One of the taglines for this sequel: First Hunt. Last Chance. On a remote planet in the future, an alien outcast from his clan teams with a mutilated android and embarks on a perilous journey in search of the creature that represents the pinnacle of unbridled ferocity. As they learn from each other and their hazardous surroundings, it becomes clear that the threats within must be overcome if there is any hope to conquer the dangers beyond them.
Predator: Badlands is a thrilling adventure that puts the audience in the point of view of an alien Yautja warrior on a mission of redemption and revenge as we become invested in his success while witnessing his growth in character with the allies he makes and the adversaries he must face to survive. Dan Trachtenberg directs another solid entry in the Predator franchise that brings a new perspective to the growing mythology while dropping connections to the Alien franchise and potential sequels. Patrick Aison delivers a screenplay from a story by Aison & Trachtenberg based on characters created by Jim & John Thomas that keeps some of the established lore while building an exciting narrative. Elle Fanning & Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi are the standouts in the cast with roles that drive the plot of the movie in ways that bring a practical understanding to situations that are truly alien and futuristic. The music in this theatrical installment faithfully continues the legacy of exhilarating scores with Sarah Schachner bringing her unique style like she did in Prey & Benjamin Wallfisch brought his traditional sound like he did in Predator: Killer of Killers as the build on the themes by Alan Silvestri. This is a fun watch that has elements of the previous films in the franchise as well as movies like Enemy Mine, After Earth and Pitch Black with relatable characters in situations not beyond the realm of human understanding. I rate this live action sequel a rating of 4 out of 5.
