DVD--Predators

or: Another year, another gory sci-fi actioner.

One word to sum it up: So-so.

Unfortunately, this weeks releases were practically all R-rated straight-to-DVD horror/action sequels (with the exception of Santa Paws, but was I going to watch that?!), and the only film which I had actually heard of was Predators. So I decided to give it a go, even though I have never watched any of the other films this one is based on/following. The most intriguing thing about it was that Adrien Brody was cast in the lead role. The lead role of an action film. Hey, count me in!

Chosen for their ability to kill without conscience, a group of killers, some trained and some who are not, must endeavour the alien race of predators that have set out to target them as prey. Dropped into the vast jungle of a distant world, these human predators must learn just who, or what, they are up against, and that their ability, knowledge and wits are tested to the limits in the battle of survival of kill or be killed.

First off, I just have to comment on the casting of Adrien Brody. On paper, it seems like a fantastic idea, because he is undoubtedly a great actor and should be able to play against type. He's good, but he is NOT an action star godammit! I actually couldn't believe in him as being a bad guy and he also waltzed around trying to recreate Christian Bale's voice when he is Batman. He was definitely miscast, and despite his best intentions, he could not pull of this role. Probably due to the miscasting of Brody, Predators suffers from several misfires and too often resorts to being like every other action film. None of the characters had been given any background, therefore they become quite stocky and extremely stereotypical action film characters. However, you do know when Danny Trejo comes on, shits about to go down.

Predators isn't by means great, but it is an average watch. It's definitely one of those movies that you watch if you are just looking for an overly violent nonsensical action flick to tide you over for 100 or so minutes. It's not unlike some other older sci-fi action films of it's kind, and makes for a pretty solid sci-fi for this year. Mainly, if you are a fan of other Robert Rodriguez produced films, then this is a good one for you. It's practically the same as all the rest, and doesn't branch out too far or ask too much of the viewer. In other words, Predators is an easy watch, and all you gore-loving fans will love this miscast average action flick.


THE VERDICT: Predators isn't great, but it's a solid sequel that's pretty easy to watch. Apart from Adrien Brody.

6/10