one of the best action/monster films of all time

Rating: 8/10 (20 March 2005)

SPOILERS Famous for playing an evil machine out to kill humanity, Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of those actors that you either love or hate. An actor who relies almost completely on his muscles, Schwarzenegger is one of the most recognisable faces on the big screen. In terms of work however, aside from 1984's "Terminator" and it's 1991 sequel, his finest work remains this violent monster film from 1987. With some great lines and some equally superb special effects, "Predator" is one of the finest action / monster films of all time.
Sent on a mission to rescue a diplomat, Major 'Dutch' Schaeffer (Schwarzenegger) and his squad of soldiers find things in the jungle are not as they expected. Unfortunately for these remarkable soldiers, they are being hunted.
Like so many other monsters, the Predator is a remarkably clever idea. Running around in his cloaked state with his spear-gun and blades, he is a solid killer who is not to be messed with.
So as he is noticeable but well hidden, the way the film shows the Predator's cloak is clever. Basing it on reflected light, the graphics brilliantly allow us to see that something is there, whilst never actually knowing what he is. In effect, this gives us an increasingly eerie tension which the film thrives on.
The casting of Schwarzenegger is brilliant as well because whilst so many monster films contain dire leading casts, this film benefits from a famous opponent to the 'evil' monster. Schwarzenegger is brilliant as the clever and enigmatic Dutch.
As a supporting cast as well, the fellow marines are also fun and lively. With fine performances by Jesse Ventura and Carl Weathers, Schwarzenegger is supported by a cast who add an extra spice to the walking corpses. This is what so many monster films miss out on, and "Predator" works well as a result.
As far as monster films go, there are few as good as "Predator". Well made and surprisingly well acted, it is one of those films which you can happily watch over and over. You wouldn't want to be left in the same room as a Predator, but you WILL want it on your television screen.