Mctiernan at his best

Rating: 9/10 (8 November 2018)

This and die hard are the ultimate 80's action movies. What John Mctiernan does with both movies is not hit you with all out action from the off. He has the patience to build his setting before any big pay off.
In the current era of bigger is better this film is a real throwback in its construction. Where Marvel have to constantly top themselves with more and more outlandish set pieces this film succeeds with character building and suspense to draw you in.
For example someone considered as a supporting character at best Billy. The script shows us who Billy is taking to time to show us his instincts his tribal origins the way he rubs his medicine pouch, his acceptance that something sinister is beyond his understanding lurking in the jungle. By the time he does face the predator he faces his death in exactly the way we would expect. His scene means something by then because we've become invested in it.
Say what you want about Arnold's acting ability but he was really believable in this role. Playing to his musclebound strengths but also showing vulnerability against a superior opponent. His dialogue was great especially his confrontations with Dillon.
The music is fantastic and memorable, all of the cast, the premise and the execution of the sci fi genre played out to blockbuster perfection.
A movie that has aged incredibly well after 30 years!