predator: killer of killers [launch?]
A viking, a samurai, and a World War II pilot walk into a bar…
The newest entry in the legendary series, Predator: Killer of Killers, or as I like to call it, “The Sword and three other sections”, is an animated anthology movie set in three different time periods, twenty minutes spent in each, featuring a viking in the old Nordic countries, a samurai in ancient Japan, and a World War II pilot in the 40s, each facing off against a ruthless yet cunning monster from the stars. A movie that instantly justifies its existence from concept alone, Killer of Killers delivers with something not a lot of people knew they wanted. I myself remember, years ago, some of my favorite YouTubers discussing the idea of Terminator in the Wild Wild West, pirate Terminator, or something like those- putting an iconic franchise horror creature in an unexpected historical setting to maintain freshness. Then, Prey did just that three years ago, and now the culmination of the idea has arrived at our doorsteps.
The animation here is absolutely breathtaking, taking cues from now-iconic modern art showcases like Spider-Verse, Puss in Boots, and The Mitchells vs the Machines. Gorgeous designs, sprawling landscapes and buttery smooth animation in the latter hour successfully make the film stand out in style. (I actually think my TV messed up and displayed the viking section at like 15 frames per second, but nobody else online seemed to have that problem and I went back with better Wi-Fi later and everything seemed to run fine. Maybe I should post a review of my Internet connection.)
The no-holds-barred action is by far Killer of Killers’ claim to fame, with unique and nail-biting showcases of weaponry and skill across three different eras. All three sections do a great job of providing thrill-a-minute action, but by far the best is the “Sword” section, set in feudal Japan. This entire section is devoid of almost any dialogue and chooses to tell its story visually, which somehow makes it by far the most exciting approach of the three. The two brothers’ fight in the forest with the Predator, charging at it together while camouflaged, is triumphant and supremely cool, and the invisible monster walking on the rooftop causing shingles to fall while our sword-clad hero dangles from the roof underneath it, hiding, is the closest to the edge of my seat I got for the film’s duration. Showstopping and intensely rewatchable action is the glue that holds the entire, beautifully scored but otherwise silent, experience together.
Streaming is an absolute perfect match for a film of this length and caliber, as an R-rated, animated anthology movie only 80 minutes long would be a tough sell for theaters. Generally speaking, this film is the perfect length. However, I do feel a few fight sequences could have had either a minute more or, in the case of the ‘Bullet’ section, a few minutes less. There are a few instances of cringeworthy dialogue, mostly from the pilot, that the mostly-visual middle section forces to stand out like a sore thumb. And, while the ending was a surprise for many, it did feel more like sequel bait and setting up a universe than I would have liked.
Keeping this review as brief as the film it covers, Predator: Killer of Killers is a terrific, high-concept little blitz of a movie that thrills and fascinates, yet never terrifies or inspires. A great addition to the franchise continuing to ride the lightning bottled with Prey, I'm very excited to see what Trachtenberg and/or the Predator series do next. It's a movie I will definitely watch clips of on YouTube in the future, but may or may not watch again in full- yet is simultaneously a movie I’m begging to see more of.
Just give me this, but for the Terminator. Please. Historical anthology Terminator is my one wish in life. Make it happen.
