Predator 2 (1990) Review

"We've got a new player in town." - Lieutenant Michael Harrigan.

The Predator is back. This time, Los Angeles 1997, in the midst of a drug war between rival Jamaican and Colombian gangs. Lieutenant Michael Harrigan (Danny Glover) soon finds that there is more to fear than the gangs, as the Predator starts hunting down members of the police force. Released in 1990, directed by Stephen Hopkins (known for A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child), the odds were stacked against this sequel to the popular 1987 original. With no Arnold Schwarzenegger or John McTiernan, Predator 2 wasn't well received upon its initial release. However, I think there are a number of ideas in Predator 2 that improve upon the first film, and think that after hearing people's reasons of not liking the film, it seems that the majority wanted it to echo the original more. Maybe this is why there was a more satisfactory feel to 2010's Predators, but I'll be looking at that film next time.

The first thing that stands out as a major difference from the first film is the setting. In the original, the human characters and the Predator were isolated in a South American jungle, which helped to build suspense as the commandos are trapped in an almost alien environment, with no other humans except for the rival Guerillas. This time, the Predator is let loose on the streets of Los Angeles, attacking subway trains and the headquarters of the drug gangs. With such a drastic change of environment, Predator 2 shows how the titular monster adapts to hunt in a different location, adding to its character of being an intelligent alien. This is further demonstrated in two sequences in the film, both of which building on an idea established in the original: the Predator having a code of honour. The two sequences in question are when the Predator chooses not to kill two characters. The first is a boy carrying a toy gun, who spots the Predator whilst playing. Upon scanning the toy, the Predator realises the boy is not a threat, and promptly ceases aiming its shoulder cannon at him. The other is when the Predator attacks Detective Leona Cantrell (Maria Conchita Alonso), but again refuses to kill after noticing she is pregnant. Adding to the previously established characteristics whilst also offering the audience something new with the change of location, Predator 2 makes the Predator a more fascinating creature than before. On top of that, there is more Predator screen-time than its predecessor, exactly what anyone should expect from a sequel.

Action wise Predator 2, for me, offers bigger and better set pieces. The final encounter between Harrigan and the Predator is the standout moment of the film, with the fight going from inside a slaughterhouse, to the roof, through an apartment building, and eventually facing off inside the Predator's ship. There's an added treat of seeing an Alien skull inside the ship,  which would inspire the Alien vs. Predator franchise. This fight scene is not only larger in scale compared to the final fight in the original, there is also use of new Predator gadgets such as a spear, throwing disk, and different vision modes. Seeing all of these weapons used in the fight makes for a visual delight, and further stacks the odds against Harrigan. The previously mentioned subway scene is also a highlight, just due to the amount of chaos that ensues upon the Predator's arrival. In fact, its hard to think of a scene that isn't intense. Whether it's another Predator attack or Harrigan's short fuse, in particular when he confronts Special Agent Peter Keyes (Gary Busey) about the Predator. These sequences of Harrigan's no-nonsense attitude to police work and his pursuit of the Predator make for an entertaining lead, which helps as Danny Glover is of course less of a physical presence than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Overall, I'd say the choice of lead actor and the writing make for a fresh alternative, rather than simply rehashing ideas from the first film.

With all my positivity and listed reasons towards considering Predator 2 a worthy sequel, it still baffles me as to why people are so quick to dismiss it. I welcome an alternate approach to the sequel, as it means it will not be a clone of the first film. If I want was done in Predator, I'll watch Predator. I think Predator 2 is worth checking out, and it may grow on people who give it a second chance after being initially disappointed following on the original.

Pros:
+ More Predator screen time.
+ New location for the story, provides more potential for the Predator character.
+ Bigger and better action sequences.
+ Engaging lead character.

Cons:
- Only one scene (Harrigan visiting a friend's grave) that provides any break in the action for a sustained amount of time. Even then, the scene ends with Harrigan feeling intimidated. A few more subtle scenes would have given the later action sequences even more punch.

Predator (1987) Review

"If it bleeds, we can kill it."- Dutch

Before John McTiernan really announced himself as a great action director with the release of 1988's Die Hard, little did he know that he would kick-start another hugely popular franchise the year before. Following on from the success of Predator was a sequel, two crossovers with the Alien franchise and a reboot/sequel which ignored everything that came after this film. However much the later films polarised audiences, there is no denying that the original is a classic of action/science-fiction filmmaking, and introduced one of the most memorable aliens ever depicted on film.

