Predator: Badlands reshapes the genre classic in the new film

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Unless you’re casting a bigger net for audiences in counterbalance to notions of thinning theater turnouts. Chefs temper recipes to appease pallets, but risk losing the characteristic that defines the dish in the exchange. For director Dan Trachtenberg, evolution of the Predator universe is the crux with his third offering in the franchise. Having helmed the well-received Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers, he might not have only earned that liberty but changing the wheels may help keep the train moving. And voila, 20^th Century Studios brigs the saga’s first non-R rated feature (PG-13), stock with comic-relief.   

Emotional plot tones develop characters 

Reframing the lens, Trachtenberg fosters that growth and distinction centering the story on the Predator species, referred to as The Yautja. A fresh protagonist, young Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, The Panthers) is seen as a feeble pariah by his father and clan of intergalactic hunters, guided by unflinching ethos. The Yautja make stoic bros look like animal shelter volunteers Propelled to establish his respect and earn retribution, Dek leaves their planet on a dangerous quest to retrieve the head of a fearsome apex prey, the Kalisk. Struggling to navigate the unforgiving planet of Genna, Dek encounters the Felix Ungar to his Oscar Madison in this outer space Odd Couple action fest. Elle Fanning (Maleficent) stars as Thia, a jovial synthetic entity of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation on a recon mission. 

Convincing Dek she can help him track down the elusive Kalisk, the averse warrior teams up with the affable droid and boy do the laughs ensue. Throw in a small, cute creature by their side and you’d swear it was a Marvel flick. Series’ fans seemed satisfied with Arnold and Carl Weathers arm wrestling while alien killers tracked humans by their body heat. But perhaps it’s because so many pictures of similar genres lace dialogue and scenes with humor, accompanying the more suitable rating, that other releases trace the stencil. On another note, Trachtenberg implores this element to again broaden the scope and cultivate viewers emotional investment in the characters. Making Dek relatable as he wrestles with validation and belonging, we witness growth, Thia stealthy mentoring sensitivy through the tale’s turns. The emerging understanding contrasts his kind’s nature.

Set and costume design go the distance

The crisp and enveloping visuals of the planet’s varying landscapes keep you grounded in the momentum, while the detailed and credible design of the creatures may top the previous films. Although separated from her team of synths, her impersonal robot-twin Tessa (also Elle Fanning on double-duty) and the Weyland-Yutani crew find our heroes, as they too seek the Kalisk for possible regenerative properties it may offer humans. Lacking Thia’s compassion, Tessa’s unconcerning methodology carries conflict Dek’s way. Just like a big corporation to pillage for profit. As the stakes intensify, tastefully the needless banter fades, leaving a captivating climax reflective of what entertained you in the earlier offerings. Bonds and beliefs are tested as both parties’ quest for the perceived trophy steer towards annihilation. Surprisingly under two hours, the film leaves nothing on the bone, and you craving another serving.