The past few Predator movies were forgettable drek. Then along comes Prey. In the first few scenes, it is clear this is not the same rehashed crap of the past. I am sure the studio was wringing their hands when director Dan Trachtenberg planned to use an all Native American cast. This decision, along with many others, are what make this outing for the languishing Predator franchise really shine.
The plot is unremarkable. The Predator comes to earth in the eighteenth century, Midwestern USA to hunt. The big, transparent lug stumbles upon some frontier knuckleheads. He slices them up with the “schwing” of a blade. Limbs fly, blood splatters, super fun times.
Then our snarling hog-faced spine collector meets uber badass Native American hunter, Naru, (Amber Midthunder.) Naru is not like the rest. She pays attention to details. She uncovers her adversary’s weaknesses. I really enjoyed watching this character learn and grow, ultimately outsmarting the Predator. Trachtenberg avoided all the classic Mary Sue tropes, giving Midthunder room to fully realize the character. Mostly, her character fails a few times. Midthunder nails the performance and is a joy to watch.
I will spare all the spoilers, but suffice to say, the journey is bloody, the stakes are sharp, and the ending is sufficiently “I ain’t got time to bleed” and “fock you asswhole!” Jesse Ventura and Arnold Schwarzenegger gave the movie a big thumbs up, which is a solid endorsement.
Great scenery, good music, French fur trappers losing limbs. What more could you want?
