Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Arc Developments
Predator 2: A worthy sequel that delivers on the promise of its predecessor
Predator 2 is a 1991 American science fiction action film directed by Stephen Hopkins and starring Danny Glover, Gary Busey, Ruben Blades, Maria Conchita Alonso, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Peter Hall as the Predator. It is the second installment in the Predator franchise, and a sequel to the 1987 film Predator. The film follows Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Mike Harrigan (Glover) as he investigates a series of mysterious murders and discovers that the perpetrator is a Predator, an extraterrestrial hunter who has come to Earth to hunt humans for sport.
Predator 2 was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $57 million worldwide against a production budget of $20 million. The film was praised for its action sequences, special effects, and performances, particularly Glover’s. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the best action films of the 1990s.
Plot
In 1997, Los Angeles is a city plagued by violence and crime. Lieutenant Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) is a LAPD detective who is investigating a series of mysterious murders. The victims are all hardened criminals, and their deaths are unusually brutal. Harrigan soon realizes that the killer is not human, but an extraterrestrial hunter known as the Predator.
The Predator is a technologically advanced alien who has come to Earth to hunt humans for sport. It is armed with a variety of deadly weapons, including a plasma caster, a wrist-mounted blade, and a cloaking device. Harrigan and his team must track down the Predator and stop it before it kills again.
Cast
- Danny Glover as Lieutenant Mike Harrigan
- Gary Busey as Agent Peter Keyes
- Ruben Blades as Lieutenant Danny Archuleta
- Maria Conchita Alonso as Leona Cantrell
- Bill Paxton as Jerry Lambert
- Kevin Peter Hall as the Predator
Themes
Predator 2 explores a number of themes, including:
- The nature of violence and evil
- The importance of teamwork and cooperation
- The dangers of hubris
The film’s depiction of violence is particularly noteworthy. The Predator is a ruthless and efficient killer, and its victims are dispatched in gruesome fashion. However, the film does not glorify violence. Instead, it shows the devastating effects that violence can have on both the victims and the perpetrators.
The film also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Harrigan and his team are able to defeat the Predator because they work together and pool their resources. This is a valuable lesson for everyone, especially in today’s increasingly divided world.
Finally, the film warns against the dangers of hubris. Harrigan is a skilled and experienced hunter, but he underestimates the Predator’s power. This mistake nearly costs him his life. The film teaches us that it is important to be humble and to respect our opponents, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
Critical reception
Predator 2 received positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its action sequences, special effects, and performances, particularly Glover’s. Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars, calling it “a well-made action thriller with a strong cast and a lot of suspense.” Variety called the film “a worthy sequel that delivers on the promise of its predecessor.”
Legacy
Predator 2 has become a cult classic and is considered one of the best action films of the 1990s. The film has been praised for its action sequences, special effects, and performances. It has also been cited as an influence on other action films, such as the Die Hard franchise.
Predator 2 has also been parodied and referenced in popular culture. For example, the film’s iconic line, “Get to the choppa,” has been parodied in numerous films and television shows.
Conclusion
Predator 2 is a well-made and entertaining action film that delivers on the promise of its predecessor. The film has great action sequences, special effects, and performances. It also explores a number of important themes, such as the nature of violence, the importance of teamwork, and the dangers of hubris. Predator 2 is a worthy addition to the Predator franchise and is a must-see for fans of action films.
Review Score
7.5/10
