Predator

I watched Predator again after about ten years. I can state without exaggeration that this film is more perfect than I thought. Even after all these years, a group of tough mercenaries hunted by an alien skull hunter captivates with a perfect atmosphere that benefits especially from the creeping voyeurism of the camera and Silvestri's unnerving music. Keeping a firm hand on all this is director McTiernan, who was one of the absolute best in the action genre in the 1980s... and went crazy in the 1990s. (06/08/2009)

One of the movies I grew up on. A captivating atmosphere augmented by Silvestri’s music, an invisible, mysterious and cunning enemy and a team of soldiers led by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who in 1987 was enjoying his best years (and me too, in fact ;). A classic. I still have a VHS cassette with German dubbing and a simultaneous Czech translation. (28/09/2006)

John McTiernan brilliantly portrays the fear of unknown danger. Even the scene of the massacre of the camp, although I'm not too keen on it, has its place. The viewer is surprised that this bunch of supermen who can easily dispatch an overwhelming number of mercenaries, have to bow down to a mysterious evil. And the ending, Arnold with the resources of a Stone Age hunter fighting a stronger predator, is a treat. Together with Conan the Barbarian, this is Arnold’s best movie. (15/07/2002)

First-class and now deservedly legendary action movie, whose director managed to get the most out of the minimum. But that was back when John McTiernan still had form and didn't direct nonsense like his last few outputs. Predator has all the attributes that a proper action movie should have: tough heroes, a merciless killer, gripping atmosphere, excellent use of the harsh nature, which with the help of solid camera work often instills fear even without the direct presence of the hunter. And last but not least, there is also the great Arnold, who is tougher than the whole terrorist camp combined. A milestone that became a classic of its kind a long time ago. (15/01/2008)

Say "action movie" in front of me and I'll probably say Predator. From start to finish, this thing goes at a hell of a pace and doesn't let up for even a second. The direction, the realistic action, Silvestri's elaborate music and the jungle setting make you feel that something is lurking behind every other liana. Even though I know Predator by heart, I always enjoy watching it again. (14/06/2009)