Predator: Collector's Edition (1987)

Having enjoyed AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004) a few years ago, I'm finally getting around to the origin story of one. Predator was a fascinating creature in the icy tundra of the Antarctic. {For the record, I have never been able to watch Alien all the way through-- scares me to death!}

A team of mercenaries led by Dutch (Ah-nold Schwarzenegger) has been sent on a hostage recovery mission to Central America. Dropped into the jungle, Blaine (Jesse Ventura), Dillion (Carl Weathers), Poncho (Richard Chaves), Billy (Sonny Landham), Mac (Bill Duke) and Hawkins (Shane Black) follow Dutch on the recovery. The silent killers are soon hunted by some alien warrior vacationing there on a hunting trip.

From the moment the film opens, it's obvious what you're getting. Pure carnage and {not-so} snappy one-liners. Schwarzenegger is one walking muscle. His leadership skills as Dutch are amazing-- a few snaps of the wrist and boom! The dialogue is minimal and chaw-sucking Ventura is responsible for most of the cheese delivery.

Predator is a pure 80s classic. Slick action, guns a-blazing, average body count and a thread-bare plot. You'll find stereotypes of the day which are always good for a laugh.

The creature really makes the film. The design, while futuristic, is a solid pay-off. Director John McTiernan builds the suspense well, keeping the Predator at bay well into the movie. A series of infrared frames and distinct score act as cue for the menacing creature. The special effects are solid and could easily stand today. The lush jungle setting is effective in creating that claustrophobic paranoia needed for an effective thrill.

As I see it, Predator is a solid action sci-fi; it's a harmless movie that should be enjoyed for sheer entertainment value.