The plot formula that made the 87 Predator movie is the standard for the majority of action movies before it and after it. Still succeeds now. But I have no problem with them adding new elements, more complex storylines, if done right.
And from everything I've learned so far especially from here, it's not being done right. It's completely over the top and completely bastardizes the original formula by going 200% in every element. They decided to add not just dogs but other animals and hybrids that are suppose to be "scarier". We got not one predator but another bigger advanced one who is covered from head to toe in impenetrable armor. They kept the group of military bad asses to fight the Predators, but then purposely focused on giving them alot of "dirty jokes" and wisecracking lines. Even Casey gets a character identifier as "sarcastic". And no, I'm not convinced Casey gets to be kicking ass because she can take a spinal cord out of a dead hybrid. I'm sure she'll also use her super intelligence as a biologist to figure out in a few days what scientists in the Stargazer program didn't in years. (which I have to say is typical suspension of belief in these movies, but they keep piling on the OTT)
Then there's the kid which is my biggest beef. While I only saw him described as boy genius, if the whole autistic element is true, then they are continuing to overuse the current trend of the last 5 years of characters with the TV interpretation of Asperger's. You know the Sheldon's from Big Bang Theory. Super smart beyond anyone's understanding but socially awkward to get the aww factor and legitmize being a genius.
And while I'm actually okay and even interested in the idea that the Predators are experimenting with species DNA to make them stronger or creating hunting pets, if they are actually sucking DNA out of bodies and getting some instant Hulk effect, COME ON!
There's changing for a better direction and then there's tossing every trope they can think of and upping it 200% to cover up a weak storyline.
