@@emersonv I still don't even know what happened at the end. Predator shot himself like an idiot. The girl was a little over the top and it was obvious political pandering... I think it was a pretty good try, but it has some big flaws. It was a HELL of a lot better than "The Predator" and "Predators", but it wasn't quite there for me... I didn't like the "stone age" Predator either. He can't shoot lasers because it's in the past, and wears skulls and stuff, but he came on an interstellar space ship. I don't need to think about anything like that in Predator 2, it's just cool 80s action full of blood and unnecessary titties and swearing. That's what I want from action movies really. Prey was certainly not a bad movie by any stretch but it sure wasn't a balls to the wall action movie.
(19:36) I always loved the transition from the Jamaican guy meeting the Predator and drawing his cane sword to the closeup of his severed head as the Predator walks away with it while the sound of his scream fades away. 😎
And how the predator camuflage slightly fades away on the water reflexion, that's pretty metal, and the fact that when the predator gets on the roooftop, it gets struck by a lightning while screaming like a badass, and let's not forget the new assorment of weapons added in the sequel, the smartdisk, the smaller plasma caster on the gauntlet and the combistick spear.
This honestly is my favorite Predator movie for many reasons. The style is just insanely badass, the cast is phenomenal, the story is perfect, it's just all around spectacular to revisit again and again to this day. Also we need another jab at the concrete jungle along the lines of the video game. As fine as Prey and Predators were, they did feel like carbon copies of the original in many ways.
Very underrated. Still different enough to stand on its own. Actually always preferred this to the first. So gritty & sweaty & bloody. Danny is underrated still despite all his quality work.
@@mbogucki1 has alot going for it. First one gets enough attention. The finale & effects always memorized me as a kid. Very stylish. The 90s had some great action/thrillers. Or what critics might call a high-tech thriller. Lol.
God Damn Alan Silvestri not only expanded on the original themes, he (like Speed vs Speed 2) also improved on the original! Making the sequel instantly fit the universe simply from the score alone ;)
Something I wish James Cameron had allowed Brad Fiedel to do with the score to Terminator 2, but alas, Cameron knew those 80s synths were too cheesy and dated by 1991. I still love the terminators score than T2's score more.
I personally think Predator 2 is one of the best sequels made, it's really entertaining, retains the original formula without being the same thing, and expands on the universe/lore of the characters a lot. Taking it to a city setting was a great idea.
I wonder if anyone else felt that the setting for Predator 2 was a bit more relatable. I lived in cities all my life and understand how a city going through a heat wave can feel. The oppressive humidity, the smell of garbage that makes the whole place seem far dirtier than it actually is, and the feeling that everyone is on the edge and a violent crime wave is about to happen. The idea of a Predator stalking the rooftops is scarier than one hopping around in the trees of the amazon. Anyone?
Same and hot take, I think Mike is more interesting than Dutch, yeah you can argue he's the classic grizzled cop as Dutch was the classic action hero, I prefer Mike 'cause he's a regular guy, I love his attitude and is going after the Predator for revenge, which is a nice contrast from the first where Dutch did it more for survival.
I'd love to see a compilation of how movies imagined the future. The original Bladerunner feels a great example and Demolition Man. Compare how the 60's imagined the millennium and how did the 80's imagined it.
Completely underrated sequel that doesn’t get its due for not just doing another movie set in the jungle, and also expanding on the lore. It’s a shame they couldn’t get McTierman back to direct, because his work in Predator was so ahead of its time. The original Predator holds up so well today mostly because of his direction. That being said, I think Glover and the supporting cast do really good work here, and it’s a very good sequel.
because of how well made and directed this is, I didn't think John Mctiernan is missed, Stephen Hopkins (like the film itself) is very underrated as a director.
@@nigeldonaldson1647 Hopkins did an incredible job of transferring the action from the sweaty heat of the jungle to the sweaty heat of the urban jungle and he didn't miss a beat...Near perfect world building in my humble opinion.
"Want some candy?" lol that is 1 of my favorite parts. I remember watching this movie with my family and all of us have a good time laughing, especially when the predator had the nerve to repeat mimicking, "Want some candy while slashing and bashing people on the Subway train scene. Even my mother laughing her head off.
