‘Predator: Badlands‘ delivers a Refreshingly Fun Take on the Franchise, Critics Say
Los Angeles, CA – The latest installment in the Predator franchise, Predator: badlands, is being hailed as a thrilling and unexpectedly heartwarming addition to the sci-fi action series. Early reviews praise director Trachtenberg’s bold reimagining of the iconic hunter, shifting the tone towards a more comedic and character-driven adventure while still delivering the franchise’s signature action.
The film centers on Dek,whose mission is to defeat the seemingly “unkillable Kalisk,” a massive and risky beast. His journey is elaborate by a treacherous surroundings – even the local flora is deadly – and an unlikely partnership with a Weyland-Yutani synthetic, played by Elle Fanning, who has lost her legs to the Kalisk. This pairing,described as a “daft double-act” reminiscent of a sci-fi fan’s imagination,quickly evolves into a “winning” dynamic,with the stoic Predator acting as the straight man to the android’s energetic personality. They are later joined by a blue, monkey-like alien, completing the unconventional team.
While some long-time fans may be initially taken aback by the softened portrayal of the Predator – once described with the tagline “There’s no stopping what can’t be stopped,no killing what can’t be killed” - critics emphasize Trachtenberg’s clear affection for the character. The film reportedly includes several fan-service moments, including a sequence featuring the pulse rifle from Aliens that is sure to delight audiences familiar with the 1980s films. Fanning also receives a standout action scene utilizing her character’s separated upper and lower body.
Reviewers note parallels to Guardians of the Galaxy, highlighting the film’s focus on a “misfit team” overcoming seemingly impossible odds. While the CGI-heavy battle sequences with alien creatures are considered less impactful than the visual spectacle of films like Avatar,the strong character interactions and high body count – aided by the use of synthetic characters and their white blood - more than compensate.
Ultimately, Predator: Badlands is described as “big popcorn fun,” a blend of “lurid sci-fi, comedy and rowdy action” that is “amped-up” and delivers a particularly satisfying experience for fans. According to reviews, the film is “the moast fun Predator since the original.”
