PREDATOR 2: Thirty Years Of Brutality

On November 21st, 1990, Predator 2 was released in theaters nationwide, making franchise history and cult following fanboys extremely happy (me).

Today marks the 30th anniversary of its release date, with that in mind we'd like to pull the curtain back and take a deep dive into the films synopsis, story lore, cast, and production. And explain to you why after 30 years, Predator 2 still kicks ass? Mind you, people will still say that Predator 1987 is the best and of course, it had cinematic defining ideas and concepts, however, we must give credit where credit is due and Predator 2 brings its original noteworthy elements.  So get comfortable, grab yourself a cup of coffee or cold beer (depending on the time) as we take a look at this nineteen nineties sci-fi gem. As always a SPOILER ALERT! is in full effect.

Movie poster

Predator 2 (1990)

Synopsis - Los Angeles is enduring a heatwave and a crime wave, so the pressure on police officer Michael Harrigan (Danny Glover) to solve a strange string of murders is mounting. Harrigan thinks the culprit can be found among the warring gangs and drug cartels, but FBI Special Agent Peter Keyes (Gary Busey) knows the horrible truth: Their killer is a fearsome extraterrestrial (Kevin Peter Hall) with keen hunting abilities that include superior night vision and the power to make itself invisible.

-Rotten Tomatoes 

Predator 2 - Predator Lore

This time the predator is out to hunt in the city of angels (Los Angeles) in the supposed future of 1997. Unlike his predecessor that hunted In the jungles of Central America, he has chosen the urban jungle for his safari. This time the Predator comes with a vast arsenal. All-new weapons that we see for the first time. A razor-sharp dual knife gauntlet, shoulder-mounted plasma blaster, laser targeting system, comlink smart computer, smart disk weapon, spearhead tip projectile, wrist gauntlet blaster, projectile net cowling, and a light-bending cloaking device. Enough arsenal to take on two opposing drug cartels, the LAPD, FBI, and a couple of disgruntled LA commuters. Just the opening scene of Predator 2 starts with a blood bath. Guns a blazing as a firefight between LAPD and the Colombian drug cartel has erupted. Followed by the trail of destruction, left by the City Hunter Predator as he effortlessly slaughters the entire cartel and still manages to sneak out a hanging corps right underneath the LAPD's noses. Predator 2 revealed all-new lore and ideas that we didn't get to see from the original Predator. We learned that this Predator improved his optical handicap (mud won't help) by having more visual spectrums. We also learned that Earth isn't it's only "hunting grounds" and that they don't travel alone. Thanks to the 1990 LA Lakers line-up for the epic Lost Tribe cameo towards the end of the film. According to the YouTube account Dead Meat, Predator 2 has a whopping 45 kills, but we've reviewed 29 confirmed kills that came from our boy City Hunter Predator. Not bad for an intergalactic hunting trip. 

Predator 2  Production & Cast

The film premiered in the fall of 1990 and was written by brothers Jim and John Thomas, directed by Stephen Hopkins.

20th Century Fox approached screenwriters Jim and John Thomas to write a sequel to 1987’s Predator. The studio was intrigued with one of the six ideas pitched to "putting the creature in an urban jungle". In three short weeks, the script was then developed and completed. The sequel would also give the audience an insight into the Predator's backstory and origins. Indicating the Predator has visited other planets for many years through the ages. That he is not just a homicidal killer as interpreted, but merely interested in hunting. We also get to see the inside of its spacecraft for the first time, displaying his trophy wall of all his hunts throughout the Galaxy. The Predator was designed and created by Stan Winston special effects. This time around, the Predator looks far more Rastafarian and displays a more art-deco inspired look. Differences are encompassed with the tribal embellishments on the head crest to resemble snake-like patterns. Rocking several large fangs and brighter skin pigmentation. Predator 2 had an iconic pool of talent, in a strange way it was a mini Lethal Weapon reunion. This film starred Danny Glover (Mike Harrigan), Ruben Blades (Danny Archuleta), Gary Busey (Peter Keyes), María Conchita Alonso (Leona Cantrell), Bill Paxton (Jerry Lambert), and Kevin Peter Hall reprising the title role of the 7-foot tall taxidermist extraterrestrial (Predator). 

Lead Cast

I don't need to be extremely expansive to show you that I am a big fan of this franchise. It's raw elements, impressive POV shots, and creative story lore carries its weight in "patina bronze". The result shows us that Predator 2 still has the fortitude to carry on for 30 years of brutality and many more to come.