I even think that line (and other scenes) came from the very first 'Dark Horse' Predator graphic novel, where Dutch Schaefer's brother (a NYPD detective) ends up involved in fighting the Preds. In the first issue City Hunter Pred bushwhacks some kind of dirty deal between two gangs in a slummy apartment building, taking out one of the outlying goons with a plasma shot thru an open window. Naturally the rest of the gangsters start blazing away blasting a huge chunk of the window and wall to rubble. When the smoke clears, they see the Pred's 'clawed hand reaching in. Still feeling a bit 'cheeky' the lead gangster says "Somebody thinks it's Halloween==let's give him some candy".... Then another window explodes outwards (just like at the start of the movie, when City Pred dives in on the 'El Scorpios') right as the Detective Schaefer arrives.
@@cannibalholocaust3015 LOL! But I don't think either my wife or teenager will 'appreciate' the comment==though my daughter DOES get the 'I love you too, Sweetheart' from T1.
I love how the late great Bill Paxton has the unique distinction of being killed by the scifi action movie villain trifecta, Alien, Predator and Terminator 🙌🏼
The thing about Predator 2 is the world building and the casting of the characters of the police unit is so spot on I could happily have seen a sequel set in the same city with no Predators.
Definitely, I’ve always thought of it as being the closest we’ll ever get to the Dark Horse comics. Not just for the story similarities to the original Mark Verheiden series but the tone, look and feel
I don't regret a single little thing about the Predator 2 that we got. I feel it was the best possible sequel to the first. I'm very thankful for all the circumstances that lead up to Predator 2 turning out exactly as it did. It is a film with alot of spirit, and in every way deserves to be held in the same high regards as the first film.
@@handznet that's definitly the unpopular opinion. Predator 2 is widely regarded as being a poor film however I enjoy it for what it is. Predator 1 is night and day better
Very underappreciated movie. Mike Harrigan is just a great character, and what I love is that he's just a human trying to understand what the hell is going on. It's much easier for me to relate to him then Dutch or Naru, or any of the over the top main characters, because he feels like your average guy you'll see down the street. his character reminds me a lot of Ripley from Alien, in that he needs to take charge of a situation he wasn't trained to deal with, and half the problem is just surviving. he needs to use his brain, plan ahead, fight his own fears, and overcome the obstacles thrown at him by everybody else. I love it very much, even as much as I do the Original.
Yeah, Harrigan is more relatable to us average dudes. Sure, he’s a tough as nails cop, but he’s not borderline superhero like Arnie in Commando or Stallone in Rambo 2. More like a John McClane in the first die hard. A fairly ordinary man in an extraordinary situation.
The king Willy Predator sequence is my favorite as well! I love the score during that sequence and the effects really are a home run. I play that track loads of times when I’m doing my photography lol. Great review once again Ollie!
20:02, I heard that there was unfinished VFX shots that shows the Predator (City Hunter) jumping from rooftop to rooftop as Harrigan continues chasing the alien.
I am ultra fan of Predator 1, and I will never ever never ever never UNDERSTAND what is this movie so underrated. THIS MOVIE IS GREAT GREAT GREAT SEQUEL, I love it, first time I saw it in 1997 as a kid, and I was like; JESUS this is a great sequel. I just dont understand what is wrong with this movie when it comes about some people, this is THE BEST Predator movie after original one, it's way better in my opinion than Prey (political correctness bull...hit)... I give to this movie 8/10
The novelization is great read for stuff from the Predator's point of view (he's basically a teen on his first hunt). Best bit is the ending where they toss Hartigan the old pistol can be seen in two ways: Is it a show of respect by sharing the trophy taken from a worthy foe? Or is it the Predators telling humanity, "you see this archaic weapon? This is what you are to us. Remember that."
Always loved Predator 2. Saw it in the theatre during a road trip. My favorite scene is when the Predator is in the bath room crunching up materials to patch up his wounds. Just cracks me up when he screams and terrifies the old lady!
I was today years old when i relized Calvin Lockhart (King Willie) reminds me of Paul Mooney... "Predator Rankings" 1). Predator "Schwarzenegger" 2). Predator "Prey" & they can keep all the rest. I will however go back & rewatch this one. Even tho Jamaican & Columbian cartels seem more like a Miami setting than Los Angeles. The cast looks phenomenal thx for the review Oliver.
My friends and I used to joke that half the cast of "Lethal Weapon" were cast in this movie, probably due to being friends with Danny Glover. also, my new viewing order is "Predator", "Prey", then "Predator 2"
Speaking of Bill Paxton, it suddenly struck me that I don't think I have ever seen you cover Near Dark. It would be pretty awesome if you covered it sometime.
