My plans for tomorrow got a spontaneous rewrite today when, while out shopping, I found myself passing the cinema. Though I'd originally intended to catch Predator: Badlands later, the opportunity was too good to pass up, despite the mixed reviews I'd encountered. As a long-time fan of the Alien and Predator franchises – even forgiving some of the more 'borderline' later entries – I knew the only way to truly gauge its worth was to see it for myself.
My usual online booking habit was thwarted, leaving me to contend with an interactive screen that, after much tapping, spat out what felt like five separate pieces of paper before I finally identified the elusive ticket. To top it off, the only seats left were in the very front row – a less than ideal viewing position, but beggars can't be choosers! I still don't understand why booking online shows limited seats, but when in the cinema, half the seating is empty!
Setting aside the seating challenge, the film itself was, to my happy surprise, an engaging watch. Without giving anything away, the premise follows a young Predator venturing to a hazardous planet teeming with formidable alien creatures, where they unexpectedly team up with an android. It’s certainly a fresh take on the lore. While there were moments that felt a little predictable, and some genuinely funny scenes injected welcome levity, the overall experience was surprisingly solid.
Being shown at a LUX Odeon (and other cinemas), the reclining seats were almost too comfortable, making the idea of a pre-dinner nap a very real possibility, especially in the front row where in the dark with heavy eyelids! I walked out genuinely pleased. Predator: Badlands successfully carved out its own niche within the universe, and for a fan like me, it was a welcome, if unexpected, treat.
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