Predator 2

Predator 2 is a 1990 science fiction action film directed by Stephen Hopkins, starring Danny Glover, Gary Busey, and Kevin Peter Hall. This xenomorphic sequel to the legendary 1987 movie Predator blends action, science fiction and suspense to keep audiences on the edge of their seat.

The film takes place in 1997, seven years after the events of the first film. We are catapulted into a dystopian Los Angeles ridden with extreme heat and gang violence. Amid the rampant crime and chaos, the city is tormented by a new adversary - an extraterrestrial hunting entity that has claimed the city as its hunting grounds. This alien, known as the Predator, endowed with formidable speed, strength, and advanced technology, hunts for sport and pride, seeking out conflict and thriving in situations where its prey is most dangerous.

Enter Lieutenant Mike Harrigan, played by Danny Glover, who with his team, attempts to maintain a semblance of order in a city rapidly spiraling out of control. Harrigan is a tough, seasoned cop, uncompromising and brave, with an unyielding thirst for justice who has seen it all - or so he thinks until he crosses paths with the Predator. Discovering the horrifically mutilated bodies the Predator leaves in its wake, Harrigan swiftly concludes there's more at play than average gang violence.

Despite meeting pushback from secretive special agent Peter Keyes (Gary Busey), who obstructs his investigations under mysterious aims, Harrigan becomes increasingly obsessed with catching the brutal monster. Kevin Peter Hall returns as the Predator, making the character even more menacing and stealthy than in the initial installment, with an expanded arsenal and a tactical mindset matching Harrigan's.

As the film unfolds, we are treated to thrilling chase sequences, tense face-offs, and heart-pounding shootouts, all framed within the unforgiving, gritty, and extremely violent cityscape of Los Angeles. Predator 2 stands out with incredible effects, with Stan Winston Studios supplying the complex creature design and practical effects work, building on the lore of the Predator species. The design and portrayal of the Predator remains iconic, blending moments of terror with moments of awe.

The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of its premise. The violence is excessive, and the threat posed by the Predator is often realistically portrayed. However, it sharply cuts through the tension with perfectly timed moments of humor and wit, mostly delivered by Glover's portrayal of Harrigan.

Harrigan's relentless pursuit persists even as the Predator's hunting rituals leave a surge of death and mayhem that catches the eye of his superiors and the unknown government agency in their ominous suits. As the bodies pile up, the movie keeps the audience guessing about the intentions of the Predator and the motive of the secretive government officials.

Danny Glover's performance is particularly notable. His portrayal of a tough and determined detective in a city on the brink of anarchy carries the central theme of the film: survival. Gary Busey delivers a calculated performance, giving us a character with concealed motives, his own agenda and an intimidating presence. Kevin Peter Hall, reprising his role as the Predator, imbues the character with an otherworldly menace, with a palpable sense of danger radiating from the towering alien hunter.

The movie's score by Alan Silvestri amplifies the experience, perfectly augmenting the suspenseful scenes and energizing the action-packed sequences. Cinematography by Peter Levy showcases the gritty and crime-ridden Los Angeles in an exaggerated yet surrealistic way that creates an eerie atmosphere of a city on edge.

Far from being a mere rehash of the original, Predator 2 subtly expands the franchise's mythology, offering fascinating insights into the Predator, its code of honor and its strange culture. It perfectly retains the essence of the original while maintaining its own distinct tone and character.

Overall, Predator 2 is a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled journey that expertly merges elements of action, sci-fi, and horror. Blending striking visuals, intense performances, and a compelling narrative, the movie offers fans a potent dose of non-stop action, making it an exciting addition to the larger Predator franchise.