Predator: "Get to the Chopper!"

It's a shame that when people think about the Predator franchise nowadays, they are forced to relive those terrible AVP movies that have been released recently. The original Predator is a film which more than holds its own against recent action films and remains quite the fun movie to watch over and over again (if only to hear Schwarzenegger utter that memorable line that is in the title of this review).

In a Central American jungle a group of highly trained military men are searching for missing hostages. But something is hunting them, something not of this earth. This other worldly hunter is looking for some trophies and has the rescue team in its sights.

One of the best things about the film was its non-stop action. From dropping into the jungle behind enemy lines to the assault by Dutch (Schwarzenegger) and his men on the guerrilla camp where they believe the hostages are being held, the action was impressive and intense. But the main attraction of the film had to have been the Predator itself. By only showing bits and pieces of it throughout the first half of the film director John McTiernan was able to build the tension and made the audience feel like Dutch and the others, like they were being stalked by some ghastly creature. When the Predator was finally fully revealed it no doubt shocked and awed the audience for it looked exceedingly vicious and deadly but also looked like something that might come from another planet. Not a CGI construct, the Predator creature was real and scary as hell. As Dutch, the leader of the rescue squad, Schwarzenegger did a good job doing what he seems to do best by kicking butt while delivering one liners.

There were no introspective moments by Dutch as to the horrors of warfare and no desire to try and negotiate with the Predator. The film was all about big explosions and a high body count. It was easy to turn off your brain and enjoy the show.

Grade: B