The R-Rated Sci-Fi Sequel Takes Violent Franchise To New Heights On Max
The 2010 sci-fi action film Predators is streaming on Max. Directed by Nimrod Antal, the movie features Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, and Laurence Fishburne. The story revolves around a group of individuals who find themselves on a planet functioning as a game reserve for two opposing extraterrestrial tribes. Together, they must strive to survive and find a way back to Earth.
Predators Has A Stacked Cast
Predators opens with Royce (Adrien Brody) waking up in an unfamiliar jungle. He soon discovers that he is not alone as others, including Cuchillo (Danny Trejo), Nikolai (Oleg Taktarov), Isabelle (Alice Braga), Mombasa (Mahershala Ali), Stans (Walton Goggins), Hanzo (Louis Ozawa Changchien, and Edwin (Topher Grace), also find themselves in the same bizarre predicament.
A Predator Hunting Ground
As the team explores the jungle, they find empty cages and deadly traps left by a deceased Green Beret soldier. The discovery of an alien sky cements the suspicions that they are no longer on Earth. Royce’s deductive skills come to the forefront as he realizes they are on a Moon used as a game reserve, where predators hunt deadly creatures and humans.
New Predators New Problems
After a brutal attack by alien beasts, the survivors, now aware of their predicament, must contend with three larger Predators known as Tracker, Berserker, and Falconer. The group faces losses, with Cuchillo and Mombasa falling victim to their extraterrestrial foes. They eventually meet Noland (Laurence Fishburne), a U.S. Air Cavalry soldier who has managed to survive by outsmarting the Predators.
The Predators Aren’t The Only Enemy
Noland reveals the Predators’ modus operandi, their blood feud with Super Predators, and the brutal truth about their fate as prey on this deadly Moon. Royce, driven by a desire to return home, devises a plan to outsmart the Predators and return home. But as sacrifices are made and alliances crumble, finding a way back home becomes less likely.
A Box Office Hit
Predators delivers a relentless, action-packed tale that explores the primal instincts of survival in the face of deadly extraterrestrial adversaries. The film’s twists and turns, coupled with intriguing characters, make for a thrilling viewing experience. Predators performed moderately well at the box office, earning over $127 million worldwide against a production budget of around $40 million.
No One Thought Adrien Brody Could Be An Action Star
Predators received mixed to positive reviews from fans and critics. While some praised its action sequences, atmosphere, and nods to the original, others found fault with the character development and certain plot elements. Adrien Brody’s casting as the lead, a departure from the muscular action heroes traditionally associated with the franchise, also generated some debate.
Decades Betwene Films
Rodriguez drafted an initial script for a third Predator film for 20th Century Fox while working on Desperado. However, the script was rejected due to budget constraints. After 15 years, the studio decided to revisit the idea. In 2009, 20th Century Fox reached out to Rodriguez, proposing using his script to revive the Predator franchise.
We’re Still Waiting On A Sequel
The film was produced under Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios banner instead of 20th Century Fox, allowing Rodriguez more creative control. Initially, there was speculation that Rodriguez would direct, but in July 2009, Nimrod Antal was officially chosen as director. Although it didn’t reach the critical acclaim or cultural impact of the original movie, Predators is a decent addition to the franchise.
