Predator: Badlands Review - A Pointless Yet Enduring Franchise, Eaten by Its Own Success
The long-running Predator franchise, a roach-like creature of unkillable endurance, has once again found itself in a state of flux. This time, it's the umpteenth iteration, 'Predator: Badlands', which attempts to reboot the classic 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The question arises: is this reboot a welcome addition or a pointlessly redundant entry in an already over-saturated genre?
The film introduces a young predator named Dek, played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, with a peculiar set of mandible-like teeth. The story takes a turn when Dek's father, a stern predator, plans to kill him due to his perceived weakness. Dek escapes and embarks on a mission to reclaim his predatorial honor by hunting a monster called the Kalisk, which even his father fears. However, the narrative takes an unexpected twist when two synth twins, played by Elle Fanning, enter the scene.
One synth, Thia, is a goofy and fallible character, forming an odd-couple friendship with Dek. The other, a ruthless and efficient hunter, effectively negates the franchise's identity. The film's central issue lies in its attempt to humanize the Predator, making it sympathetic and vulnerable, which ultimately dilutes the franchise's core appeal. The sheer pointlessness of the plot and the loss of the Predator's iconic status subtract from the overall experience, despite Fanning's stellar performance.
In conclusion, 'Predator: Badlands' is a franchise that has started to eat itself, struggling to maintain its unkillable status in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape. The film's attempt to reboot the classic Predator formula falls short, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment and a longing for the original's unadulterated thrill.
