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Predator 2
Danny Glover goes head to chest with the rampaging space invader in this sequel to the Arnie hit. A slick sci-fi thriller boasting wall-to-wall action, plus support from Bill Paxton and Gary Busey
The first Predator film, released in 1987 and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was a frenetic sci-fi action movie that effectively gave the big guy (that's Arnie, not the alien) a leg-up into the big league. This time round the seven foot Predator (again played by Kevin Peter Hall) is stalked through LA by Lieutenant Mike Harrigan (Glover) and the result, contrary to the most basic laws of sequels, frequently threatens to exceed the original. It's set in the future (well, 1997), and Harrigan is the harried cop attempting to police a city ruled by violent drug dealers and brutal gangs. Into this war zone strides the Predator - a spear-wielding, human-hunting alien on Earth to bag a few heads. Warned away from the creature by the FBI who, it transpires, hope to put the alien in the service of the US military, Harrigan tracks the creature to its lair. However, not only is the Predator a ferociously fearsome foe capable of becoming invisible, he's also accompanied on this hunting trip by some pals. Denied the element of surprise that made the alien's entrance in the first film so memorable, here director Stephen Hopkins ups the ante by giving the creature an awesome arsenal and a bad attitude. The action, in fact, is relentless, intense and skilfully orchestrated, and Hopkins makes ample use of neat effects and great design - point-of-view shots from Predator's perspective and footage of a disintegrating LA. Glover isn't Arnie but he's a capable action man, and a decent supporting cast (Paxton in particular) provide plenty of background colour. Keep an eye out, by the way, for a cheeky little reference to Alien. Verdict Gung-ho space invader action delivered with plenty of style and verve. Neat effects, big explosions and hectic pacing ensure there isn't a moment to stop and think. |
