Predator Killer of Killers: Even Animated, We Kick Technologically Superior Alien Butt
By John Kirk
Rating: A
One of the most enjoyable installments in the Predator franchise, Predator: Killer of Killers hammers home the Hollywood fact that, regardless of what era, alien technology is no match for human cunning and warrior prowess.
Despite the gore and dismembering (and the fact that it’s fiction), that’s quite validating, in a way.
Predator: Killer of Killers is an animated series of four acts that describes some of the historical visits the alien Predators have made to our tiny, back-woods planet. The reason? To pit themselves against whoever they deem to be our greatest warriors throughout the ages.
The first act, titled Shield, is the tale of a Viking warrior queen, Ursa (voiced by Lindsay LaVanchy) embarking on a quest of revenge, when she encounters one of the alien predators. What I particularly found engaging was that the dialogue in this part of the story was delivered in 8th century Anglo-Saxon. All those hours translating Beowulf came in handy.
The second, titled Sword, is about two samurai brothers (both voiced by Louis Ozawa) in feudal Japan who learn the value of their familial bond. Seeing the Predator go up against both Ninjitsu and Kenjitsu techniques is definitely worth the watch. Remember: the predators can only see thermally, right?
The third act is titled Bullet, and brings us to World War II America and a fighter pilot who meets a predator in aerial combat. In this arc, we see the predators fight in one of their vehicles, giving us a greater look into their background, culture and technology.
Irrespective of their differences in milieux, the one thing that these human fighters have in common is their quick wits, ability to improvise and eventually overcome. The animated format allows for this to be shown with a greater latitude of action than would be possible in a live-action film. I mean, the thought of taking on a giant alien with laser-edged weapons with nothing but a pair of leather-covered shields … well, that’s just a feat to behold.
After all, the stunts are super-human, the combat is exhilarating, and definitely in the realm of the unrealistic. But that’s the joy in watching an animated show and suspending disbelief. The audience wants to be entertained and this film certainly does that with its detailed explanations of how these technologically-backward heroes are even able to stay in the fight.
The stories don’t waste any time getting straight into the combat. The first three quarters of the film are sheer action and exciting to watch. It’s in the fourth act that questions are answered and greater insight into the culture of the predators is offered. Given that a lot of the story happens in time periods prior to Prey, Predator, Predator II and Predator vs Aliens, that’s valuable background to keep in mind for future developments in the franchise.
The outcomes of the various incarnations of this franchise have never been in doubt. We all know the humans eventually win. After all, there wouldn’t have been all the sequels! But the joy lies in seeing how they are able to defeat their physically and technologically superior opponent.
Remember: the aliens aren’t here to subjugate humanity. They have a code of honour and just want a good fight. And apparently, that’s what we, as a species, are good at regardless of what time period you find us.
The most recent installment in the live-action franchise, Prey, exemplified this theme. Set in North America around the 17th or 18th century, it saw a young Indigenous woman pit her cunning against one of the monsters and overcoming it (an exciting film, there’s even a callback to it in this one, which fans will, no doubt, enjoy). Predator: Killer of Killers picks up on this theme and gives the audience a wider sense of how involved the Predators have been with our history. Though, despite the years, it’s interesting how much their technology has remained the same while ours has obviously improved. Most importantly, it’s our ability to improvise that has remained consistent throughout history.
There’s even room in the story for a rematch. When we see the archives of human warriors who have been held in stasis for more hunts, we learn more about our alien enemies. There’s plenty of open-ended story here to allow the Predators more historical hunts.
Is this all even remotely historically accurate? Of course not, but who cares? The score now stands at Humanity 5, Predators 0.
Bring it on, you ugly mothers.
Predator: Killer of Killers. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and Joshua Wassung. Voiced by Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, Rich Gonzalez, Michael Biehn. Debuts June 6 on Disney+.