"Predator: Badlands" is a daring departure from the familiar formula that has defined the franchise. Here's a reevaluation of this sci-fi adventure, written with its own distinct voice.
In "Predator: Badlands," director Dan Trachtenberg takes on a bold new role by upending long-standing traditions in the series. What if the Predator is not the villain we've come to expect? Can it be that the creature doesn't always lose? The stage is set for this thrilling ride, which pits Dek, a young Yautja with a compelling backstory, against the most feared hunter in the universe – the Kalisk.
On the unforgiving planet of Genna, everything from trees and leaves to bugs seems determined to kill. Amidst this deadly landscape, Dek crosses paths with Thia, a synthetic Weyland-Yutani who has been torn apart by the planet's creatures but offers to aid him in his quest. Fanning shines in both roles, lending authenticity to her characters as they traverse Genna.
As the story unfolds, the film's electric action sequences expertly navigate our expectations of Yautja and synthetic interactions. The unpredictable nature of Genna's deadly flora and fauna brings a fresh excitement that propels us through twists and turns alongside Dek and Thia.
Throughout the adventure, nods to both "Predator" and Alien franchises abound, including the appearance of Weyland-Yutani in its most recent films. A power loader makes an exciting cameo, while third-act surprises delight fans of the original 1987 film. Trachtenberg has carefully crafted these elements to create a thrilling ride that honors the franchise's legacy.
One potential criticism is that "Predator: Badlands" may lean slightly towards a more traditional hero's journey. Dek and Thia pick up a new companion, Bud, in this narrative – a move some might see as Disney-esque. Nonetheless, I found the new perspective to humanize Dek rather than dilute his intimidating persona.
For those unfamiliar with "Predator," "Badlands" will deliver an entertaining sci-fi adventure. For long-time fans of the franchise, the movie is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that delves into the unknown world of these mythical creatures. It's not for lack of human interest in Dek that he doesn't engage in blood-soaked battles with humans; instead, it allows us to revel in the thrilling action sequences we've grown to love.
Trachtenberg has once again deftly flipped the script on our expectations while keeping everything we love about "Predator" intact. With its fresh take and electrifying set pieces, this film is a true standout in an already esteemed franchise – not an alternative or imitator but rather a new chapter written by one of the filmmakers who knows these creatures from within.
In "Predator: Badlands," director Dan Trachtenberg takes on a bold new role by upending long-standing traditions in the series. What if the Predator is not the villain we've come to expect? Can it be that the creature doesn't always lose? The stage is set for this thrilling ride, which pits Dek, a young Yautja with a compelling backstory, against the most feared hunter in the universe – the Kalisk.
On the unforgiving planet of Genna, everything from trees and leaves to bugs seems determined to kill. Amidst this deadly landscape, Dek crosses paths with Thia, a synthetic Weyland-Yutani who has been torn apart by the planet's creatures but offers to aid him in his quest. Fanning shines in both roles, lending authenticity to her characters as they traverse Genna.
As the story unfolds, the film's electric action sequences expertly navigate our expectations of Yautja and synthetic interactions. The unpredictable nature of Genna's deadly flora and fauna brings a fresh excitement that propels us through twists and turns alongside Dek and Thia.
Throughout the adventure, nods to both "Predator" and Alien franchises abound, including the appearance of Weyland-Yutani in its most recent films. A power loader makes an exciting cameo, while third-act surprises delight fans of the original 1987 film. Trachtenberg has carefully crafted these elements to create a thrilling ride that honors the franchise's legacy.
One potential criticism is that "Predator: Badlands" may lean slightly towards a more traditional hero's journey. Dek and Thia pick up a new companion, Bud, in this narrative – a move some might see as Disney-esque. Nonetheless, I found the new perspective to humanize Dek rather than dilute his intimidating persona.
