Predator: Badlands' Review: A Fresh Take for Franchise Fans?

As an avid moviegoer and a devoted fan of the entire Alien/Predator franchise—including all the films, series, and even video games—I approached the latest installment, Predator: Badlands, with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. The franchise has certainly had its ups and downs, but I found myself genuinely intrigued and, surprisingly, quite fond of this new entry. L

et’s be clear: Predator: Badlands doesn’t strictly adhere to the typical thriller and suspense-driven narratives established by the franchise. And you know what? That’s exactly why it works.

Breaking the Mould, Keeping the Thrills

For years, Predator films have relied on a proven formula: an elite group of humans, isolated and hunted, slowly picked off by a technologically superior alien hunter. While this formula has delivered classics, it can also become predictable. Badlands dares to pivot, injecting a fresh energy that might initially surprise long-time fans.

I appreciate a film that takes risks, and while Badlands might deviate from the pure cat-and-mouse tension we've come to expect, it replaces it with something equally compelling: engaging action and a surprising streak of humour.

There were a few genuinely funny moments that got me chuckling, providing a much-needed break from the otherwise intense sequences. These weren't forced or out of place; they felt organic to the characters and the unique situations they found themselves in. This blend of adrenaline-pumping action with well-timed levity kept me engaged from start to finish.

A Cinematic Experience Worth the Ticket

In an era where streaming dominates and many films feel designed for the small screen, Predator: Badlands absolutely stands out as a must-watch in the cinema. The scale of the action, the crisp sound design, and the overall immersive experience are all amplified in a theatre setting.

Compared to many of the other releases currently gracing multiplexes, Badlands offers a unique blend of spectacle and character. It's a film that commands your attention, drawing you into its world and delivering on the promise of explosive entertainment. It feels like a movie made for the big screen, an increasingly rare sentiment.

For fellow fans of the Predator universe, or simply for anyone looking for a genuinely entertaining action film that brings something a little different to the table, I highly recommend checking out Predator: Badlands. It might not be the Predator film you're expecting, but it just might be the one you didn't know you needed.