incoming is a small plot spoiler, but I’ll keep it generalized. In Badlands, we get a more uncommon perspective. We get the perspective of a young Yautja (Predator) as he seeks the approval of his father by going on a dangerous hunt. It is not often that we get a story where not only do we see the traditional antagonist or monster operate around its own kind and as the center of the story, but also to become the true center of the story and actually become its protagonist.
That is exactly what Badlands accomplishes. I guess it shouldn’t surprise us too much, as this franchise from the very beginning gave us a unique first person perspective from the antagonist (predator). However, to dedicate the entire movie to making Yautja the main character, and a heroic one at that, was a bold choice, one that I really enjoyed.
The action is good as always, and again because of the uniqueness of the perspective, the story ultimately delivers. Because the film is self-contained, you don’t have to be very familiar with the franchise at all to watch it. So, whether you’ve seen them all, or are unaware of the Predator’s prowess, this movie can be enjoyed by all.
Predator: Badlands is now showing in theaters.
