Just watched it here is what I think.
Humour.
I personally had fun with it, However I can see some Predator fans getting really pissed off with the humour and tone of this new predator film. For me this film has no suspense, tension and Dredd like the original predator film did. But surprisingly the jokes and one-liners are actually pretty funny (well most of the time) with the exception of one or two cringeworthy ones. But the problem with the jokes and witty one-liners is that they are constant and never f**king stop. In the original predator film, the was plenty of over the top jokes, and cock measuring between the team. But when the action happens and shit got real the characters acted serious and scared, making you feel that the Predator in the first film was a real major threat. In this new film, the jokes and one-liners are constantly flowing and you never feel like the characters are in any serious danger, because he or she will continue saying shit when the Predator is f**king them over. And when a character does get killed off, you won't be left feeling someone important is missing from the team, like you did with the first Predator film. The closest thing I can think from the top of my head? is the constant non stop witty one-liners in films like "The Avengers" but with a more adult theme to them jokes. Seriously if the first Predator movie was made today it would have Hawkins telling jokes to the Predator why his getting blasted to death. It would have Dillon picking up his blasted off arm and then slapping the Predator across the face just before the Pred stabs him with his wrist spikes. It would have Billy measuring penis size on the Bridge with the Predator, before he's killed by the predator. Dutch would literally be f**king Duke Nukem.
Basically you are either going to love or hate this humour. Ur not gunna get the funny jokes and then the serious and paranoia like you did in the first Predator film. Your just gunna get the jokes and funny one-liners till the end of this movie.
The Predators
I especially liked the one that's been captured the normal size predator. The CGI bigger Predator works pretty well but in some shots it looks a little too CGI and clunky. (That's to be expected) but overall the CGI predator looks cool, I also like his size and body physique. I think the decision to reshoot the day scenes into night works in favour for the upgrade predator, it was cool. The Pred dogs I think we're a wasted opportunity
Spoiler
the get killed off pretty quickly and the one that becomes friendly/lobotomize by a bullet seems to have its scenes cut-out. they could at least give it more human and Predator dog interaction. It's basically just turns up afew times and the humans get rid of it by throwing a ball. It's like just wandering around in the background like it's thick as f**k. I wanted more from this pred mutt.
Human Actors
If you like how the characters in films like The Avengers and Suicide Squad interact with each other with witty one liners and jokes, then you will like this team. You're not going to remember them like you did with the original cast of the first Pred film. I never hated any of them, but not many of them stood out for me. I like Boyd Holbrook as an actor but he seems to give of the same vibe like he does with his previous films and TV shows, and thats being a cocky badass. It sorts of works for this tone of predator film. The only other person I really recognised was Alfie Allen. I was worried that all I was going to see is Theon Greyjoy from Game of Thrones, but surprisingly that never happened. I am also glad that the boy was not annoying. He ain't no memorable child actor but he was not annoying. The rest of the team were a mix bag for me. Jake Busey characters should have got more screen time. I wanted to know more about his family's history but he was just some random scientist in the lab. have to admit I prefer the cast from Predators over most of this cast, but overall the casting was ok.
Music
Had loads of cues from the original predator film was ok.
Gore and violence.
Alot of CGI over kill but has one or two cool kills. My favorite
Spoiler
when we see the first Pred who hanged the dude from the tree. The predator then gets knocked unconscious why its invisible. Above the Invisible Predator, is a half torn body and the blood falls from the humans guts on to the Invisible Predator. You start to see the shape of the face of the predator in human blood then the predator opens its eyes.
also a funny kill was
Spoiler
when the boy is wearing the predator helmet and his gone trick or treating and his helmet blows up that person who threw something at his head.
also love
Spoiler
when the upgrade Pred punches the regular predator in the face and rips his head off.
What annoyed me.
Why I liked most of the jokes and witty one-liners I think they should of toned down a little when the shit hits the fan. Also they is one or two cringeworthy quotes that is a homage to the first film. All I say, it's a new take on "you one ugly mother f**ker" and "get to the chopper" felt a little forced to me. But rest on what I remember worked well enough.
The film has a lot of jumping and action scenes were the humans are taking some major hits from their surroundings like getting thrown about by the predators or jumping from Great Heights, especially later in the film. Then they seem to be fine and get up easily and walk away without any serious injuries. Yes I know Dutch fell from a waterfall in Predator and almost got blown away by the predator committing suicide. but That Fall from the waterfall/cliff itself felt like he could do some serious damage if he hits the water the wrong way. Stunts back then were mostly done by stuntman so the shot feels more real and grounded. These days CGI stunts can be over the top and overkill. Btw this is more of a nitpick from me. Some of you might not have issues with it. I had this problem in watching alien Covenant when Daniels was hanging off the ship why the ship was taking off.
The first predator Encounter.
Spoiler
just wished he had more screen time. As soon as the Upgrade predator gets his hands on him, he's dead. Would have been nice to see a little bit more screen time. Why I'm glad we never got the human team up it makes you think how much was cut with this predator. Same with Pred dog team up would like to see more interaction
The big reveal at the end. Not really a negative, I just don't no what to think of it?
Spoiler
obviously set up for a sequel and more Predators are going to come. that predator human suit looks cool but it looks like a human size mini Predator. Would rather the suit was made by humans that have reverse engineered stolen tech from the predators. Then predators giving us a suit of armour that they have designed for us puny humans for the next battle.
What I liked
The pace of the film was good
Plenty of Predator kills and gore
Predators communicating with each other.
The preds look cool.
Music.
Some of the jokes were actually pretty funny.
The kids and the helmet scene.
When the ship
Spoiler
takes off and the main character get stuck between the shield of the ship. Thought it was original
Spoiler
the upgrade predator using the voice translation took in the pred ship was cool.
They is probably loads of other stuff I can't think off right now? The film was above average for me, but below being great somewhere in the worth a watch category. give it a solid 7 out of 10. Has its moments.
