Rating of
3/4
Time to Go Native
Chris Kavan - wrote on 09/02/22
This is the best Predator film since, well, Predator. The film takes us back in time to a Comanche tribe where Naru (and excellent Amber Midthunder) only wants to proves herself as much a warrior as her brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers) - who is the best warrior around. Forget lions and bears - it turns out a visitor from much farther away will be her test - and the difference between life or death for her tribe.
The film manages to highlight both indigenous people - and in a respectful way - but also gives Midthunder a lot to work with and, as far as I'm concerned, she joins Ripley and Sarah Connor on the all-time badass list. From tomahawk throws to bow and arrow skills, not to mention a very loyal canine companion, she won't back down in the face of danger, and is also a deft hand at herbal healing. It turns out both her warrior and medicinal skills are just as valuable when facing an other-worldly threat. Speaking of that threat, while some people like to complain that the Predator would wipe the floor with such primitive people and weapons, this version seems more like a scout - or a loner - and while certainly advanced, doesn't have quite the same technology as seen in the later films. And he must fight up the food chain - animals first, then man - and it turns out that just because you have a gun doesn't mean you are any better off - smarmy French Canadians.
Prey has a good balance of action, tension and story. Even the end credits are worth watching! It hits all the right notes, so if you want a good night in, this is one to watch.
