The Hunter or the Hunted? Pt 7 (Predator, 1987)

Predator_posterPredator is from Arnold Schwarzennegar’s action movie heyday.  Directed by John McTiernan (Die Hard, Die Hard With a Vengeance and the Hunt for Red October) it is a capable action film.  It is a simple plot, a mercenary group hired by the government goes into the jungles of South America on a rescue mission.  Instead, they find themselves up against an unseen and unearthly killer.

Arnold is the leader, hired by an old friend (Carl Weathers) for the mission so the American Government can keep it’s hands clean.  At first they believe they are just up against warlords…but soon discover they are being hunted like animals.  The killer seems to be invisible and unstoppable.

We learn it is an alien, an intergalactic creature who lives for the thrill of the hunt.  There is nothing particularly unique, hunting humans is a longstanding plot for thrillers.  But McTiernan (who would direct Die Hard only months later) shows he has the chops for telling effect action thrillers.

The cast is pretty ideal for a testosterone romp through the jungle.  Along with Schwarzennegar, there is Jesse Ventura (who went on to be Govoner), Bill Duke and Sonny Landham.  The effects still stand today, as McTiernan does not try and get overly complex.

Predator is a worthy and minor sci-fi action classic that is a lot of fun to watch.

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