The Predator franchise is one of the best franchises to make it out of the 80’s.  It’s has had some ups and downs along the way but has maintained a place in pop culture throughout the decades.  This latest installment is a great addition to the franchise.  The Predator has sacrificed the suspense from the majority of the franchise for a more thorough plot, character variety, and an appropriate comedic presence.  Pay attention and you will get all sorts of good nods to the franchise that ties this Predator movie right into continuity.  The Predator was highly entertaining from start to finish and was a great modern edition to the 80’s muscle porn bad assery that we all loved.

The casting was excellent for what this movie is.  Heavy acting is not needed for this franchise, however a believable character and situations is key and The Predators cast goes well above that.  Boyd Holbrook (Quinn McKenna) plays this movies resident Army Ranger bad ass.  It’s not a role he is new to and plays that role well.  Sterling K. Brown (Traeger) plays your typical government goon with a slightly edgier tone that works well for this movie.  Olivia Munn (Casey Bracket) plays the scientist called in to assist and adds another entertaining character to the ensemble.  Full disclosure, I have been a huge Munn fan since the days of AOTS although that really had no bearing on my judgement.  The rest of the supporting cast provide a great dynamic that drives this movie.  Thomas Jane (Baxley), Keegan-Michael Key (Coyle), Alfie Allen (Lynch), Jake Busey (Keyes), and Yvonne Strahovski (Emily) bring their veteran skills to the table.  While new comers Trevante Rhodes (Nebraska Williams), and Augusto Aguilera (Nettles) bring fresh faces and good portrayals along with them.  Together they make one of the better supporting casts this year.

There was speculation on whether or not this was a Predator movie we needed, and we sure did.  It takes the franchise in a slightly different direction then the sci-fi thriller the others are or attempt to be.  With this new direction comes a more sustainable franchise that can have a deeper plot rather than just big aliens hunting humans.  The plot expands The Predator universe while keeping continuity as to not negate the previous films you may or may not enjoy.  With the summer blockbusters having passed by if you are looking for an action filled entertaining movie then this is it.  If you are a huge fan of the franchise you will really enjoy this addition.  The Predator is gory and vulgar so be wary of bringing your children.  So crank up the nostalgia and get to the choppa cause there’s no time to bleed and go see this movie.