Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: John McTiernan, 20th Century Fox, MA117 Minutes.
In many respects ‘Die Hard’ director John McTiernan’s 1987 release of ‘Predator’ has become synonymous with classic sci-fi movies, following Arnold Schwarzengger’s powerful performance in a role that cemented his place as a dynamic action star in future films.
McTiernan’s suspense-filled storyline begins with the tough Major Dutch Schaefer (Schwarzengger) leading a group of commandos on a mission at the behest of CIA operative Colonel Dillon (Carl Weathers – ‘Rocky’) to supposedly rescue some potential survivors from a shot-down helicopter.
After locating the helicopter in the dense jungle Dutch is told by Dillon that they must also find a minister presumably taken prisoner by rebel forces, instead they discover a terrified woman, Anna (Elpidia Carrillo – ‘Salvador’), and the first dead body.
Dutch is subsequently told by Anna that the further deaths of his men are mainly due to a human-like figure emitting laser-like energy blasts with flashing green eyes and if shot-at leaves a green-glowing fluid on the ground.
It soon becomes clear to Dutch and the remaining members of his team that they are dealing with an extra-terrestrial enemy with enormous powers, together with the ability to use a futuristic camouflaging device to makes it invisible.
Knowing that they have become the hunted while the alien predator (Kevin Hall) has become the hunter Dutch selects a special spot and makes a crudely-crafted bow with gunpowder-infused arrows before covering himself in mud.
With the torch being lit to the specially built bonfire the stage is now set for the projected fatal confrontation between human and predator as Dutch disables the alien’s invisibility device by discharging the first of his explosive arrows.
McTiernan’s exciting rendition of ‘Predator’ resulted in a second instalment being released, only this time under a different director and cast members–except for Hall reprising his role as the predator not to mention the remake in 2018.
But the major highlight is Schwarzengger’s stand-out performance, stealing the show (along with Hall’s portrayal of the predator) in almost all the scenes as he did in ‘The Terminator’ two years earlier.
Predator is being televised on 7MATE at 9.30pm on Friday 26 February.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
