Predator Reaction Highlights

Okay, here's the full Predator/Alien breakdown (No spoilers): The franchises started complete independent from each other. "Alien" came out in 1979 and was a gamechanger in the sci-fi thriller genre (Some say it is among the scariest films of all time). Its first sequel, "Aliens", came out in 1986 and is more sci-fi action than thriller. It is one of the few movies where people say the sequel is as good as the original film (I think it's because they went in a different direction instead of trying to duplicate the original). Then "Alien 3" in 1992 and "Alien: Resurrection" 1997, which are...not as well regarded. "Predator" (This film) came out in 1987, and then was followed by "Predator 2" in 1990. "Predator 2" is not as good as the first film, but it's not a complete loss provided you go in with lower expectations. While they were making the sequels to both franchises, there were several comicbooks, video games, and novels that explored the "Alien vs. Predator" concept. Some were trashy schlock, some were legitimately amazing. The idea of two 'classic' sci-fi movie monsters battling it out was nerd fantasy. When the studios thought they could make money off the concept in theaters, they made two films: "Alien vs. Predator" in 2004, and "Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem" in 2007. The AvP movies are a mess. I went in with high hopes, but the first was a generic letdown despite the premise, and the second was just...bad. It's unfortunate, but you'll be hard pressed to find any defenders outside of the "So Bad its Good" area. After the box office failure of AvP:R, both franchises went back to their own independent films again. The next "Alien" film was "Prometheus" (2012), which was "okay", but not what people wanted from an "Alien" film. Then they made "Alien: Covenant" (2017), which I'll be honest and admit I never even got around to watching. For "Predator" they did "Predators" (2010), which like "Prometheus" was also "okay" but also not what people wanted. Then they did "The Predator" in 2018, which I ALSO never even got around to watching. Both franchises took a break at that point, because fans had turned away after so many films that couldn't hold up to the original. Things turned around in a big way last year with "Prey", the next "Predator" film. I say with 100% sincerity that that movie is a MASTERPIECE. We're talking "This deserves an Oscar, this should spawn a fan convention by itself, I am refreshing the website DAILY looking for when it is set for a physical release (October 3, 2023)". It captures all of the movie magic of the previous films at their best, while simultaneously delivering its own unique spin on the franchise. So, with all that said, here's my recommendation for what to watch for the channel: Watch the theatrical version of "Alien", and then the Director's Cut of "Aliens". You can watch the rest of the "Alien" films if you want, but they're nothing really special so don't feel the need to "finish" the series if you don't want to. Personally, I stop after "Aliens" because I feel it's the right place to stop. Watch "Predator 2" for a bit more universe worldbuilding. You can watch the other two "Predator" movies as well if you want to, but again, not necessary. Skip the AvP movies unless you go in prepared to riff and mock. If you try to take them seriously, you'll just be bored and frustrated. Watch "Prey" and prepare to have your mind BLOWN.

JBK405