Epic Narrative of Fierce Warriors: The anthology unfolds a gripping narrative that follows three of the most formidable warriors in the annals of human history. The first story features a Viking raider on a relentless quest for vengeance alongside her young son, while the second tale reveals a ninja in feudal Japan who rebels against his Samurai brother in a fierce succession battle. The final segment brings to life a WWII pilot who ascends into the sky to confront a mysterious, otherworldly threat jeopardizing the Allied forces. Although these warriors are each lethal in their own right, they ultimately find themselves hunted by a far more formidable adversary—the ultimate killer of all killers.
Reviving the Franchise with Innovative Storytelling: In 2022, acclaimed director Dan Trachtenberg, known for his work on 10 Cloverfield Lane, rejuvenated the Predator franchise with the innovative, 18th-century-set film Prey. By relocating the narrative and its characters away from modern military contexts, Prey offered a fresh perspective on the alien predators, steering the franchise into an exciting new direction. With Trachtenberg’s upcoming film, Predator: Badlands, set to premiere in November, his secret animated venture, Predator: Killer of Killers, is premiering on Hulu this week. This anthology film presents three captivating new stories within the Predator universe, claiming its spot as the finest installment since John McTiernan’s iconic 1987 original. The film cleverly intertwines these period-set narratives, paving the way for a multitude of new possibilities for the Predator franchise.
Unraveling a Viking Tale of Revenge in “The Shield”: Chronologically, the first episode of Predator: Killer of Killers transports viewers to 841 A.D. in the story titled “The Shield.” This compelling narrative focuses on Ursa, portrayed by Lindsay LaVanchy, a fierce Viking chieftain who is driven by a desperate need to avenge her father’s untimely death. Joined by her most trusted warriors and her son, Anders, voiced by Damien Haas, Ursa confronts both her targeted foe and a colossal Predator intent on eliminating what it perceives as easy prey. Anyone familiar with the game God of War understands that Vikings are tenacious fighters, and a spectacular clash unfolds in the icy landscapes of Scandinavia. Despite the historical setting limiting the technological advantages of Ursa and her crew, it provides an exciting visual spectacle. This opening sequence, delivered in accented English, is a dynamic introduction, lasting just under twenty-five minutes, before transitioning to the next engaging chapter. I found this initial story captivating, and the animation style, which prioritizes expressive realism over photorealistic representation, showcases ample violence and gore.
Exploring Fraternal Conflict in “The Sword”: The second narrative, titled “The Sword,” is set in Japan during 1629 and chronicles the journey of two brothers, Kenji and Kiyoshi, who are both training to become samurai, but only one can achieve the honor of wearing the coveted armor. The story begins with their childhood and progresses into their adult lives, with the siblings, voiced by Louis Ozawa, communicating with minimal dialogue throughout the unfolding drama. The action is visually captivating, making it easy for viewers to grasp the entire narrative arc, even as the brothers’ bond becomes strained by rivalry. Their struggle is further complicated by the appearance of a Predator, forcing them to set aside their differences and join forces against this extraterrestrial threat. The dynamic sword fights provide a refreshing visual contrast to the previous segment, effectively highlighting the brothers’ combat prowess against an adversary equipped with extraordinary skills and an arsenal of weapons. Ozawa, who previously starred in the 2010 film Predators, need not deliver extensive lines, yet when he does, his performances resonate perfectly. While the animation style remains consistent, this chapter conveys a different tone while seamlessly connecting back to the first story.
Confronting an Alien Threat in “The Bullet”: The final installment, “The Bullet,” features Rick Gonzalez (known from The CW’s Arrow) as Torres, a mechanic during World War II who dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. Under the guidance of his superior officer Vandy, played by Michael Biehn, Torres encounters a cloaked Predator in a flying craft, which begins a ruthless assault on Allied aircraft. Gonzalez shines in this role, showcasing his voice acting skills as Torres provides sharp commentary and describes the unfolding action, leading the narrative towards its conclusion that artfully intertwines the three individual tales while incorporating elements from past franchise installments and the extraterrestrial setting hinted at in the upcoming Predator: Badlands. Each segment of the film is just over twenty minutes long, with the final act matching that runtime. I found the ending to be particularly rewarding, representing the potential avenues the Predator franchise could explore, both in animated and live-action formats.
Crafting a Visually Stunning Animated Experience: Directed by Dan Trachtenberg in collaboration with animator Joshua Wassung from The Third Floor, Predator: Killer of Killers was developed concurrently with Predator: Badlands, adhering to Trachtenberg’s vision of exploring the franchise’s expansive history. Each of these short films holds the potential to be expanded into full-length features; however, they would have posed various logistical challenges if filmed live-action. Predator: Killer of Killers maintains a brisk pace while ensuring a cinematic quality through its concise storytelling and interconnected narratives. With composer Benjamin Wallfisch providing his inaugural score for an animated feature, this film transcends the typical limitations often associated with animated spin-offs, offering a fully realized cinematic experience. The screenplay, crafted by Micho Robert Rutare and developed alongside Dan Trachtenberg, delivers an engaging narrative that introduces audiences to three compelling protagonists within a runtime that many previous entries in the franchise have not utilized effectively.
Immersive Animation That Captivates Viewers: I often found myself forgetting that I was watching an animated film as Predator: Killer of Killers maintained my engagement throughout its entirety. The four distinct settings are vividly brought to life on screen, with each main character capable of independently driving their respective narratives. If this film is any indication of the quality we can expect from Predator: Badlands, viewers are in for a thrilling conclusion to the year. Predator: Killer of Killers is exhilarating, violent, and brimming with action, delivering the most captivating stories in the franchise’s history. Additionally, I won’t spoil the delightful easter eggs and surprises that await, which hint at a bright future for Predator fans. After waiting so long for the franchise to reclaim its place, Predator: Killer of Killers is the long-awaited sequel we have been yearning for over the decades.
Predator: Killer of Killers makes its debut on June 6th on Hulu.
Source:
JoBlo.com
