Despite its 1.9 out of 5 rating, this sci-fi movie is a hit on Netflix.

When we talk about great sci-fi sagas, we can easily mention Predator. Launched in 1987, it now has 7 films and its universe has expanded to include video games, novels and other possible mediums.

In 2018, Fox wanted to reboot the franchise and handed the reins to director Shane Black (Iron Man 3, The Nice Guys), who is not making his first blockbuster. In his film, simply titled “Predator,” the world’s worst predators are now stronger and smarter than ever. They have genetically evolved using DNA from other species.

When a young boy accidentally becomes their target, only a crew of ex-soldiers and a protesting science professor can prevent the extinction of the human race.

The Predator, which arrived discreetly in the Netflix catalog a few days ago, is currently the second most watched film on the platform, behind the romantic comedy Lonely Planet.

Action comedy gone wrong

Shane Black and his team, with a comfortable budget of $88 million, aimed to appeal to fans of the original saga, but also to introduce new audiences to this terrifying creature.

banning children under 12 (“head will fly” warned the director), with its bankroll starring Boyd Holbrook (Narcos), Trevante Rhodes (Birdbox), Olivia Munn (X-Men) and Jacob Tremblay (Room), The Predator could have been a hit.

But the audience was very strict, if we refer to its rating on AlloCiné. With an average of 1.9 out of 5, it is the second lowest rated film in the entire Predator saga after Aliens vs. Predator – Requiem.

They criticize it especially for its lackluster special effects and action-comedy approach, where other productions emphasized pure action.

“Jokes and gags come out every 2 minutes, that’s impossible, not in a Predator movie where suspense should reign supreme!!” (StalloneFan62)

“I saw Predator and I’m torn, the movie tries things, but where a group of veterans and the jokes they throw at each other succeeds at certain points, it ruins everything about the action” (Simon1310)

“The real disappointment with this twentieth installment, which lacks suspense, good special effects and serious dialogue, fails to convince.” (Jeff 21)

“And another negative point is no more and no less special effects! Some are not reliable at all. They look dated. Especially the “mega-predator”. It is very sad. And I’m not talking about predatory dogs. bad idea ” (Samuel B.)

“Not forgetting the punchlines, grotesque and systematic!! The special effects, let’s talk about them, are as underwhelming as they are dated (the digital Super Predator is eye-popping!)” (visitor).

Despite negative press and audience reviews upon release, The Predator still grossed $165 million, giving Fox some profitability. But the studios still waited a few years before producing a new installment, in the form of a prequel and called Prey (watchable on Disney+).

Predator, available on Netflix.