Tag: Predator

Predator: Badlands – Exciting New Film Highlights and Insights

Armored soldier with a rifle standing in a desert during a lightning storm at sunset.

Everyone, how could I possibly not have known about this new film? My flicking through Disney+ came to an abrupt halt. A new Predator film. Predators or Yuatja have gone up against Aliens (the rib-cracking ones) and Arnold Shwarzneggar for God’s sake!

Predator: Badlands is a 2025 American science fiction action film directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison from a story by Trachtenberg and Aison. It is the seventh installment in the Predator franchise and stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi in leading roles.

Predator: Badlands is an absolute blast—a fresh, exhilarating, and surprisingly heartfelt entry in the Predator franchise that breathes new life into the iconic Yautja hunters while delivering nonstop thrills.

The story follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Yautja “runt” cast out from his brutal clan on Yautja Prime. Desperate to prove his worth to his unforgiving father and earn his place as a true hunter, Dek sets off for the nightmarish death planet Genna. His goal? To slay the legendary Kalisk—the ultimate, seemingly unkillable adversary that even seasoned Predators fear. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic (android) who’s lost her lower body but retains sharp wit, resourcefulness, and a surprising amount of heart. Their odd-couple dynamic—gruff alien warrior and clever, talkative synth—becomes the emotional core of the film, blending humor, mutual respect, and genuine growth as they navigate Genna’s lethal ecosystem.

What makes Badlands stand out is how boldly it expands the Predator mythology. We get immersive glimpses into Yautja culture, clan dynamics, and their ruthless honor code, all without slowing down the pace. The homeworld opening sequence is gripping, setting up Dek’s internal conflict perfectly: he’s not just hunting for trophies—he’s fighting for acceptance in a society that values only strength. Once on Genna, the planet itself becomes a character, teeming with deadly flora, ferocious fauna, and environmental hazards that keep the tension sky-high. The action set pieces are inventive and visceral, blending practical effects with seamless CGI for some of the franchise’s most creative hunts and battles yet. From high-tech Predator weaponry to brutal close-quarters combat, it feels raw, tactical, and immensely satisfying.

Visually, the film is a triumph. Trachtenberg and cinematographer Jeff Cutter craft breathtaking, alien vistas that make Genna feel both beautiful and terrifying. The Predator suit work and movement (brought to life with impressive physical performance from Schuster-Koloamatangi and his team) look fantastic, while the creature designs—including the Kalisk and other Genna threats—are imaginative and menacing. The score pulses with energy, enhancing both the quiet character moments and the explosive action.

Performances elevate the whole experience. Schuster-Koloamatangi delivers a compelling, mostly nonverbal turn as Dek, conveying vulnerability, determination, and quiet growth through body language and those iconic Predator mannerisms. It’s a bold choice to humanize the “brute” without losing his edge, and it works beautifully—you’re genuinely rooting for this outcast hunter by the end. Elle Fanning is a standout as Thia; she’s charming, funny, and resilient, turning what could have been a sidekick into a fully realized partner whose banter and ingenuity provide perfect counterbalance to Dek’s stoicism. Their chemistry crackles, turning survival into something warmer and more meaningful. The supporting cast, including the clan dynamics back home, adds weight and stakes without overcomplicating things.

At its core, Predator: Badlands is about more than just hunting—it’s a story of found family, redefining strength, and learning that true worth comes from connection and adaptability rather than raw dominance.

Five stars out of five from me. An absolute must-watch.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: From Bodybuilder to Hollywood Icon

Arnold Schwarzenegger has built one of the most iconic and influential acting careers in modern cinema—transforming from a bodybuilding champion with a thick Austrian accent into one of Hollywood’s most bankable and recognizable stars. His journey is not just impressive; it’s genuinely inspiring.

The first time I saw him was in my granny’s house. It was The Terminator, and despite my protestations, I was brought off to bed. To have nightmares, as it turned out, even after only watching it for a few minutes. It set my imagination alight. What would I do if Terminators were sent back in time to kill me? I decided I’d just die. A few years later, I saw the whole film. I was still impressed, and a little less terrified.

Of course, this was his defining role. As the relentless cyborg assassin, Schwarzenegger delivered a performance that was both chilling and strangely magnetic. His mechanical precision, stoic intensity, and unforgettable line—“I’ll be back”—cemented him as a cinematic legend. What makes this performance so remarkable is how he transformed what could have been a simple villain role into a cultural icon.

But what truly distinguishes Schwarzenegger’s career is his versatility. He didn’t stay confined to action. In Terminator 2: Judgment Day, he added emotional depth and surprising warmth to the same character, proving his growth as a performer. Meanwhile, films like Predator showcased his ability to carry high-stakes ensemble action with intensity and leadership.

Then came comedy—an unexpected but brilliant turn. In Twins, Schwarzenegger displayed impeccable comic timing opposite Danny DeVito, revealing a self-awareness and willingness to parody his own image. He continued that charm in Kindergarten Cop, balancing toughness with heart in a way that broadened his audience and proved he was more than just muscles and catchphrases.

Another standout is Total Recall, where he navigated a complex sci-fi narrative with conviction and physical commitment. His performances often blend physical discipline with a subtle wink of humor—a combination that few action stars have mastered.

What makes Schwarzenegger’s acting career so positive and enduring is not just box-office success but cultural impact. His characters are instantly recognizable. His lines are quoted decades later. His films defined the action genre of the 1980s and 1990s. And through it all, he embraced his uniqueness rather than conforming.

It all started with Conan the Barbarian. Still, a great film if you haven’t seen it. He had the perfect physique for the role after his years of bodybuilding. I only saw this many years after seeing his other films. It still resonated.

Here’s to Arnold Shwarzeneggar.. what an actor.

Review of Prey (2022 Film)

Well ladies and gentlemen, finally a “woke” film to truly savor. Although not stated in the title, this is a Predator film. The alien must prove that he is top of the food chain, as we know from the other Predators films. There will be death and glory.

What’s unique about this particular film is where and when it is set – The Great Plains in 1719. And the Predator comes up against The Comanche. It is the stuff that dreams are made of. The other films always alluded to the fact that Predators had been visiting Earth for a very long time and now we finally get to see one of those scenarios play out.

The film centers around a female commanche called Naru. She sees herself as a great hunter but her brother and mother would much prefer if she stayed in the kitchen so to speak. As to be expected with a film in these modern times, she turns out to be the true hunter. And she does it in true style.

During a hunt she spots the alien, although not realizing it is a monster from another world. She resolves to take it down to show her tribe that she is the real deal.

What follows are some great action scenes. It is brutal, with no quarter given exactly as you would expect. Of course, evil Europeans show up for a while but thankfully they are laid to waste.

The ending is good but I would have liked an alien ship to appear to salute our heroine. Overall, I give this film four stars out of five and highly recommend you watch it.

Well that’s it from me, for now. Don’t forget to subscribe!