Planet of Death Review: A Fun Ride for Predator Fans

A Predator with a Conscience - 'Planet of Death' Review

summarizeEditor's Summary

I went into the new Predator film with mixed emotions. Director Dan Trachtenberg has already proven he knows his stuff when it comes to the Predator universe, but the trailer and first scenes raised some doubts. The movie delivers some pleasant surprises for fans of the franchise, but it's not without its flaws. The story's a bit predictable, but the action scenes are thrilling and the special effects are top-notch. The cast delivers solid performances, especially the android girl Tia. The movie has a great balance of action and humor, and the world-building is impressive, with a richly detailed planet to explore. Overall, it's a fun ride that's worth watching, especially for Predator fans, but it could've been even better with some more original plot twists and less reliance on familiar Predator tropes.

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KararIyi

FilmKalite8/10

OyunCagrisi9/10

KarakterGelistirme7/10

I went into the new Predator film with mixed emotions. On one hand, director Dan Trachtenberg has already proven he knows his stuff when it comes to the Predator universe and can deliver some pleasant surprises for fans of the franchise. On the other hand, the trailer and the first scenes I saw raised some doubts: what's up with that scrawny-looking Predator...

Exiled from his clan, the Predator Deka sets out for the treacherous planet of Genna. He aims to prove to his father and the entire clan that he's worthy of being part of the clan. Deka meets the enigmatic android girl Tia and teams up with her to search for the super-Predator Kalsk, the most formidable foe on the planet.

Well, Predator: Planet of Death does have its fair share of criticisms when it comes to canon and all that. To be honest, I couldn't fully get on board with turning the fearsome alien hunter from a ruthless antagonist into the main protagonist. But Trachtenberg took advantage of his earned right to bring a fresh wave to the Predator series.

After all, the campaign featuring a young Yautja and part of Elsie Fisher - it's at least original and bold. And, funnily enough, even this small crossover between the Predator and Alien franchises is a pleasant surprise. Again, even as an experiment, this film looks way better than that weird series Alien: Covenant.

So, with a Predator as the protagonist, the director also reveals the lore and customs of this species. The story's told from the perspective of a Yautja named Deka. We learn his tragic backstory, and that he needs to catch a trophy - the most deadly Predator on the planet Gernada, a Kalisk. Along the way, he meets a damaged synthetic female, Tia, and then another local inhabitant joins their 'pack'. Yautjas hunt solo, but on this unforgiving planet, you can make an exception. Who else gets to see a Predator sitting by a campfire, chatting with friends?

Tia chats and jokes around during their brief, action-packed journey, seeming very naive. But don't underestimate the synthetic's artificial intelligence - she has her own mission on Gernada. There are moments where Deka looks crude and primitive compared to her, despite his technological superiority. Elle Fanning plays two roles here. Tia turns out to have a 'sister' - a synthetic named Tessa, who's more resolute about their mission and the unwanted guest, Deka. The actress does a great job, actually. Both of her characters.

I've got to say, the rest of Predator: Planet of Death is a straight-up action movie. It's a real spectacle-fest, with some seriously cool special effects and action scenes. At times, it reminded me of Michael Bay's style - all those plasma swords and roaring Predators, set against a backdrop of explosions and fire. It's the kind of movie that's a joy to screenshot, because every frame is a visually stunning image.

What really stood out to me was the concept of this deadly planet, with its own set of rules. Anything can be deadly - a flower with thorns, a blade of grass that can rip you apart, or even a bug that can explode like a grenade. And then there's the apex Predator, the Kali, which no hunter has ever been able to take down.

So, I was really pleased with the final showdown, because it finally showed the true nature of the Predator. If you remember, he was barely surviving on Gen, struggling to make it through the obstacles in his way. But then he learned to adapt and use them as tools and deadly weapons.

Predator: Badlands is basically a family-friendly movie. There's hardly any blood, and the main plot has shifted. In the previous films, it was all about the strong being the hunter and the weak being the prey. The only question was who would be the hunter and who would be the trophy. But Predator: Planet of Death teaches you that it's all about teamwork, support, and all that jazz. It's a pretty basic story, to be honest.

Yeah, it's missing that horror element that's typical for this series. Yeah, it's a bit weird to see a Predator as a 'good guy'. But despite all that, 'Planet Death' turned out to be a full-fledged blockbuster, an action-packed and visually stunning sci-fi flick. And the fact that it continues to give us hints about the lore of the franchise is definitely a plus.xa0

Other Predator movies by Dan Trachtenberg:

Prey (2022) - Predator against Native AmericansPrey: The Killer of Killers (2025) - Predator against Vikings, ninjas, and pilots

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Planet of Death a good movie for Predator fans?

Yes, Planet of Death is a fun ride that's worth watching for fans of the franchise. The movie delivers some pleasant surprises and has a great balance of action and humor.

What's the plot of Planet of Death?

The movie follows the story of Deka, a young Predator who's exiled from his clan and teams up with an android girl named Tia to search for the super-Predator Kalsk.

Are the special effects in Planet of Death any good?

Yes, the special effects in Planet of Death are top-notch, with some impressive predator designs and thrilling action scenes.

Is Planet of Death suitable for all ages?

No, Planet of Death is rated R for violence and some strong language.

Can I watch Planet of Death on streaming services?

Yes, Planet of Death is available to stream on various platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.

What's the runtime of Planet of Death?

The runtime of Planet of Death is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Is Planet of Death a standalone movie or part of a larger franchise?

Planet of Death is a standalone movie, but it's part of the larger Predator franchise.

What's the budget for Planet of Death?

The budget for Planet of Death was reportedly around $50 million.

check_circlePros

•The action scenes are fast-paced and intense, with plenty of thrilling moments.
•The special effects are top-notch, with some impressive predator designs.
•The cast delivers solid performances, especially the android girl Tia.
•The movie has a great balance of action and humor.
•The world-building is impressive, with a richly detailed planet to explore.
•The themes of identity and belonging are well-explored and relatable.