I absolutely LOVE the scene towards the end, after Harrigan has gone through this absolute gauntlet that he has just barely survived by a handhold, only to be surrounded by a whole squad of them, and all he can say is, "OK. Who's next?". Danny Glover's delivery of that line, his body language, the sound of his voice, it's all just amazing. I didn't think too much of it when I first saw it, but repeated viewings have definitely changed my opinion to it being underrated by most people, including myself. If you really give it a chance, there's a lot to like about this one.
Only thing Prey lacks is thy Predator theme music. After the AvP disaster, Predators & idiotic THE Predator, Prey is a return to the true lineage on first & second movie.
As a kid I enjoyed this badass flick just as much as the first film. Never wondered why Arnold wasnt in it. Plenty of action, higher body count, new toys for the Predator to play with, rasta drug lords, the xenomorph cameo which created "alien vs. Predator" comics videogames and toys when i was a kid, small but fun part from Robert Davi, bill Paxton being hilarious, Gary Busey being Gary Busey, Maria Conchita Alonso kicking ass along the boys AND alongside Linda Hamilton and Sigourney Weavor, and leading the pack is Danny Glover hot off of Lethal Weapon 2, and he IS NOT too old for this shit. I got to see Predator 1 and 2 as a double feature at the Alamo Drafthouse a few years ago and it was one of the best theatrical experiences of my life.
Great point about Maria Conchita Alonso. The reason female characters were strong in the 80's and 90's is that they could hold their own amongst their male counterparts who were competent and capable. Now, so many movies try to make them look good because all the men around them are incompetent, or simply make them a Mary Sue. Ripley and Sarah Connor felt fear but had to overcome it, they struggled and stumbled but fought back and survived.
@@jamesabernethy7896 True that. Nobody is against strong characters regardless whether male or female but they have to have some weaknesses which makes them much more rounded and relatable.
6:33 the videogame "Predator: Concrete Jungle" is not an adaptation of the first "Predator" miniseries (which was rechristened "Concrete Jungle" only in reprints), it's an original story that only shares its subtitle with the comic book. 13:39 a "cinematographer" (or "director of photography" - DP for short) is NOT a "lighting director". People talking\writing about movies online are especially keen on using those terms interchangeably, but that's not the case. "Lighting director" is strictly a theatre and TV-industry term and indicates the person in charge of lighting the stage or a TV studio set on game shows, talk shows, variety shows, and so on. A "cinematographer" on the other hand is responsible for most of the creative choices about the visuals of a movie\commercial\music video and his\her area of influence includes (but is not limited to) choosing the camera kit, the lenses, the lighting kit (all stuff that usually involves testing) as well as directly interfacing with other departments such as wardrobe\costumes and production design to make sure the chosen look and color palette of the project is consistent.
I'm not joking, literally 1-2 weeks ago I went over your old catalogue again and I was like damn this P2 is only a 10 min video, I wonder if he will make a new one in same format as the Alien quadrilogy stuff! Amazing
My favourite Predator sequel after the original. I love this film. I love how different it dared to be, and it’s over the top stuff. Besides it features my favourite Predator creature, the City Hunter!
One of the most underrated sequel and entry of the Predator series and One of my Guilty Pleasure with Commando, TMNT (1990), Batman Returns, Willow (1988) and Rocky 4
Great as always. Believe it or not, and I don't remember if I ever brought this up in other reviews for this movie, but this was actually the first "Predator" movie I've ever seen as a kid. It wouldn't be until later I watched "Predator" on recorded VHS. I also remember renting this movie a bunch (I think) from my local video store. I haven't watched this movie in years, aside from bits on TV, and now I have this, the first "Predator", and "Predators" on DVD. Seriously should marathon these movies at some point.
Danny Glover vs. The Predator in an ultra-violent, comic book-like L.A.? Absolutely underrated sequel, and that bombastic soundtrack still goes hard. I saw this movie wayyyyyy too young, haha!
I recall watching this move when it came out and...loved it. Imagine my surprise then, when it was panned by so many. To this day, I never understood that. I honestly think it is a great film.
