ReelBob: ‘The Predator’ ★½
By Bob Bloom
“The Predator” is to science fiction what Velveeta is to cheese — a poor substitution.
The movie is the latest iteration of this franchise, which began in 1987 with “Predator.” Several sequels and offshoots followed, until we’ve reached the point that we should have expected an “Abbott and Costello Meet Predator”-type of spinoff.
“The Predator” features two aliens, a secret government agency that monitors extraterrestrials and a smart woman scientist — and Group 2, a band of misfit soldiers.
Basically, a cast of stock characters that we have seen numerous times before.
The plot diverts down a few avenues that fail to unite and create a cohesive whole film.
It’s mindless action with the Predator killing several earthlings in various gruesome ways, while the humans who are hunting it spout scientific claptrap 
that does more to confuse viewers than advance what little plot exists.
The feature is more science foible than fiction; logic and credibility are AWOL.
“The Predator” was directed by Shane Black, who specializes in fast-paced, action-buddy movies that are heavy on thrills and light on plot and character development.
Black co-wrote the movie with Fred Dekker, and it utilizes that overused formula.
This low-art, mindless looney tunes will keep you entertained as the likeable psychos of Group 2 trade quips, as they hunt the dangerous creatures and bond over their various mental ailments.
Among the stranger subplots is one concerning Predators that try to improve their species by incorporating human blood and DNA (at least, that what I think it is).
The aim, supposedly, is so the aliens can take over the planet after humankind becomes extinct because of climate change and other manmade disasters.
Ah, social and political relevance! And you thought this was your typical bloody thriller.
Among the cast members are Sterling K. Brown as the nameless, jovial black-ops agent who is willing to sacrifice anybody and everybody to achieve his aims.
Young Jacob Tremblay, who was so outstanding in “Room,” plays the gifted young son of a decorated Army Ranger who the government is trying to silence for discovering a downed Predator spaceship.
He seems to have more brains than the majority of the adults — and aliens — who have taken an interest in him.
Olivia Munn is the scientist who would rather study the aliens than kill them.
Stretching credulity is the casting of Jake Busey (“Starship Troopers”) in the small role of a scientist studying a wounded, captured alien. Luckily, he’s not around for long.
As with most action films today, “The Predator” aims to take the franchise in a new direction and use this movie as a springboard to future features.
You can only hope that it dives into the shallow end of the cinematic pool, hits its head, suffers amnesia and forgets that asinine idea.
I am a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
THE PREDATOR
1½ stars out of 4
(R), graphic and bloody violence, language, sexual reference