Predator 2
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Predator 2 is a rather underrated film and if you've seen it, you already know as much. To a large extent, this 1990 sequel to the original “my pee-pee is bigger than your pee-pee” macho macho men verses alien film Predator, has been a little forgotten. This makes me sad.
Hey, the truth is that Predator 2 is a more intelligent film than the first Predator. We also get a better feel for how intelligent the Predator is as he moves about Los Angeles, where else, and kills all sorts of people in novel ways. If you love seeing people killed in interesting and exciting ways, you will love Predator 2. Danny Glover is a bit typecasted as he plays an LA cop, again, and takes over for Governor Arnold as the main super-human out to stop the Predator from doing what all predators do. Glover is good and fun in the role but you are left feeling like you might be watching some alternate universe version of Lethal Weapon as Glover's Lt. Harrigan character is awfully similar to Lethal Weapon's Murtaugh. The rest of the cast, including Ruben Blades, Bill Paxton, Adam Baldwin, a pre-nuclear meltdown Gary Busey and, at the time, a rather delicious Maria Conchita Alonso, all round out a sparkling cast. Lots of strong actors who know how to die well, its tough dieing on camera, so let's give them some respect.
What Was Cool:
-This is a well-paced and well-acted action film that keeps your attention from beginning to end.
-The Predator is a very well conceived villain/serial killer that has a lot of style and flair. If the Predators ever speak they will undoubtedly have British accents.
-Excellent chase sequences make Predator memorable. And we all know that the old white guys that run Hollywood love chase sequences.
-It was cool to see humans trying to create traps for the Predator using mankind's most "advanced" technology.
What Was Stupid:
-Glover is really quite good in the film but lack of star power most definitely hurt the film's box-office and the profile of the film. One has to look to the producers to explain this fairly substantial screw-up. Sure the movie biz is too celebrity obsessed, but with a potential franchise like Predator it would have paid to have thought this through more. Don't you think?
-Part of the reason that Predator 2 failed to capture the success that all involved were expecting is the producers tried to make a cheaper script instead of giving people what they wanted. People wanted to see the Predator home world or inside a Predator space craft or an all out war between humans and Predators in the future. Any of those ideas would have packed em' in people.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
Director Stephen Hopkins did a great job on this film. Predator 2 has great pacing, is well-shot and gripping until the end.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
Once again Kevin Peter Hall puts on the Predator suit and no one notices. Good job Kevin.
Story A
Use of Science A
Acting A
Portrayal of Women B
Visuals-VFX and SFX B+
Visuals-Set Design/Props A
Wardrobe/Costumes A
Style/Sex Appeal B
Enjoyability Grade A-
Home Theater/HD Factor A
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) D (This was a no-brainer. The only stupid move was not having a star attached to the project and that responsibility falls on the producers.
Overall Innovation B
Overall Grade B+ (Predator two could have been better but has not received it's due. If you haven't seen Predator 2, rent it.)
A Little Fact About Cherie:
Cherie actually prefers dogs over cats.
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