I Watched ‘Predator: Badlands’ Right After ‘Predator’ 1987- WTF Happened To This Franchise?

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Okay, so I finally watched the original Predator from 1987, and then immediately jumped into Predator: Badlands. Honestly, I’m a bit baffled by where this series went! I’d somehow never gotten around to seeing the classic, but I was excited for the new one. I’m a huge fan of epic sci-fi like Dune and Star Wars, so anything that feels like that really grabs me. While monster movies aren’t usually my thing, I was hoping Badlands would deliver. I definitely intend to watch the other Predator films, but the difference in feel between the first two is just… strange. It’s stuck with me, and I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Predator: Badlands isn’t just a new step for the Predator series; it reflects how much blockbuster movies are changing. I appreciate that director Trachtenberg wasn’t afraid to reimagine a well-known story with a completely different look for modern viewers. I usually prefer the big, space-based Predator movies, but there’s a certain charm to the older films, like the original with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the jungle. While Badlands is a welcome addition and has been well-received, it’s also important to consider what we might have lost along the way.

The Road From ‘Predator’ to ‘Predator: Badlands’ Shows the Development of Action Movies


20th Century Studios

A lot has changed in the movie business over the 38 years between the original Predator and Predator: Badlands. It’s obvious, but looking at these two films together really highlights how things have evolved.

One thing I really loved about the original Predator was the final fight between Dutch and the Predator – it had no dialogue at all. That’s especially striking when you compare it to the newer film, which feels like it can’t go a minute without a joke or a silly sound effect. The silence in the original scene is powerful; it builds tension and keeps you engaged without needing tricks or gimmicks. It’s a carefully paced, subtle sequence that perfectly captures the feeling of the hunt and is incredibly effective.

The film Predator subtly implies a Cold War backdrop without getting weighed down by lengthy explanations. The jungle setting itself is central to the story, creating a sense of danger and mystery. It’s a simple approach, but very effective. Compared to recent science fiction films like Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune, which focus heavily on creating elaborate, digitally-created worlds, Predator relies on atmosphere and suggestion rather than extensive world-building. These newer films prioritize visual spectacle over the subtler thematic elements that once defined the genre.

I’ve always felt modern blockbusters try too hard to be massive. It used to be that a thrilling adventure in one location was enough, but now everything has to jump to space, connect to other movies, and set up endless sequels. With Predator: Badlands, I’m definitely excited about where they could take this – the ending hints at so much potential, especially with those Alien connections! It feels like they’re building towards a really ambitious AVP crossover, and the wider setting opens up a whole universe of possibilities. But honestly, I miss the simplicity of the original Predator. There was something special about that self-contained story, and I worry we’re losing that in all the expansion.

The original Predator is a tight, 90-minute film where Dutch ultimately triumphs over the alien hunter. While the story felt complete on its own, the Predator itself was such a compelling villain that it naturally led to sequels, expanded universes, reboots, and spin-offs. This isn’t necessarily a negative development, but it’s refreshing to appreciate how a perfectly self-contained story can exist as both a piece of art and enduring entertainment.

‘Predator: Badlands’s Biggest Weakness is Blockbuster Conformity


20th Century Studios

I don’t want to criticize Predator: Badlands too much. Although its story and ideas aren’t as complex, it still tells a good story about family and friendship. I just wish filmmakers had more confidence in their viewers. While it might be necessary for movies to rely on familiar franchises to attract audiences who prefer streaming, the constant, rapid editing and lack of thoughtful shot composition feels like the film industry is catering to the style of short online videos.

I might be showing my age, but I think Predator: Badlands is a really good movie that unfortunately falls into some of the predictable traps of modern blockbuster filmmaking. It’s an exciting story with a well-developed world, clearly made by someone passionate about the Predator franchise and science fiction, but it feels too similar to other films. I enjoyed watching it and hope it brings audiences to the theater, but I’m hoping director Dan Trachtenberg’s next project will be even more original. The original Predator was groundbreaking and influential, while Badlands relies too heavily on ideas we’ve seen before.

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2025-11-08 23:50