One cool creature does not an action thriller make. About all Predator has going for it is the icky alien invader designed by Stan Winston, sort of a dreadlocked lizard man with futuristic techno gear (it “sees” via a heat sensor that provides much of the movie’s imagery). Unfortunately, this beast is up against Arnold Schwarzenegger and a mercenary team of equally pumped-up muscleheads who find themselves on an unclear mission in a Central American jungle. The level of beefcakery reaches hilarious proportions as director John McTiernan (Die Hard) conjures up increasingly far-fetched ways for his stars to flex (much of the action involves lifting heavy objects). Future governors Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura trade one liners, people are gored and disemboweled with gruesome indifference and so many weapons are used that you’re essentially witnessing deforestation by gunfire. The alien has some pretty nifty fangs, though.
