Predator was a great action movie with a well-choreographed attack on the guerrilla camp and a very proficiently crafted movie... It is how a monster movie should be done, with expertise, savoir, Stan Winston and John MCcTiernan, the only director I know who can direct a horror movie, a thriller and an action movie...
Great Kevin Peter Hall (sorely missed) and Arnie Boy, who traded Terminatrixes and Predators for anothe type of predator: the California constituents...
Seriously though, amazing movie, a reference for the genre horror/action A movie... Solid script, solid and diverse characters and acting, great production design and fantastic sets (Dutch's free fall scenario is still breathtaking...)
Though Predator 2 was a good, solid counterpart to the original Predator movie, it lacked panache but had the most amazing 15 minute debut I have ever seen until then... Absolutely amazing... but didn't like the Predator's helm (what's with the pointy jaw...?) but it's face, Stan-Winston quality all over it... So, for me, a good sequel, but not as enticing and as brilliant as the original was...