Imagine a ferocious extraterrestrial stalker, the epitome of lethal prowess, teaming up with a talkative robot built for specimen collection – sound like the setup for a laugh-out-loud adventure? Get ready to rethink everything you know about the Predator franchise, because this might just be its funniest twist yet.
Predator: Badlands – A Buddy Comedy? (Believe It or Not)
Movie Review
In the world of sci-fi, where elite alien hunters relentlessly pursue humans across the stars, one question looms large: What happens when a verbose android joins forces with the ultimate predator of predators?
He's a member of an advanced species of space-faring hunters, celebrated for their expert tracking skills and status as the 'killer of killers.' She's an artificial being designed to gather exotic samples from otherworldly creatures, complete with a bubbly narration that kicks in during moments of impending doom. Throw in a charming animal companion that combines the nimbleness of a rhesus monkey with the endearing, wrinkled features of a pug, and you've got a trio braving treacherous landscapes packed with lethal hazards. Sure, there are scenes where a character slices a colossal monster in two with a laser blade and triumphantly waves its dripping, severed backbone like a trophy – but trust us, the absurdity screams buddy comedy. And yes, one of the main characters is indeed a Predator. Think of it as a cosmic version of The Odd Couple, but with more mandibles and less furniture.
Back in the day, this icy-cold assassin from a distant galaxy was just another peril Arnold Schwarzenegger had to outwit in the jungles of Central America. Through the genius of Stan Winston's creature design and the insatiable demand for repeated creature-feature blockbusters, the dreadlocked, mandibled invader returned time and again to Earth, targeting everyone from 18th-century Native American warriors to bewildered Los Angeles police officers in a near-future world. The result? A flood of sequels, graphic novels, video games, toys, and even an animated series. It even battled face-to-face with Xenomorphs in crossover mayhem. Clearly, this alien had become a pop culture icon.
And this is the part most people miss... The sixth installment in the series – or eighth if you include the Alien vs. Predator spin-offs – Predator: Badlands blends B-movie thrills with gritty horror and solid sci-fi underpinnings. Much of the conversation unfolds in the titular character's native tongue, which fans playfully dub 'Predatorese,' set against backdrops on two planets that evoke a fusion of Frank Frazetta's heroic fantasy art and Roger Dean's psychedelic landscapes. But at its core, it's a comedic journey, delivering giggles from the clashing personalities of an unlikely duo as much as from the splattery guts of enormous space beasts. Is this the Predator universe's unexpected reimagining of Midnight Run, a road trip comedy we didn't realize we needed?
But here's where it gets controversial... Does turning a relentless killer into a comedic sidekick dilute the franchise's edge, or is it a brilliant way to refresh the formula? Critics might argue it's a bold evolution, but some purists could see it as sacrilege – after all, can you really laugh at something meant to terrify?
The plot kicks off with family drama among the Predators, focusing on a young one named Dek (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi). He's striving to complete the traditional Yautja rites of passage to earn his cloaking device – a must-have gadget for stealthy hunters. These rites involve defeating a fellow warrior in combat, and the challenger is none other than his brother, Kwei (Mike Homik). Unfortunately, Dek fails and gets branded for death by his father, the clan leader, who believes 'weaklings' should be eliminated to preserve the species' strength. In a twist, Dek flees and swears to return with the ultimate prize: the head of a Kalisk, a nearly invincible beast with rapid healing abilities lurking in the unforgiving wilds of the planet Genna. If this sounds dizzying already, hold on – things get even more bewildering.
Upon reaching Genna, Dek battles various native plants, animals, and massive predators. He stumbles upon Thia (Elle Fanning), a robot created by the Weyland-Yutani corporation – that's right, the same notorious company from the Alien saga. She's there to capture and transport the Kalisk. For fans of Alien vs. Predator, rejoice: this crossover is now officially part of the canon! Their first encounter unfolds amidst pterodactyl-like flyers, needle-shooting flora, and a nest where Thia is trapped. After freeing her, Dek notices she's missing her lower limbs. Thia promises assistance in locating the Kalisk if he helps her retrieve her legs. He carries her on his back, and together with her newly named monkey-pug hybrid pal, Bud, they embark on their quest. It's reminiscent of the upbeat tune 'Movin’ Right Along' from The Muppet Movie, full of quirky camaraderie.
The story delivers plenty of excitement, terror, action sequences, and witty exchanges across languages – who knew English-Predatorese banter could be so entertaining? Elle Fanning masterfully layers her synthetic character with a naive optimism and a chilling menace, especially when portraying her villainous robotic counterpart. Director Dan Trachtenberg, who previously helmed the acclaimed Prey (2022) and the animated anthology Predator: Killer of Killers, proves he's the franchise's master conductor. He expertly stages breathtaking vistas, ferocious monster assaults, and even a scene where Thia, still legless, defends against Weyland-Yutani henchmen. The pacing is lively, pausing for Dek's growling wisdom on conquering through force, interspersed with graphic beheadings.
And if that sparks debate, wait until the deeper themes emerge... Near the end, before the epic boss battle (which includes another Alien-inspired surprise), the Greek-tragedy-style crescendo, and a teasing post-credits scene, the film hints at a profound message: the difference between the family you're born into and the one you choose, or perhaps that the true hunt is about forging alliances. In essence, it's a nod to the power of unexpected friendships in a brutal universe. This venture into comedy – a genre far removed from mandibles and honorable slayings – suggests the creators are eager to broaden the brand's horizons. For instance, imagine a raunchy teen musical Predator rom-com; why not?
What do you think – is blending horror with humor a genius move for the franchise, or does it risk undermining its roots? Do you agree that crossovers like Weyland-Yutani elevate the story, or do they just feel like fan service? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'm curious to hear if you're on board with this buddy-comedy Predator or if you'd rather stick to the scares!
