PREY - "Predator" DisVersity Sequel - August 5th (Hulu)

[AndyDursin]

Doesn't look like anything is going to stop Disney from exploiting their properties -- not even two failed attempts to keep this franchise going in the last decade!

https://deadline.com/2020/11/predator-m ... 234619728/

[AndyDursin]

Disney won't tell you how this movie measures up to PREDATOR -- but they will immediately tell you all about this movie's diversity and "accuracy" to the Comanche tribe.

The question now is whether or not the filmmakers are as "committed" to making a movie that's not a pile of ----.

The film features a cast comprised almost entirely of Native and First Nation’s talent, including Amber Midthunder (“The Ice Road,” “Roswell, New Mexico”), newcomer Dakota Beavers, Stormee Kipp (“Sooyii”), Michelle Thrush (“The Journey Home”) and Julian Black Antelope (“Tribal”).

Per a statement, the filmmakers were “committed to creating a film that provides an accurate portrayal of the Comanche and brings a level of authenticity that rings true to its Indigenous peoples.” Myers, an acclaimed filmmaker, Sundance Fellow and member of the Comanche nation herself, is known for her attention and dedication to films surrounding the Comanche and Blackfeet nations and her passion for honoring the legacies of the Native communities.

[AndyDursin]

I sure hope this kick-ass Indian heroine can hold her own against the Predator!

[Monterey Jack]

They...just can't help themselves, can they?

[Paul MacLean]

I might see it anyway. I have a thing for Native American women.

[Monterey Jack]

I might see it anyway -- because I have a thing for Native American women.

You and me both, brother.

[AndyDursin]

Apparently the main point of this movie was that it was going to originally get released without any tip off that the Predator was even in the film...they were going to market it entirely as an "native American action movie" then people would be excited once the Predator was revealed.

That makes a lot more sense than how it's been executed, seeing as the entire plot has been spoiled in its obvious premise (resourceful young Indian girl beats the male dominated tribal system and a technologically advanced alien villain!).

[Monterey Jack]

Apparently the main point of this movie was that it was going to originally get released without any tip off that the Predator was even in the film...they were going to market it entirely as an "native American action movie" then people would be excited once the Predator was revealed.

This is how Split was released, with ZERO indication that it was a "stealth sequel" to Unbreakable, and that's what made that reveal work so damned well.

[AndyDursin]

Undoubtedly would have helped the concept of this film.

[AndyDursin]

Movie is getting OK reviews but, curious, wasn't entertainment the primary goal of this film?

[Monterey Jack]

Movie is getting OK reviews but, curious, wasn't entertainment the primary goal of this film?

That's cute.

[Eric W.]

No thanks.

[AndyDursin]

I just want to know -- does she win at the end?

All kidding aside, I will watch it, but it's too bad it just seems SO predictable.

[AndyDursin]

Competent but boring. At least the first half. Will see what happens.

[AndyDursin]

7/10

Considering the low bar set by the sequels in the "Predator" franchise, Dan Trachtenburg's "Prey" is probably the best one, if only because lead Amber Midthunder is attractive enough to hold the screen and keep you watching this Hulu original movie -- the latest effort from Disney's "20th Century Studios", the former studio giant now reduced to a brand name plastered on top of cable TV films.

Before anyone gets too excited, director/co-writer Trachtenberg's handsomely lensed movie is really just one more remake in the guise of a sequel (or prequel), as it sets up the same basic scenario as the 1987 original, reconfigured to the Cheyenne territory of the Great Plains during the early 1700's. It also takes a long time to get going -- watching the Predator skin CGI animals for the first 45 minutes isn't very exciting, but eventually, the one-on-one battle between the extraterrestrial hunter and Midthunder's heroine manages to be reasonably entertaining -- again, if you set expectations low. Suspense, though, is never really built up at any point, since the movie's ending was telegraphed by its central premise, while the CGI-heavy FX are middling at best.

From a socio-political perspective, "Prey" is also less about an embrace of an indigenous people than it is another "Girl Power" outing wherein all the male characters are either weak/ineffective (the male Cheyenne warriors) or leering/horrific (the French trappers who serve to up the movie's body count in the 2nd half). Much like Disney's "Star Wars" movies, "Prey" is firmly intended to drive the female demographic over to a male-supported movie franchise. I doubt it will have any long-term effects, but for at least one more remake/revival, "Prey" -- predictable as it is -- is at least visually appealing enough to get a pass.