Predator 2

It is only natural that a film like Predator would spawn a sequel. This time around, they switch up the literal jungle for the urban jungle for a second go-around with the intergalactic trophy hunter that is one ugly motherf...well, you get the idea. Despite the absence of Arnie this time, this sequel manages to be a reasonably entertaining follow-up that expands on the mythology of it's titular villain as well. 

1997 Los Angeles is besieged by a nasty gang war and an equally nasty heatwave that has tempers flaring. Right in the middle of it is LAPD Lieutenant Mike Harrigan (played by Danny Glover), along with his partner Danny Archuleta (played by Ruben Blades), Leona Cantrell (played by Maria Conchita Alonso) and new transfer Jerry Lambert (played by Bill Paxton). They are trying to bring an end to the gang wars in a city that is quickly descending into chaos. While investigating a building after an intense gang battle, they discover several gang members massacred inside, including one that is strung up in the rafters. After members of the rival gang are massacred in a penthouse apartment, Harrigan and his fellow officers are prevented from investigating from the head of a Government task force claiming to be investigating the warring gangs, Peter Keyes (played by Gary Busey). Suspicious, Harrigan and his team continue to investigate not only the slayings but Keyes and his agents, bringing them face to face with the Predator himself. 

Returning to script the sequel are the screenwriters of the original film, Jim and John Thomas. Rather than just do the same thing for a second time, they wisely mix things up for the sequel. They received a lot of criticism for moving the action to an urban environment for this film, but honestly that's probably what I would have done if I had written it. Of course, such a change in locale offers some challenges. They would need to find a valid reason to keep our intrepid hero in the fight when every ounce of his being should be telling him just to get the hell out of town, which is a viable option this time. They overcome this by making the fight personal for the officers, which works within the film even though it does lean on cop movie cliches, especially cliches that were prevalent at the time. But I am willing to give the film a pass on it though because at the same time it does expand on the mythology of the Predators in the film, especially as the movie works to it's climax. There are little touches here that would reverberate throughout the rest of the series, and even, for better or worse, inspire Alien vs. Predator. The film is directed reasonably well by Stephen Hopkins, who adds his own flair to the film, directing the action sequences with a certain sense of style, with the showdown on the subway being a specific standout scene. Returning for the sequel is Alan Silvestri, providing another rollicking score for this film.

The casting in the film is really great. I love that they cast Danny Glover for Mike Harrigan, going for someone that is removed from the super macho guys of the first film, but also a capable action hero. It's a refreshing change of pace and Glover gives a wonderful performance as the stressed out, irritable Harrigan. Plus, after seeing him play the straight man Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon films, it's fun to see him play the more reckless cop for once. Gary Busey brings his special level of crazy to the proceedings as the shady Peter Keyes who, as anyone likely would guess, is not on the scene to track drug cartels and gang activity, but in fact tracking the Predator. I also need to talk about Bill Paxton in this film. He only has a supporting role in the film as Jerry Lambert, but he makes the most of every moment he's on screen, riding the line between amusing and annoying, but seeing as how it's Bill Paxton it's always amusing to me. It's also with this movie that he achieves one of the rarest geeky distinctions, where (spoiler alert!!!) he has been killed on-screen by a Terminator, an Alien and a Predator.

Predator 2 may not be as good as the first film, but at the same time I do feel it is a bit unfairly maligned as far as sequels go. It does a good job mixing things up a bit from the previous film while also expanding upon the original film and not resting on just doing the same thing as the previous film. It is it's own distinct film and not simply a retread of the original film, which is something I can admire. It's not perfect, but it is a lot of fun.