Thanks so much for posting this. The first time I saw this movie was on ITV. My memory may be off, but I think it was when they did their Diet Coke movie nights and the news would split the movie in half at ten. I know I got Die Hard 2 on VHS this way because I remember there was always a few seconds of random news in the middle of my recording. I can’t wait to watch this tonight. I love all your amazing work Oliver. You are a phenomenal chap and great reviewer. I can’t wait for your in depth take and research. Finally, on the subject of ITV, I swear this movie felt like it was on every few months back then to the point I saw it more than the original!
I enjoyed this movie tremendously when it came out. I don't think it aged as well as the original but it will always be a fun watch. I still remember seeing the Alien skull and people here and there in the audience pointing and going 'ooooooh'
23:40 - those who claim it recycles are clearly lazy assessments. Alan basically expanded on the original's cues/ themes drastically and this sequel's music is really a different "animal".
I really like how predator 2 came in 1990... the cusp, the split between 80s and 90s. It has the most awesome early 90s vibe and still caries with it the 80s vibe. Saw it in the theater. To me it remains one of the best action/sci-fi movie since it involves an alien. The first predator was ahead of it's time. The sequel did not disappoint me, because of it being an urban story there was a lot of opportunity to play with with the story in ways that can't be done in the jungle. I did miss a follow up on what happened with Dutch and the girl. In that regard it felt weird to just see the same story with an entirely different cast. But they did a great job and all had screen magic amongst them. Specially Glover and Busy.
Awesome piece. This film may be the last of its kind has a very special place in my heart. BTW, actor Kent McCord is also know for playing a cop in the old Jack Webb TV show "Adam-12" which makes his casting as Danny Glover's superior more fun. Your research is superb.
Predator 2 is definitely one of my favorite action films of all time, and one of my all time favorite films in general. I enjoy it in many ways MORE than the original, and really wish that someday there will be a directors cut released. I can tell some moments that were cut and edited, and despite it just being cuts here and there that were seen by Hopkins as "no big deal" im sure there are plenty of fans, including me, that would easily pay for a new 4k director's cut as it IS a big deal to us.
LOVE Effing love your Reto's bro... I love this movie brings back my childhood ( 90's kid ) Lol Seriously tho im in your first 1000 subs .. And this is what got me as such a huge fan of your channel its mind blowing what you have done the podcast the moves etc etc amazing but THESE Retro's are my Fav thanks again oliver
What Predator 1 and 2 get right, that 3 and 4 get wrong, is that they aren't about the Predator. Not at first. It's a preexisting story that the Predator interrupts. The special forces mission and LA drug war could very well be their own movies. The third and forth movie are just all about what the Predator does, and that is why they aren't as good. (Predators is decent, but just a rehash of part one with some really bizarre choices.) I saw Predator 2 in the theater when I was 13 years old and always liked it better than part 1. It's been among my top five all time ever since, spending many years in the number one slot. I love everything about it. The urban setting spoke to me so much more than the jungle. At that time, I was so into the whole cyberpunk, tech nior vibe that was omnipresent at the time, so Predator 2 hit that sweet spot perfectly. The score is perfect. The attitude is so hyper aggressive that it stands out as a man among boys compared to its action contemporaries at the time. I never cared that Arnold wasn't back, because it just didn't make sense. This was a different Predator, hunting a different trophy. I feel like people coming around on Predator 2 is a somewhat recent phenomenon of maybe the last ten years or so. It was dumped on for a long time as a shitty movie, so it's satisfying for me to see people embrace it, because I was there day one.
The effect of the Predator walking in the water is brilliant. No sign of linings or wobbly opticals and with the music by Alan Silvestri and the shot's angle ... it's a perfect moment that reminds you why we invest our time as a society into filmmaking, and that's because it can be so rewarding to be entertained on that level of technique.
I love that original, classic Predator roar. It’s a real shame that they didn’t use it here or really ever again in the main Predator films. It’s always featured in the trailers (and video games) but never in the actual films haha AVP doesn’t count lmao
The more shit that keeps coming out today the more I go back and rewatch older more badass movies like this one. I miss the era of big budget R rated action movies the whole family can enjoy.
One of the best movies ever made. When it came out, some thought this had silly story, silly acting. But I thought it was pure badassness. Perfectly exemplifies what society has become because of neca.😛
I remember thinking predator 2 wasn’t that good back in the day but rewatched it again a few years back. Completely changed my opinion, it’s a good solid follow up. Holds up well. Tried to do something a little different and I think it worked. Much better than any of the other sequels
I'm glad to see Predator 2 getting some well-deserved love on the boards here. I've seen a few of the content creators I follow cover this movie over the last 6 months. For me it's the perfect sequel start to finish. It's not some lazy remake of the first, it has fresh characters, a fresh environment, it builds on the lore without becoming silly. I never just watch one of them, I always watch both together.
