Predator: Killer of Killers

“Predator: Killer of Killers,” released on Hulu in June, is the new animated film that continues the resurrection of the fan favorite sci-fi franchise following the critical and fan praise of “Prey.” This anthology has three of the most challenging warriors throughout Earth’s history, a Viking, a ninja, and a WWII fighter pilot, as they become targeted by the star race of alien big game hunters. Great animation and a nice storytelling approach give easily one of the best installments of the entire series, setting up a possibly interesting new direction that could be explored in further animated films or even a big budget live-action film.

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the film begins in 841 A.D., with the introduction of the dangerous, gray-haired Viking Ursa (Lindsay LaVanchy) and her son (Damien Haas) as they find revenge during a violent war. Kyle Wilson said in his review, “This segment alone could’ve been an entire film unto itself, brimming with epic scale battle sequences and no shortage of bloody carnage. But since each individual section has limited screen time, the segments flyby at entertaining speed with no fat on the story to trim. Each story also has their own unique new Predator with imaginative unseen designs and skills.”

Next, we are introduced to a brothers argument in feudal Japan between ninja Kenji (Louis Ozawa) and his Samurai brother (also Ozawa). Wilson credited, “The gorgeous animation style stays consistent for the entire film and evokes animated projects like Netflix’s Arcane, but the setting changes make for eye-popping color palette changes and virtual set designs with Japan being a standout.” Lastly, we go to WWII and the hasty, but talented mechanic turned fighter pilot Torres (Rick Gonzalez) who is joined by sci-fi legend Michael Biehn as Commander Vandy. Since each story introduces a new style of Predator combat because of the setting and weaponry, Torres’ fights in the air showing an incredibly great dogfight with a Predator ship.

Just when you think the film is about to end, we find out the film isn’t completely an anthology. The final act sees all three characters brought together on what appears to be the Predator home world. Wilson said, “There they are forced into gladiator battle against each other by an “apex” Predator running the show for legions of the hunt obsessed creatures in attendance to watch.” The events bring the entire film together nicely and our main cast have enjoyable interactions because of their obviously different historical times and language barriers.

Wilson said, “Predator fans will eat up the homages and easter eggs to the franchise history, but things never get too heavy handed with the nostalgia.” Trachtenberg, who is also directing “Predator Badlands,” set to be released next month, seems to have found the creativity and boasting the franchise has been missing. “Predator: Killer of Killers” builds off of the favor created in “Prey” and seems to be building towards a bigger, better “Predator” cinematic universe and that’s what we’re looking for.

If you haven’t seen this film yet, check it out if you have a Hulu account. You will love this animated film, especially with how the stories connect afterwards. The animation is great, the violence is on par with the rest of the franchise, and you will be sitting on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Happy Halloween everyone. I hope everyone enjoyed the films I reviewed this month. Those who are planning on going trick-or-treating tonight, enjoy, have fun, but be safe when getting all those candies. Too much is not good for you. Stay tuned next month for some real good excitement because I will be looking at a famous trilogy by one of the best directors that are considered one of the best that I have been thinking about reviewing for a long time now.