Review by Isaiah Ridley: 'Predator: Badlands' returns the Predator to its roots

The "Predator" franchise has gone through an odd trajectory, beginning with two classic films before spiraling into an unexpected form of mediocre to abysmal outings. My formative childhood years are clear and vivid with memories of action, horror, science fiction and martial arts films granting me the necessary escapism.

"Predator" (1987) and "Predator 2" (1990) are two of the greatest action/science-fiction films of all time featuring an iconic alien creature with intricate and interesting lore in different periods. What makes the Predator an interesting character with its mythology is it is not the standard formulaic affair of villains. They are an honorable tribe of species traveling through different periods of time seeking challenges. For them, the hunt is what matters, securing the prize in the form of engaging in battle as the sole reason for their existence.

Predator lore has had them facing unique challenges in the form of Xenomorph aliens, wild west gunslingers, Native American warriors, samurai, pirates and World War scenarios of combat. I grew up watching both "Predator" films to the point of memorizing every piece of dialogue during my childhood, acting out every scene and repeating the process all over again the next day.

I fell into the belief the "Predator" films began their downward spiral after the late, great Kevin Peter Hall passed away. He was the actor/stuntman who portrayed the iconic alien, bringing a unique level of grace, beauty and intimidation, and his unusual height made him the perfect candidate for the role. No one has been able to capture the essence of the Predator the way he did. And the quality of films suffered after his passing.

"Predator: Badlands" brings the familiarity of the Predator lore while exploring the concept by taking it in a new direction. Director Dan Trachtenberg helmed "10 Cloverfield Lane," "Prey," "Predator: Killer of Killers," and with this current outing the story centers on a young, isolated outcast of the Yaujta warrior tribe named Dek. Dek is viewed as the weakest of their species who will never amount to any level success in claiming a trophy as a means of solidifying their dominance as elite warriors.

As a means of proving his worth, Dek finds himself exiled onto a hostile planet where nothing is known to have survived on their quest to claim a trophy that is mysterious as well and spoken in tales as being invincible. Dek meets a synthetic being from the Weyland Yutani Corporation named Thia, portrayed by Elle Fanning, who had past meetings with Yaujta warriors, all of whom experienced the harshness of the death planet on which their fates are uncertain. Dek and Thia must rely on each other if they are to overcome the never-ending death trap of the planet itself.

I must admit my expectations for this film were at a reasonable low level because past disappointments with "Predator" cinematic outings. I absolutely despised "Aliens vs. Predator" and "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem," "Predators" was decent, and "The Predator" was another OK venture, viewed as a guilty pleasure rather than the feature defined as innovative. "Predator: Badlands" proved to be an ultimate step in the right direction in having the lore return to its familiar roots. One of my reservations was the change in the rating system. The first two "Predator" films receiving an R rating captured visceral violence, action and fight sequences without feeling the need to tone down the brutality. A PG-13 "Predator" story is a foreign concept to say the least.

They successfully maintained brutality with creative ways of combat and the action sequences without eliminating the excitement/shock factor. Fanning portraying the synthetic being known as Thia interacting with the Predator was an interesting choice. Past science-fiction films had a a collection of human characters as a means of establishing character development with authentic emotions.

Thia interacting with the alien warrior utilizing her universal translation module allows the viewer to understand the language of Dek himself, for example, scenes involving the Predators speaking to one another depicted in their Yaujta language. The translation of dialogue exchange is in subtitles for the viewers. Scenes between Thia and Dek offer a fresh perspective with Thia using her universal language modulator deciphering Dek's words without the need for subtitles.

For the first time in a long while, I must admit "Predator: Badlands" builds a bridge in the right direction, returning its concept to the practicality, mystery and excitement of the first two "Predator" films. The action sequences, visual effects, refreshing and interesting dialogue brought emotional resonance without it feeling forced. While there are changes to the initial lore of the Yaujta concepts from past storylines, my experience with this viewing reminded why it is important for films of this scope to receive a theatrical treatment. Nothing of this level is destined for a smaller screen treatment, and witnessing the Predator returning to its roots is refreshing and appreciated.

Admittedly, while there is an abundance of familiarity, there is also a different take on the lore of these characters. Despite the clear, obvious differences compared to its predecessors, I found "Predator: Badlands" gave me the same entertainment, excitement and escapism from my childhood. It receives a resounding 10/10 and two thumbs up for once again providing the reminder that films like this make the theater a genuine experience.

To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.