Thanks for your feedback, its always a bit of an issue with views you never know why things underperform or do well. Depends on UA-cams algorithm and what it shares or if subscribers are notified etc.
@@OliverHarper Oliver 2ill tou ever do retrospectives on the avp movie I knis you hate those film but just wh der if you would do reviews treospectives on them as well was your sister's much intonpredtor films much
Predator 2 is definitely an underrated sequel but hey I love it. We get to see more of the Predator and its awesome weapons. It's a sequel very worth watching.
Another fantastic retrospective Oliver, thank you. Nothing can match the original, but Predator 2 is seriously underated and remains the best sequel IMO (Prey being 3rd)
Part of me argues whether I like Predators more than Prey. Prey feels like more of a spiritual successor to the original but Predators feels more like a direct sequel, know what I mean?
@@fredfredburger5150 I get where you are coming from. IMO Prey is a much better film, though - Predators was a fantastic spin on the concept and the first half is great, however the pacing falls flat when Fishbourne shows up and the film never really recovers from then (even though the ending is pretty decent).
Easily one of the most underrated and underappreciated sequels of all time. I never understood the hate for this film.
Exaclty. The Slaughterhause scene is just iconic
It's literally from just the lack of Arnold. Its criminal the hate this movie has gotten over the years.
Only reason it was hated was because Arnold wasn't in it. This movie is a classic sequel that adds to the story without copying the 1st
I saw it when it came out and remembered nothing about it. I'd imagine it's highly appreciated by people who appreciated it.
Oh boy, here comes Shadow the hedgehog playing his underrated card
This aged way better than any of the recent Predator movies that's for sure.
You didn't like Prey?
Oh shut up. This film stinks. Prey killed it. Yiure just afraid of Indigenous women
@@emersonv Prey hasn't aged yet. LOL
@@emersonv I still don't even know what happened at the end. Predator shot himself like an idiot.
The girl was a little over the top and it was obvious political pandering...
I think it was a pretty good try, but it has some big flaws.
It was a HELL of a lot better than "The Predator" and "Predators", but it wasn't quite there for me... I didn't like the "stone age" Predator either. He can't shoot lasers because it's in the past, and wears skulls and stuff, but he came on an interstellar space ship.
I don't need to think about anything like that in Predator 2, it's just cool 80s action full of blood and unnecessary titties and swearing. That's what I want from action movies really.
Prey was certainly not a bad movie by any stretch but it sure wasn't a balls to the wall action movie.
@@mbogucki1 But it will. Like milk.
(19:36) I always loved the transition from the Jamaican guy meeting the Predator and drawing his cane sword to the closeup of his severed head as the Predator walks away with it while the sound of his scream fades away. 😎
Agreed! That was some excellent cinematography, and it still holds up today! 👍
@@terminus8444 😎🤘
Yeah it's very well filmed scene.
@@Mecha82 probably my favorite moment in the entire movie
And how the predator camuflage slightly fades away on the water reflexion, that's pretty metal, and the fact that when the predator gets on the roooftop, it gets struck by a lightning while screaming like a badass, and let's not forget the new assorment of weapons added in the sequel, the smartdisk, the smaller plasma caster on the gauntlet and the combistick spear.
This has always been a criminally underrated movie
The only Predator sequel in my book. Love it.
Predators was...ok.
@@dubuyajay9964 I was bored. Then I watched Predators and felt entertained. But Was it anything special? Eh nah
What's the name of your book?
Agreed
Of course!
This honestly is my favorite Predator movie for many reasons. The style is just insanely badass, the cast is phenomenal, the story is perfect, it's just all around spectacular to revisit again and again to this day. Also we need another jab at the concrete jungle along the lines of the video game. As fine as Prey and Predators were, they did feel like carbon copies of the original in many ways.
Very underrated. Still different enough to stand on its own. Actually always preferred this to the first. So gritty & sweaty & bloody. Danny is underrated still despite all his quality work.
@@justj2440 Same.
@@justj2440 Same. I loved the design of the Urban Predator more than the jungle version. Also having Murtaugh vs Predator was so entertaining.
