PREDATOR: BADLANDS Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch | Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatang, Elle Fanning
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The movie centers on Deck, a 'runt' Predator, and his struggle for acceptance within his clan.
- ❖It introduces complex Yautja family dynamics, including a harsh father and a sacrificing brother.
- ❖The planet Genna is depicted as extremely hostile, where all creatures are both predator and prey.
- ❖Deck forms an unexpected alliance with Thea, a Wayland-Yutani synth, and Bud, a baby Callisk.
- ❖The film explores themes of teamwork and adapting to the environment, contrasting with traditional lone-wolf Predator behavior.
- ❖Wayland-Yutani Corporation is the overarching antagonist, seeking to exploit the planet's creatures, particularly the regenerative Callisk.
- ❖The hosts appreciate the film's focus on Predator culture and character development, moving beyond simple action.
- ❖The integration of Wayland-Yutani from the Alien franchise is praised for its seamless and impactful execution.
- ❖The movie is seen as a 'coming of age' story for Deck, emphasizing his growth and self-belief.
Insights
1Predator as an Underdog Protagonist
The film uniquely positions a Predator, Deck, as an underdog. He is a 'runt' in his clan, constantly having to prove himself against a harsh father and traditional expectations. This shifts audience empathy towards the Predator, a departure from previous films.
The hosts note, 'We're just not used to seeing the Predator be an underdog, right? Because he's a Predator.' () and 'he is not your traditional Yaoucha in the sense that he is the runt and they they're like weak.' ()
2Complex Yautja Family Dynamics
The movie delves into the internal family life of Predators, showcasing a brutal father, a sacrificing brother, and the societal pressure to earn one's place. This humanizes the Yautja, revealing emotional depth beyond their hunter persona.
The hosts express surprise, 'I wasn't expecting to want to cry in a Predator movie.' () and discuss how 'We don't really see the predators engage like this.' () and 'It's so cool seeing like the emotion and, you know, the the family dynamics that they have.' ()
3Wayland-Yutani as the Ultimate Antagonist
The Wayland-Yutani Corporation is seamlessly integrated as the primary antagonist, not just aliens or other Predators. Their nefarious goal to capture and weaponize the regenerative Callisk creature provides a compelling, corporate-driven threat that unites disparate characters.
The hosts state, 'Wayland Utani is just so freaking evil as a corporation' () and 'I find like the whole idea of like the Wayland Utani Corporation now getting involved and it is a part of this universe just so fascinating.' ()
4The Planet Genna: Predator as Prey
The setting of Genna is a 'death planet' where every organism is a threat, forcing the Predator protagonist to adapt and become resourceful. This flips the traditional 'Predator as ultimate hunter' dynamic, making survival a collaborative effort.
The hosts observe, 'The whole idea of setting it on this planet where literally everything can kill you... It was just a genius move.' () and 'The Predator works well by being resourceful.' ()
5The Power of Sensitivity and Alliance
Deck's 'weakness' (his smaller stature and empathetic nature) and Thea's 'sensitivity' (her ability to understand the planet's creatures) become their greatest strengths. Their alliance, along with Bud, demonstrates that collaboration and understanding the environment are key to survival, contrasting with the traditional lone-wolf Predator mentality.
The hosts highlight, 'The sensitivity that we see in both Thea and Deck is why they survive. It may be shown as a weakness to others, but it's that sensitivity that allows them to connect more and utilize their environment and to survive.' ()
Key Concepts
Underdog Story
The narrative follows Deck, a smaller, less traditional Predator, who is initially deemed 'weak' by his family but ultimately proves his worth and forms his own 'pack' through empathy and adaptability, a classic underdog arc.
Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend
Deck, Thea, and Bud form an alliance to survive the hostile planet and combat the Wayland-Yutani Corporation, demonstrating that shared adversaries can forge powerful, unexpected bonds.
Adapt or Perish
The film emphasizes that survival on the deadly planet Genna requires working with the environment and its creatures, rather than solely relying on advanced technology or brute force, a lesson Deck learns and applies.
Notable Moments
The hosts' initial confusion over the pronunciation of 'Deck' (the Predator's name) versus 'Dick,' adding a humorous meta-commentary on character names.
This early moment sets a lighthearted tone for the reaction, despite the serious themes of the movie, and highlights the hosts' personal, unscripted engagement.
The emotional depth of the Predator's family interactions, particularly the brother's sacrifice for Deck.
This scene profoundly impacts the hosts, challenging their preconceived notions of Predators as emotionless hunters and establishing the film's unique empathetic approach.
The introduction of Bud, the baby Callisk, and its eventual alliance with Deck and Thea.
Bud represents the film's theme of unexpected alliances and the 'Predator as prey' dynamic, as well as providing a 'cute' element previously unseen in the franchise, which deeply resonates with the hosts.
The reveal of Thea's true nature as a Wayland-Yutani synth and her mission to capture the Callisk, leading to her betrayal of Deck.
This moment solidifies Wayland-Yutani as the central villain and raises the stakes, showing that even seemingly helpful allies can have ulterior motives driven by corporate greed.
Quotes
"I wasn't expecting to want to cry in a Predator movie."
"It's so cool seeing like the emotion and, you know, the the family dynamics that they have."
"This is the first time we're like pro predator, right?"
"Wayland Utani is just so freaking evil as a corporation."
"The sensitivity that we see in both Thea and Deck is why they survive. It may be shown as a weakness to others, but it's that sensitivity that allows them to connect more and utilize their environment and to survive."
"We're just not used to seeing the Predator be an underdog, right? Because he's a Predator."
Q&A
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