Prey

Last weekend, Prey, the prequel to the movie Predator, was released on Hulu. Taking place 300 years ago, Prey follows Comanche tribe member, Naru, as she tries to prove herself and find her place as a hunter for her tribe. While going on a hunt, she encounters an invisible threat that does not seems to be of this world.

This was a very exciting movie. The approach to taking things in a more simple and primitive direction really worked for the film. The story itself is very simple with not a lot of characters or plot lines. I really like how the focus is on a hunt with Naru trying to discover what this creature is. It also moves at a very quick pace clocking in at about an hour and 40 minutes. The action is very good as well. It is really cool to see the predator fight against the natives with more primitive weapons. The predator still has advanced weapons, but they are not near as advanced as those in the original predator film. I also really enjoyed the setting of the film and the way the tribe was handled. It didn't feel like the natives were "Americanized" at all so the portrayal of their characters and their rituals seems more authentic. Finally, I really liked the lead character Naru. She is portrayed as very smart and capable instead of just a woman in need of saving. You can buy into the fact that she can take on the predator as she is using her brain instead of her brawn. The way she can handle the predator is by outsmarting him, not by outfighting him. I also liked how the movie is much like a coming of age story, as is it about Naru trying to prove herself and find her place in the tribe.

The only negative I have is the way they portrayed Naru's motivation in the film. Her goal of wanting to find a spot as a hunter of the tribe seems valid and is a positive of the film. However, her motivation for it seems a bit weak. It seems like she is just doing what she does because Boys are mean and to prove that girls can be hunters too. Had the film focused more on her physical shortcomings and her hardships when it comes to hunting instead of showing her struggles through the guys being jerks to her then I think it would have come across a lot better.

Overall, this film is a solid addition to the Predator franchise. With its quick story, strong characters, and solid actions, the movie takes its place as the best of the Predator sequels.

Score: 8/10 Grade: A- Recommendation: Check it out

MPAA R Rating Disclaimer: This movie is rated R for graphic violence. If too much blood and violence bothers you, you may want to sit this one out. If the violence doesn't bother you, there is no language or nudity that makes it rated R.