@@mbogucki1 has alot going for it. First one gets enough attention. The finale & effects always memorized me as a kid. Very stylish. The 90s had some great action/thrillers. Or what critics might call a high-tech thriller. Lol.
Predators was not even close to great. It was really lame.
God Damn Alan Silvestri not only expanded on the original themes, he (like Speed vs Speed 2) also improved on the original! Making the sequel instantly fit the universe simply from the score alone ;)
Something I wish James Cameron had allowed Brad Fiedel to do with the score to Terminator 2, but alas, Cameron knew those 80s synths were too cheesy and dated by 1991. I still love the terminators score than T2's score more.
@@Vaporvice84 yeah that original score is so effective and moody.
I personally think Predator 2 is one of the best sequels made, it's really entertaining, retains the original formula without being the same thing, and expands on the universe/lore of the characters a lot. Taking it to a city setting was a great idea.
Still THE second-best Predator film and VERY underrated!
Predator 2 is awesome, Stephen Hopkins did a damn good job.
I wonder if anyone else felt that the setting for Predator 2 was a bit more relatable. I lived in cities all my life and understand how a city going through a heat wave can feel. The oppressive humidity, the smell of garbage that makes the whole place seem far dirtier than it actually is, and the feeling that everyone is on the edge and a violent crime wave is about to happen. The idea of a Predator stalking the rooftops is scarier than one hopping around in the trees of the amazon.
Anyone?
Same and hot take, I think Mike is more interesting than Dutch, yeah you can argue he's the classic grizzled cop as Dutch was the classic action hero, I prefer Mike 'cause he's a regular guy, I love his attitude and is going after the Predator for revenge, which is a nice contrast from the first where Dutch did it more for survival.
Your description is like 8-9 months of the year here in southern FL :P
This sequel is absolutely unhinged. I love it.
Well it has got Gary busy in it...
So SO good. A massively underrated film, perfectly reviewed by Oliver.
Ahhh, the future of 1997.....it will never get old
Those gangsters wearing granma's jewelry... (shudder)
You don't remember this happening in '97?? 😉
Wasn't Judgement Day 97?
Same 1997 Escape from New York happened in. Crazy year.
I'd love to see a compilation of how movies imagined the future. The original Bladerunner feels a great example and Demolition Man. Compare how the 60's imagined the millennium and how did the 80's imagined it.
Completely underrated sequel that doesn’t get its due for not just doing another movie set in the jungle, and also expanding on the lore. It’s a shame they couldn’t get McTierman back to direct, because his work in Predator was so ahead of its time. The original Predator holds up so well today mostly because of his direction. That being said, I think Glover and the supporting cast do really good work here, and it’s a very good sequel.
Agreed, criminally underrated...because it's not got Arnold in it...
because of how well made and directed this is, I didn't think John Mctiernan is missed, Stephen Hopkins (like the film itself) is very underrated as a director.
@@nigeldonaldson1647 Hopkins did an incredible job of transferring the action from the sweaty heat of the jungle to the sweaty heat of the urban jungle and he didn't miss a beat...Near perfect world building in my humble opinion.
"Want some candy?" lol that is 1 of my favorite parts. I remember watching this movie with my family and all of us have a good time laughing, especially when the predator had the nerve to repeat mimicking, "Want some candy while slashing and bashing people on the Subway train scene. Even my mother laughing her head off.
It is a hilarious film at times! "You know.. you guys really ought to cut down"! 😂
@@calderarecords 😆
I even think that line (and other scenes) came from the very first 'Dark Horse' Predator graphic novel, where Dutch Schaefer's brother (a NYPD detective) ends up involved in fighting the Preds. In the first issue City Hunter Pred bushwhacks some kind of dirty deal between two gangs in a slummy apartment building, taking out one of the outlying goons with a plasma shot thru an open window. Naturally the rest of the gangsters start blazing away blasting a huge chunk of the window and wall to rubble. When the smoke clears, they see the Pred's 'clawed hand reaching in. Still feeling a bit 'cheeky' the lead gangster says "Somebody thinks it's Halloween==let's give him some candy"....
Then another window explodes outwards (just like at the start of the movie, when City Pred dives in on the 'El Scorpios') right as the Detective Schaefer arrives.
My brother still quotes this and “look around” and “I’ll bleed you, real quiet” from the original.
@@cannibalholocaust3015 LOL! But I don't think either my wife or teenager will 'appreciate' the comment==though my daughter DOES get the 'I love you too, Sweetheart' from T1.