The plot is simple: an elite squad of commandos are hunted down on what seems like another routine rescue mission of hostages. Along the way, they begin to realise that their enemy is not of this world, and must do whatever they can to make it out of the jungle alive. Without being hampered by such a simple plot, Predator manages to stand out in its genre for three main reasons: memorable characters, fantastic action sequences and, best of all, the design of the titular monster. Starting with the characters, we have the lead role of Dutch, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Throughout his career, much has been made of Schwarzenegger being best suited to action roles, garnering a reputation of being unable to act in any other genre. In Predator, I think Arnold is at his best in terms of delivering his lines convincingly. He'll always be remembered for playing the Terminator, as his semi-monotone delivery of the dialogue perfectly fits the role of a robot. He doesn't do anything particularly spectacular in Predator,  but given his reputation as being a "one note" actor, I think his performance here is one that should be viewed favourably. His physical presence makes him the stand out of the group, and very clearly shows that he is the leader of the team. Starring alongside him are other "tough guy" actors such as Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed in the Rocky films) and wrestler Jesse Ventura. The supporting cast are all memorable due to McTiernan establishing each member of the team's personality, with Dillon (Weathers) being the outsider having tagged along against Dutch's wishes of his team always working alone. The other soldiers are defined by their roles in the team, with Hawkins (Shane Black) being the joker, Billy (Sonny Landham) tactically analysing enemy attacks and Anna (Elpidia Carrillo), a woman in the company of the hostage takers, explaining the possibility of the Predator being otherworldly: "the demon who makes trophies of man". 

All the characters get to prove their usefulness to the team throughout the many action sequences in the film, and Predator delivers some of the best action you will ever see. Not just for the amount of explosions and body count, but for the different situations the characters are placed in where the action unfolds. Early on in the film, we are treated to a shoot-out between the commandos and the hostage taking Guerillas. The cinematography is excellent here, with low-angle shots following the soldiers who are thrown from their hiding spots, and with the camera tracking each of the heroes as they make their way through the encampment. Accompanying this scene is some the most memorable (and cheesy) one-liners uttered by the heroes, such as "payback time", "I ain't got time to bleed", "stick around" (uttered after a soldier is pinned to a post with a dagger) and "knock knock", as Dutch kicks a door down and fires away at more soldiers. When the Predator arrives, however, things get serious and the action style shifts, along with the character's personalities. No more one liners whilst attacking, with the team realising they are under threat by something more deadly than enemy soldiers. This is exemplified by the change in personality of Billy, whom before was established as a no-nonsense killer and tactician. He is the first character to sense there is danger after they have completed their mission: "There's something out their waiting for us, and it ain't no man. We're all gonna die." The final confrontation between the Predator and Dutch is a suspenseful cat and mouse game, with each of them trying to outsmart the other, favouring stealth at first until leading to a fist fight in which the Predator displays its dominance, by beating Dutch to a pulp. The variety in action sequences keeps Predator fresh and ensures the audience's attention is held, with the team developing new tactics to try and outsmart the Predator after each encounter.

If all that wasn't enough, the Predator creature itself will no doubt leave an impression on the audience. This alien is a fantastic design, created by special effects maestro Stan Winston, the man behind The Terminator's effects three years prior. Boasting an invisibility cloak, a shoulder cannon, wrist blades, infra-red vision and incredible strength and agility, the Predator is more than a match for the bad-ass team of commandos. McTiernan expertly uses this impressive arsenal to further the film's suspense, with each weapon being revealed through the different action scenes, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting to see what else the creature can do. For most of the film, the Predator remains invisible, leaving its appearance a mystery until the final stages. Even then, there is more to the creature than first suspected, as the Predator removes its mask only when deciding to fight Dutch one on one. Special credit must go to 7ft tall actor Kevin Peter Hall, who gives the Predator a personality through body language. Subtle head movements and dynamic poses make the Predator a more three-dimensional character, rather than simply being a rampaging monster with no distinguishable personality.

The Predator itself is probably the primary aspect of the film's long lasting appeal to fans of science-fiction and action films. However, there is plenty of soul to be found in Predator, with the human characters all being likeable and well portrayed. Add to the mix some classic dialogue ("Get to the chopper!") and you have a thrill ride of a film that delivers both action and visual awe aplenty.

