(1.5 / 4)
Writer and director Shane Black’s signature whip-smart dialogue and nuanced camaraderie are MIA in this brainless attempt to reinvigorate the Predator franchise.
The Predator franchise is in an interesting predicament. Much like the Alien series, the iconic creature’s image has been left in tatters after how poorly he came off in the much reviled Alien vs. Predator crossovers. With it being 8 years since a new installment featuring the intergalactic hunter, the franchise was in desperate need of a new angle to reignite interest and kickstart a new series of stories. Enter director and co-writer Shane Black to breathe some life into this once captivating monster. Between Black himself having a supporting role and helping with the screenplay of the original Predator, as well as his success in applying his subversively sharp wit to big budget spectacles like Iron Man 3, this seemed like a recipe for success. Unfortunately Black’s phenomenal track record hits a bump, as The Predator fails as a re-imagination of the franchise lacking any of the traits that made Black’s past work so manically enthralling.