I love how the late great Bill Paxton has the unique distinction of being killed by the scifi action movie villain trifecta, Alien, Predator and Terminator 🙌🏼
The thing about Predator 2 is the world building and the casting of the characters of the police unit is so spot on I could happily have seen a sequel set in the same city with no Predators.
It has suuuuch a comic book feel. So good.
Well said, yeah.
Definitely, I’ve always thought of it as being the closest we’ll ever get to the Dark Horse comics. Not just for the story similarities to the original Mark Verheiden series but the tone, look and feel
"You can't see the eyes of the demon, until him come calling. This is dread man, truly dread."
King Willie.
Los Angeles.
July 1997.
Voodoo Magic man.
@@speedypaul2314fucking voodoo magic man hahah
Predator 2 is massively underrated and I like it better than any of the others.
First still the best to me, but I like this film just fine.
I don't regret a single little thing about the Predator 2 that we got. I feel it was the best possible sequel to the first. I'm very thankful for all the circumstances that lead up to Predator 2 turning out exactly as it did. It is a film with alot of spirit, and in every way deserves to be held in the same high regards as the first film.
I really want to see the Unrated Director's Cut that we should have gotten, but it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Didnt know was on the cards! Hopefully itll get picked up again soon.
The directors cut we deserve.
I'm with you.
where did you hear that? The cut footage is lost, apparently.
Man, if only that was true. I'd frickin love that.
One of the best sequels. Just happens to be in the same universe of another, Aliens .
Just wish we could have had the Colonial Marines versus the Predator movie.
@@fredfredburger5150 we almost had an AVP movie that very nearly featured them, but the dickheads at 20th Century Fox didn't use that storyline
22:12, such a badass score by Alan Silvestri and performed by the Skywalker Symphony orchestra!
Chills everytime
Both movies have underrated scores.
Gorgeous scores. I've often just played the entire OST Album back to back.
Easily the best Predator sequel theres no contest
Correct
Prey is very close.
@@jarigustafsson7620 No.
@@jarigustafsson7620 because "prey" is more connected to Predator 2 than the original..the flintlock pistol gonna be key in future prequel films✔
Predators is pretty underrated.
My favorite Predator sequel until PREY. I like how Bill Paxton ties with Lance Henderson for being taken down by an ALIEN, a PREDATOR, & a TERMINATOR.
I agree.
P2 is 10x better than Prey. It has the Predator atmosphere. Suspense. Music. Its great.
@@handznet that's definitly the unpopular opinion. Predator 2 is widely regarded as being a poor film however I enjoy it for what it is. Predator 1 is night and day better
Prey is good but not as good as this one I say number three to the franchise
Prey was dog shit, predator 2 was way better.
Very underappreciated movie.
Mike Harrigan is just a great character, and what I love is that he's just a human trying to understand what the hell is going on.
It's much easier for me to relate to him then Dutch or Naru, or any of the over the top main characters, because he feels like your average guy you'll see down the street.
his character reminds me a lot of Ripley from Alien, in that he needs to take charge of a situation he wasn't trained to deal with, and half the problem is just surviving.
he needs to use his brain, plan ahead, fight his own fears, and overcome the obstacles thrown at him by everybody else.
I love it very much, even as much as I do the Original.
Perfectly said. Harrigan is fantastic.
This is facts. 🔥 very nicely stated.
Yeah, Harrigan is more relatable to us average dudes. Sure, he’s a tough as nails cop, but he’s not borderline superhero like Arnie in Commando or Stallone in Rambo 2. More like a John McClane in the first die hard. A fairly ordinary man in an extraordinary situation.
This is my most favorite sequel, hands down! More people should watch it.
17:10, a lot of gorier bloodier footage, over 20 minutes, was cut because of the NC 17 rating.
Great movie. Your editing is top notch by the way, that opening you made gave me goosebumps. Keep up the great work!
Glad you enjoyed the intro! I had a blast editing it.
The king Willy Predator sequence is my favorite as well! I love the score during that sequence and the effects really are a home run. I play that track loads of times when I’m doing my photography lol. Great review once again Ollie!
one of my favorite films. Thanks! R.I.P Bill Paxton
20:02, I heard that there was unfinished VFX shots that shows the Predator (City Hunter) jumping from rooftop to rooftop as Harrigan continues chasing the alien.
