The Predator (2018)
The Predator (2018) 
The Predator (2018), directed by Shane Black, aimed to revitalize the legendary Predator franchise but ended up as a messy mix of action, comedy, and sci-fi horror that left fans divided.
The story follows Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook), a skilled sniper who encounters a Predator while on a mission. After stealing its advanced technology, he unintentionally puts his autistic son Rory (Jacob Tremblay) in danger. Meanwhile, a government agency led by Traeger (Sterling K. Brown) tries to contain the situation, but things escalate when a new, genetically enhanced “Ultimate Predator” arrives on Earth.
While the film boasts fast-paced action and impressive creature effects, it struggles with an inconsistent tone. Shane Black, known for his witty dialogue, injects humor that often feels forced, clashing with the darker themes of the franchise. The film also attempts to expand Predator lore with genetic upgrades and hybrid experiments, but these additions feel unnecessary and poorly executed.
The cast, including Olivia Munn, Trevante Rhodes, and Keegan-Michael Key, deliver entertaining performances, but their characters lack depth. The film’s biggest letdown is its cluttered third act, filled with rushed CGI battles and an unsatisfying setup for a sequel that never happened.
Despite its flaws, The Predator offers decent action and nostalgia for longtime fans, but it fails to capture the tension and raw survival horror that made the original Predator (1987) a classic.
