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Promotional Line: "Nothing like it has ever
been on earth before."
"It came for the thrill of the hunt. It picked the wrong
man to hunt."
Hired by the CIA to rescue downed pilots from
South American guerrillas, a special U.S. military team, led by
Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefe (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is
sent to South America on a rescue mission. After successfully
accomplishing their mission, they discover as they return, that
something is hunting them. What they find out is that a nearly
invisible, virtually indestructible, alien warrior, that is the
one killing team members one by one for sport, taking parts of
the bodies, like trophies.
Director, John McTiernan, who handled action so
well with "Die Hard" and "Hunt For Red October,"
picks the audience up and plunks them down in the jungle environment,
which is "hot, steamy, and claustrophobic." With tight
editing, and "in your face" cinematography, McTiernan
makes you, the audience, feel you too are there, fighting for
your life against the alien predator.
This screenplay, written by the team of Jim and
John Thomas, makes a great traditional, rather violent action
yarn. The Thomas brothers used a combination of a simple plot,
with plenty of action, tension, a high level of excitement, elements
of horror and gore, and a chilling atmosphere. What a great '80's
manly man action yarn! This film has been described as the ultimate
"male adolescent snapshot of tough-guy heaven."
Big Arnold is well cast as the cigar chomping
military leader. His muscles get a work out in his battles against
the jungle and the alien. One knows that blood and bullets will
soon be coming when this manly man action hero moves into the
action.
The supporting cast does a great job as well,
being manly men. Carl Weathers, who plays Dillon, did an especially
memorable job. Jesse 'The Body' Ventura rules as Blaine, "an
outdoors type of guy, with guts for brains," is also worth
mentioning.
Kevin Peter was convincing and perfectly cast
as the alien that can cloak itself, so it is invisible to its
prey. He is described as having "plenty of moxy, a strong,
assertive stance, and perfect timing."
My favorite action scene was when Arnold and his
entire group launch a full-blown assault and take out the entire
rebel camp. Action, action, action, with great visuals and fast
editing.
We also enjoyed Arnold / Alien climatic battle...
there were several good ideas and tricks there.
Predator has some elements of horror, containing
some gruesome scenes, and isn't for the squeamish.
Best quote: "If it bleeds, we can kill it!"
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PREDATOR
... THE ACTION REVIEW
