Predator (1987)

 

"You're hit. You're bleedin', man!"
"I ain't got time to bleed."

*cheering intensifies*

No really: I have seen this one dozens of times and it remains one of the best action/sci fi/horror films out there. It really is thàt good. You know how sometimes just all the stars align to make something special? 

Well, this one certainly is. It came at the right time, had the right cast, the right ideas and designs and it all became more than just the sum of the parts, even if by all accounts this was one hell of a film to shoot.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is Dutch, a Special Forces major who is tasked by Dillon (Weathers) to take his team of operatives into a hostile South American jungle in order to retrieve a diplomat who strayed too far across the border and whose helicopter was shot down by guerillas.

That's the rebel forces, not the apes, because those are gorillas and not the same thing.

Also: gorillas don't live in South America in the wild. 

But soon after they succesfully destroy a camp, it turns out Dillon lied to Dutch and his men, as the entire operation was meant to flush out and destroy the rebels, nothing more. Naturally, Dutch and his gang are pissed, especially as they now have to quickly traverse incredibly dense jungle in order to escape a bigger rebel force. However, as soon as they enter a valley, they realize they are being hunted by someone or something that is not quite of this world... 

Even though Arnold is the biggest star here and he gets to the third act in one piece, this is still an ensemble film. Every one of his team is quite the character and they are all very distinct, with larger than life personalities and looks. I was always partial to the more introverted Mac (played by Bill Duke), who seems calm but has this tenacious streak, something that only manifests itself twice as hard when his friend Blaine gets killed. But every single one is excellent and they all play off one another really well. 

Then there's the action which is top notch and shot almost to perfection. This is where McTiernan's talent truly shines. Heck, anyone who can make this and 'Die Hard' is an action legend and everything is easy to follow, makes your blood pump and stays enjoyable, even after the umpteenth watch.

And then there's the Predator itself. Not only is Stan Winston's design distinct, it has entered the realm of public conscience and it is quite iconic to this day. The alien rastafarian warrior with the cool mask and mandibles just hits the spot, coupled with the excellent vocalisations, courtesy of voice acting legend Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime, Eeyore and a gazillion others). But don't forget that Kevin Peter Hall brought the creature to life and gave it real character, something which later iterations would unfortunately forget and forego in favour of just 'tall guys running around'. 

And you can quote the everloving crap out of this one as well, so what's not to love?