The Predator

At least it didn't push the "strong and independent woman" narrative

The Predator attempts to expand the lore of the franchise but does so in a way that often feels over-the-top and poorly executed. While introducing new concepts, such as Predator dogs, the film leans too heavily on CGI, sacrificing the practical effects and suspenseful atmosphere that defined earlier entries in the series.

The writing is mediocre at best, with the film relying heavily on ex machina moments that remove any sense of tension or logical progression. This is the first Predator film where nearly everything feels conveniently placed to push the story forward, rather than allowing events to unfold naturally. The attempts at comedy could have worked in moderation, but they are overdone to the point of being distracting, further diluting the film's identity as a sci-fi action thriller.

The character of the young McKenna boy had the potential to add depth to the narrative, but his role is so exaggerated and poorly handled that it becomes almost parodic. The film forces the idea that his autism makes him "the greatest warrior", a concept that is not only contrived but also offensively reductive. It's unclear who this subplot was meant to appeal to. Is it children, who shouldn't be watching a film filled with graphic violence, or adults, who will likely find the execution patronizing and forced.

Adding to the film's flaws is its desperate attempt to fulfill diversity checkboxes, incorporating women, children, and disabled characters in ways that feel more like obligations than organic storytelling choices. This kind of forced inclusion does not enrich the story but instead detracts from it, making the film feel disjointed and lacking a clear identity.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, The Predator does introduce some interesting technological concepts, particularly the "Predator Killer" suit, a piece of alien technology that could have been a fascinating addition had it not been another blatant ex machina moment. The film also introduces direct communication between Predators and humans, an idea that, while unprecedented in the franchise, is handled with mixed results. While it somewhat aligns with the established hunter's code, it also diminishes the mystique and menace that made the species so compelling in earlier films.

One minor relief is that The Predator avoids the heavy-handed "strong independent woman" trope that has plagued other modern franchise reboots. However, this does little to redeem a film that is, at its core, obnoxious, inconsistent, and overly ambitious. It aggressively expands the Predator universe far too quickly, introducing too many elements without the proper world-building or pacing to make them feel earned. While it doesn't outright destroy the established lore, it certainly stretches it to an uncomfortable degree.