Pros:
+ Terrific action scenes, varied throughout. 
+ Cinematography that compliments the action, not at all obtrusive (as is the case with many modern action films).
+ Very quotable dialogue, whether it be bad-ass or hilarious ("You're one ugly motherfucker").
+ Unique creature design.
+ Solid acting from all the cast.

Cons:
- Some predictable moments, with one character deciding to go after the Predator alone. No prizes for guessing how that encounter ends.

Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) Review

"I am a teacher and a leader" - Martha

Provocative, disturbing, and not easily forgotten, first time director Sean Durkin draws you in with his debut film, Martha Marcy May Marlene. Whether it be the stunning lead performance from Elizabeth Olsen or the unsettling atmosphere, I couldn't help but be completely engrossed in the story and characters. Martha Marcy May Marlene instantly left an impression on me, and its power can be testified through the fact that I consider it one of my favourite films of all time after just one viewing.

Right from the opening, the film builds suspense in the way it depicts the lives of a cult living on a farm, lead by the charismatic Patrick (John Hawkes). We see that the members of this cult all have a role to play on the farm, and that the women are possibly seen as less important than the men, as they are only able to eat together after the men are finished. One morning, without any explanation, Martha (Elizabeth Olsen) runs away from the cult, and she calls her older sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) for her to pick her up. Martha must then adapt back to her old life with her family, made all the more complicated with her getting to know Lucy's husband Ted (Hugh Dancy), while struggling to escape the trauma of her living with the cult for two years beforehand.

Martha Marcy May Marlene's real power are the performances, with Elizabeth Olsen of course being the standout. Throughout the film, we see the life she is living with her sister intertwined with her two years with the cult, and Olsen has to perform a massive range of emotions, from her initial happiness on the farm to her fragile state afterwards. She is completely convincing with how she portrays every stage of her character's life. I was looking forward to seeing Hugh Dancy's performance in this film, having been very much impressed with his portrayal of Will Graham in the television series Hannibal. He doesn't disappoint here, with his character being affected by the arrival of Martha into his life, Dancy is totally believable as man struggling to deal with his love for her as a new member of his family, and his frustration of her challenging his lifestyle. This makes for fantastic drama, aided by Sarah Paulson as Lucy, who is torn between wanting to help her damaged sister, and starting a family with Ted. It is the moments where all three of them are together that are the most memorable, with the tension between them growing with each scene, eventually leading up to a confrontation that is a brilliant culmination of the film's events. John Hawkes is also good, with his portrayal of cult leader Patrick not coming accross as the obvious "villain" role, but certainly with enough to make you feel uneasy for Martha and the other women living on the farm.

Alongside the stellar performances of the cast, are the thought provoking themes of corruption and identity, both of which play a big part in creating the film's surreal atmosphere. The depiction of the cult and the actions of Patrick present both themes side by side. Patrick renames all the women that join the cult, and subjects them to their initiation rights of sexual abuse, gaining absolute power and control over them. He renames Martha as Marcy May, and, combined with the dominance Patrick held over her, we begin to understand Martha's unusual behaviour when living with Lucy and Ted. Sean Durkin presents the effects these themes have on Martha as, appropriately, tragic. Martha's unstable grasp on reality and identity is cleverly depicted through her progression of strange actions, such as casually walking in on Lucy and Ted having sex and climbing into the bed, to mood swinging back into her Marcy May personality, echoing Patrick's words and advice to Lucy. Durkin further makes the audience sympathise with Martha's crisis with the use of cinematography, as we are made to feel almost as if we are sat alongside her. This is achieved not through fancy camera movements, but by simply allowing the scene to play out, with a slow, almost unnoticeable zoom in, adding to the tense exchanges and actions between the characters.

Some may not be as captivated by the film as I was, due to its surrealist nature and steady pace. However, Martha Marcy May Marlene held my attention from beginning to end, primarily due to the phenomenal central performance by Elizabeth Olsen and the equally impressive supporting cast. I was not distracted by the challenging themes and their depiction, but rather became more enticed as the characters developed and the story of Martha's two lives progressed. Any film that keeps me thinking about its characters, scenes and the overall impression it left on me, deserves to be recognised as fantastic filmmaking. And without any hesitation, I believe Martha Marcy May Marlene is one the greatest examples of this, and a film I will never forget, as I now consider it one of my all time favourites. Given time and further viewings, I may even consider it to be top of the list. 

