The beginning of Predators is promising, whether you’re familiar with the character or not. A sense of fear is sparked immediately upon the estranged groups’ arrival to the densely unchartered jungle terrain. The dramatic tension from the typically thematic music relates to both the jungle and the unknown, with the combination  of higher metallic moans and grumbling jungle drums certainly createsing a wonderfully heavy atmosphere. It’s the perfect introduction to the fast paced action adventure thriller. It doesn’t take long to develop the weak and stereotypical personas of the group, and thus it is obvious from the outset that the main focus will be on the fight and escape sequences.

BY LAURA SHEARER

Sadly, swearing doesn’t compensate for the lack of dialogue strength. The plot is very basic and thinly spread out over the run time. There’s very little to think about. Any evidence to the narrative mysteries is laid bare with a mere scene or two in between explanations from the characters. Any topical thought process is quickly pushed to the side, as the Arnie replacement figure points out “it’s not important why we’re here, it’s how we get out.”

There are a few moments that encourage viewers to think that the group might stand a fair chance of survival. Their past knowledge of warfare and their revealing brutality sparks the suspicion that there may be more than just the usual single survivor. Surely with such a simple plot line this idea cannot stretch very far?

The ethnic stereotyping makes a bold 1950’s Hollywood statement, which honestly has no positive impact on the film. For fans of martial arts films, the Asian samurai warrior fight scene is a key example of this stereotyping, but highly enjoyable as a new take on the defeat of the predator character.

The homage to the original is very enjoyable and the geeky additions of other aliens, a new planet and some new predator figures really set this sequel apart from the rest. Arnie’s original is still much loved and will always have a place in many people’s filmic hearts, so it’s difficult to assume that this was a necessary production.

Predators is definitely a crowd drawer, and surely a crowd pleaser at that, but lacks the substance of the original. If you’re just looking for a nice slice of cheese to while away an afternoon, then this space romp is sure to do the job.