Alien at the Movies

Predator: Badlands

It’s “Predator” meets “Aliens” meets “Alpha” when a young Predator, Dek, is sent on a rite of passage mission to hunt & to prove himself. These Predators are a fierce species of lone warriors called the Yautja. Dek is considered the runt of the clan. Against his father’s wishes, Dek is sent to Genna, known as the death planet, to hunt the planet’s most dangerous & invincible creature, the Kalisk. Dek is totally unprepared for all of this planet’s deadly plants & creatures. Adding to Dek’s dilemma, the Weyland-Yutani Corporation has also sent their minions to secure another prize that they plan to exploit. However, Dek discovers two unlikely allies in his quest to obtain his trophy. Elle Fanning has a dual role of Thia & Tessa. Fanning not only provides English translations (the Yautja only speak their alien tongue) but also provides some comic relief. With all of alien creatures & this alien planet itself, the film is heavily CGI & looks great. It has terrific special effects & lots of action. The film gives a huge nod to “Aliens”. This is a coming of age & a heroic avenger story. At the conclusion, there is a hint of who we might see in a possible sequel.

Alien gives it 3 “wolf pack mentality” stars out of 4.