Pros:
+ The acting is superb, totally compelling. 
+ Excellent use of cinematography draws the viewer in, very atmospheric.
+ Thought provoking themes  and their depiction will no doubt leave an impression on any viewer.
+ Non-linear story adds to the character development nicely, allowing the audience to sympathise towards Martha and become more engrossed in the events of the film.

Cons:
- Possibly should have been longer, as there is enough material to delve even deeper into Martha's warped mind, and therefore would create more opportunities for further drama and suspense. 

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Review

"There are no strings on me." - Ultron

With the trailer breaking Iron Man 3's viewing record on YouTube, Marvel's latest offering certainly knows how to build up the hype. A sequel to 2012's Avengers Assemble, one of the highest grossing films of all time, Age of Ultron reunites everyone's favourite superhero team to once again protect world. All the main cast from the previous film are back, and the trailer promises incredible action and just as much spectacle as its predecessor. After deliberately avoiding all the hype, I finally got round to seeing the film yesterday, and can honestly say that Age of Ultron satisfies both as an entertaining film, and as a sequel to one of the most highly anticipated films in recent years.

So what's new? Well right from the start, we are treated to what we come to expect from a Marvel film, with a fantastic action sequence involving all the Avengers. Wasting no time in reintroducing the team with a big action set piece is certainly a plus. Not only that, the action throughout the film is overall more impressive than Avengers Assemble, with a variety of chase sequences, one on one battles, and of course the big finale involving every character. With so much action, Age of Ultron could very easily have been crushed under its own weight, but thankfully there is plenty of focus on what I feel is the biggest improvement over the first film: the development of the characters.

What Age of Ultron gets really right is the emotional investment I had with pretty much all the characters. To start, each member of the Avengers, with the exception of possibly Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), all had their own agenda and went through changes as the story progressed. The primary focus of character development is certainly the growing attraction between the characters of Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). There is plenty of screen time devoted to their interactions with one another, and we see how the events of the film have an effect on thier decision to be together or not. Alongside this, we have Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) also getting far more development than he did in the previous film, with a portion of the film taking place at a safehouse where we meet his family. Hawkeye, for me, was certainly the least developed of the Avengers team in the last film. But now he is no longer under the influence of evil, we can get to know his personality better and see how being a member of the team impacts on the ones he cares about. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is very much as we've come to expect from his portrayal in the previous films: arrogant, egotistic, but with a good heart (or, in his case, a shiny blue one). However, his decisions in this film have the most impact on all the characters, with him wanting to create the ultimate peacekeeping program known as Ultron (James Spader).

Ultron is the films' primary antagonist. He serves as the Avengers' greatest challenge, as not only does he want to destroy them, he is conflicted as to how exactly he is supposed to carry out his mission of protecting humanity. This inner conflict is what makes Ultron another example of how this sequel improves on Avengers Assemble. Loki, while being memorable for his portrayal by Tom Hiddleston, is far less interesting than Ultron. Loki, like so many villains before him, simply wanted to take over the world, whereas Ultron's immature mind combined with having so much knowledge of the world implanted in his brain makes for a more three dimensional villain. James Spader gives a captivating performance, made all the more impressive by Ultron being portrayed through motion-capture and CGI. Ultron is supported by two other antagonists in the guise of twins Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Like with the Avengers, both characters are developed and go through changes, with their initial agenda being a personal vendetta against Tony Stark, whose military weapons were responsible for the death of their parents. Like Ultron, this makes  the twins more than just antagonists. I was able to sympathise with them, and therefore care about them, none of which was present in the previous film's villains.

Overall, Age of Ultron is a massive improvement over Avengers Assemble. It takes the concept of an entertaining superhero blockbuster and gives it plenty of soul. This is a film that goes beyond its supposed limitations of an action film, by providing the audience with plenty to think about and, above all, characters we care about.

Pros:
+ Plenty of action, well paced with the drama.
+ Dedication to developing the characters.
+ Solid acting throughout, particularly the antagonists.
+ Fantastic special effects.

Cons:
- Slightly overlong, scenes of the Avenger's hallucinations could have been cut down.
- The ending seemed rushed, and too similar to Avengers Assemble.
- Nick Fury's (Samuel L. Jackson) character is only there to do exactly what he did in the last film, getting the team together again.