Prey

Firstly let's be honest, no matter what they do they will never match the original or even the 1990 sequel. Not that they are"classics", more just the fact they are very much of their time and I'm sure most people view those two films through rose tinted glasses. Especially the original Schwarzenegger film.

Yeah I like Prey, it's a solid action film that holds your attention throughout even if it's a little predictable what the outcome would be. But predictable doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. Some great action scenes and the story has a few nice and subtle links to the past movies.

Way better than the two Alien crossovers and ahead of 2018's The Predator, although that may be because setting this 300 years ago gives it a new perspective.

Worth watching, out of the 7 "Predator" movies I'd say this falls smack bang in the middle but films like this are what they are, either you're gonna like it or you don't.

This felt more like a Disney toned-down for family version. Too much nonsense with the tribal dynamics and Naru's empowerment issues. The first half of the 99 min runtime was just dragged out with a lot of dull filler and too much gender correctness. Only the last half got a little exciting but got ridiculous at the end to see a little girl with an axe do better than the Terminator did against an advanced alien with high-tech gadgets. I just wasn't buying what the script was selling.

Although casting and performances were decent, the all-young cast seemed like they were missing uploading their Instagram stories instead of hunting. They just weren't convincing enough, except for the brother and, well, the Predator. I'm not sure if it was poor cast direction or part of the script or both, but either way, I wasn't emotionally invested in the characters at all and had trouble taking them serious. However, the cinematography and score were decent. This film is not what I expected, or wanted, but still an ok one-time watch if you're a fan of the franchise. Just don't go in thinking this will be a revelation of an origin story, because it's far from that.

Criticisms first: The most unbelievable thing about this movie is the yo-yo tomahawk, not the 7 foot alien. This is something an 8 year old thinks of, tries it, then realizes that their imagination wrote a check that reality can't cash.

A trend in sequels lately is frequent and in your face callbacks to the original, like in Top Gun: Maverick (great movie, but too much in my opinion). There's a few in this movie that could've been done without. I just like a sequel to stand on its own more. Some people will disagree, just my preference.

Aside from that, it's probably the best Predator sequel to date. The bar is pretty low, but I really enjoyed it. It's not the woke movie early reviews says it is, just don't expect oiled body builders wielding machine guns. The Predator in this movie is big fan service and not the big headed clunky versions in previous sequels, but a deadly, agile, killing machine.

Great soundtrack too, it's got hints of Last of the Mohicans vibes.

For a period piece too, it's pretty accurate...except for the yo-yo tomahawk. I'd love to see a follow up!

I think Prey did an excellent job at crafting a fresh new story. Let's face it, predictor sequels and spin-offs have felt more like a money grab. But here there's a real story that cleverly weaves a number of story lines together to spin up this intriguing edition.

Amber Midthunder more than holds her own and keeps the pace moving. And the movie does a great job at leveraging the historical context for maximum effect.

Big thumbs up from me.

-Great visuals and music -Very atmospheric feel...the wilderness feels like a character of its own which makes it the most immersive movie of the franchise -I could be very critical of the script and the fact that there are not much memorable characters/not much nuance but this is a predator movie not call me by your name 2 ... -Very satisfying action (some of my favourite in the series ) apart from one scene with bad cuts (Naru vs the other comanche guys) -Also good pacing and length..doesn't overstay its welcome and I'd watch a sequel... I recommend.