Predator is a 1987 science fiction action horror film directed by John McTiernan, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Elpidia Carrillo, and Bill Duke.  The story follows the leader of an elite special forces team who are on a mission to rescue hostages from guerrilla territory in Central America.  However, the group are secretly stalked and hunted by a technologically advanced form of extraterrestrial life.

Positives:

• Good performances
• Great soundtrack
• Good cast
• Good characters
• Great action
• Good practical effects
• Good make-up effects
• Interesting story

Negatives:

• Spotty CGI

Predator is the story of a group of Commandos are on a mission to rescue prisoners when they are stalked and attacked buy an extraterrestrial Hunter. This story is really edge of your seat and highly entertaining especially after the gradual reveal.  The ending was really epic and really satisfying.  (3 out of 5)

The characters are pretty likable with very fleshed-out personalities. Dutch (Schwarzenegger) is the leader of the group and is a hardened soldier but isn’t flat. Billy (Landham), Mac (Duke), Blain (Ventura), Poncho (Chaves), Hawkins (Black), and Dillon (Weathers). Anna (Carrillo) is a pretty cool character although she could’ve had a bigger role.  The Predator (Hall) is the main antagonistic force and is a very menacing and mysterious character. (4 out of 5)

Terrific performances by the main and supporting Cast. The cast includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, Jesse Ventura, Sonny Landham, Richard Chaves, and Shane Black have great chemistry together.  Kevin Peter Hall is fantastic as the Predator.  Elpidia Carrillo is great as Anna. (3 out of 5)

The film has pretty good visuals. Although the cloaking does seem a bit dated it still looks decent. The Predator creature design is actually really good especially the mixture of makeup and costume effects. There are certain moments where the quality does seem a bit poor. (3 out of 5)

The score is actually really good. The music is beautifully crafted by Alan Silvestri and does emphasize an isolating feeling.  (4 out of 5)

There is also a good sense of direction in the editing to help to make this a very effective film.  John McTiernan does a really good job of building suspense within the film and emphasizing the characters. Probably out of all the deaths Poncho’s could’ve been utilized better and not just knocking him off to have Dutch isolated.  The script could’ve opened up for Dutch, Poncho, and Anna taking on the Predator then having Poncho die in the process.  (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Predator is a really good film. Despite the dated CGI effects the film does have a great story, great characters, good performances, great use of practical effects, and a killer soundtrack. Predator 3 out of 5.