For those unfamiliar with "Predator," "Badlands" will deliver an entertaining sci-fi adventure. For long-time fans of the franchise, the movie is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that delves into the unknown world of these mythical creatures. It's not for lack of human interest in Dek that he doesn't engage in blood-soaked battles with humans; instead, it allows us to revel in the thrilling action sequences we've grown to love.
Trachtenberg has once again deftly flipped the script on our expectations while keeping everything we love about "Predator" intact. With its fresh take and electrifying set pieces, this film is a true standout in an already esteemed franchise – not an alternative or imitator but rather a new chapter written by one of the filmmakers who knows these creatures from within.
The way it subverts our expectations and makes Dek's journey so compelling is actually really inspiring 
I think it's dope that they're humanizing Dek, but not at the expense of his intimidating persona 
It's like, we get to see him in a new light and still have all the adrenaline-fueled action we crave 
And let's be real, Fanning is absolutely killing it in both roles 
The nod to Alien and other franchises is also super cool 
I'm just hyped for the new perspective on these mythical creatures and how they're redefining what it means to be a hero 
. Fanning kills it in her roles, and I love how Thia adds a fresh perspective to the mix 
IT'S SO COOL THAT THEY DECIDED TO MAKE THE PREDATOR NOT ALWAYS BE THE BAD GUY, YOU KNOW? DEK IS SUCH A FASCINATING CHARACTER AND FANNING SHINES AS HIM AND THE SYNTHETIC! 
THE PLANET OF GENNA IS LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF A DREAM, ALL DEADLY AND AMAZING AT THE SAME TIME. I LOVED HOW THEY CAME UP WITH THESE WILD ACTION SEQUENCES THAT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT. 
AND OH MAN, THOSE NODS TO THE ALIEN FRANCHISE ARE SO COOL, I DIDN'T EVEN EXPECT THEM! 
She's literally the QUEEN 
of this movie. I love how they subverted our expectations and made us root for Dek instead of just the typical human protagonist. It's like, who says heroes have to be all tough and stoic? 
The action scenes are INSANE 
. Overall, this movie is a GAME CHANGER 
for Predator fans and newcomers alike! It's like, fresh takes on classic tropes but still staying true to what we love about the franchise. Can't wait to see what Trachtenberg does next!!! 
. The way Fanning shines in her dual role is incredible 
. Can't wait for more of these thrilling adventures! 
I feel like the writer is saying that Predator: Badlands is trying to be different and do its own thing, kinda like how some games on gaming forums are all "hey, let's break the formula!" 
But honestly, can we just get a movie where Dek and Thia just chillin' on Genna for 2 hours? 
I mean, I love action movies and all but sometimes you just wanna see people enjoy the scenery, you know? 
Anyway, it sounds like the director is trying to bring something fresh to the table and I'm here for that! 
! The whole Yautja-synthetic vibe is so fresh, and Dek's character is totally compelling - we get to see his vulnerability and humanity shine through in a way that's both intense and authentic 
And let me tell you, the action scenes are straight fire 
. Can't wait to see what other surprises this film has in store for us!
. And that power loader cameo? Mind blown 
! But what's got me thinking is how this film flips our expectations of the Predator franchise on its head 
. I mean, we're used to seeing these creatures as total antagonists, but now we get to see them from a different perspective 
. It's like, can we root for Dek despite being Yautja? The action sequences are still insane 
. Overall, it's a fresh take that honors the franchise while introducing new ideas 
. dan trachtenberg's direction is also top-notch, expertly balancing action and suspense with some really nice nods to the original films 
. overall, i think this is a great addition to the predator franchise and fans of sci-fi should definitely check it out 
. I get it, it's a move to humanize Dek, but sometimes I feel like it disrupts the momentum of the story. Still, overall, I think "Badlands" is an exhilarating ride that does everything right – fresh take, electrifying set pieces, and a healthy dose of respect for the franchise's legacy 
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. And can we talk about those action sequences?! They're insane! 
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. One thing that might be a bit of a bummer for some fans is the traditional hero's journey vibe, but I think it actually adds depth to Dek's character