I am ultra fan of Predator 1, and I will never ever never ever never UNDERSTAND what is this movie so underrated. THIS MOVIE IS GREAT GREAT GREAT SEQUEL, I love it, first time I saw it in 1997 as a kid, and I was like; JESUS this is a great sequel. I just dont understand what is wrong with this movie when it comes about some people, this is THE BEST Predator movie after original one, it's way better in my opinion than Prey (political correctness bull...hit)... I give to this movie 8/10
No other movie in Hollywood history has made the line "Want some candy?" sound so danged creepy 😬
The novelization is great read for stuff from the Predator's point of view (he's basically a teen on his first hunt). Best bit is the ending where they toss Hartigan the old pistol can be seen in two ways: Is it a show of respect by sharing the trophy taken from a worthy foe? Or is it the Predators telling humanity, "you see this archaic weapon? This is what you are to us. Remember that."
Thanks!
Thanks very much John!
Another retrospective trophy for Oliver Harper.
Always loved Predator 2. Saw it in the theatre during a road trip. My favorite scene is when the Predator is in the bath room crunching up materials to patch up his wounds. Just cracks me up when he screams and terrifies the old lady!
Such a wonderful 90’s gem.
I was today years old when i relized Calvin Lockhart (King Willie) reminds me of Paul Mooney...
"Predator Rankings"
1). Predator "Schwarzenegger"
2). Predator "Prey"
& they can keep all the rest. I will however go back & rewatch this one. Even tho Jamaican & Columbian cartels seem more like a Miami setting than Los Angeles. The cast looks phenomenal thx for the review Oliver.
A worthy sequel. I'm always happy to watch this film and the performances by many of the cast are terrific. RIP Bill Paxton.
BEST PREDATOR SEQUEL EVER!!
My friends and I used to joke that half the cast of "Lethal Weapon" were cast in this movie, probably due to being friends with Danny Glover.
also, my new viewing order is "Predator", "Prey", then "Predator 2"
Prey is a weak movie compared to P2
Still my favorite predator movie. It just bleeds awesome from start to finish
Speaking of Bill Paxton, it suddenly struck me that I don't think I have ever seen you cover Near Dark. It would be pretty awesome if you covered it sometime.
I absolutely LOVE the scene towards the end, after Harrigan has gone through this absolute gauntlet that he has just barely survived by a handhold, only to be surrounded by a whole squad of them, and all he can say is, "OK. Who's next?". Danny Glover's delivery of that line, his body language, the sound of his voice, it's all just amazing.
I didn't think too much of it when I first saw it, but repeated viewings have definitely changed my opinion to it being underrated by most people, including myself. If you really give it a chance, there's a lot to like about this one.
Way better than Prey (2022).
Only thing Prey lacks is thy Predator theme music.
After the AvP disaster, Predators & idiotic THE Predator, Prey is a return to the true lineage on first & second movie.
fantastic, I hope you do more redux retrospectives! Hearing you go into greater depth about films is always such a joy.
This was my favourite of the Predator franchise.
So good. Loved it at 15yrs old in '90 - Love it still.
As a kid I enjoyed this badass flick just as much as the first film. Never wondered why Arnold wasnt in it. Plenty of action, higher body count, new toys for the Predator to play with, rasta drug lords, the xenomorph cameo which created "alien vs. Predator" comics videogames and toys when i was a kid, small but fun part from Robert Davi, bill Paxton being hilarious, Gary Busey being Gary Busey, Maria Conchita Alonso kicking ass along the boys AND alongside Linda Hamilton and Sigourney Weavor, and leading the pack is Danny Glover hot off of Lethal Weapon 2, and he IS NOT too old for this shit.
I got to see Predator 1 and 2 as a double feature at the Alamo Drafthouse a few years ago and it was one of the best theatrical experiences of my life.
Great point about Maria Conchita Alonso. The reason female characters were strong in the 80's and 90's is that they could hold their own amongst their male counterparts who were competent and capable. Now, so many movies try to make them look good because all the men around them are incompetent, or simply make them a Mary Sue. Ripley and Sarah Connor felt fear but had to overcome it, they struggled and stumbled but fought back and survived.
@@jamesabernethy7896 True that. Nobody is against strong characters regardless whether male or female but they have to have some weaknesses which makes them much more rounded and relatable.
6:33 the videogame "Predator: Concrete Jungle" is not an adaptation of the first "Predator" miniseries (which was rechristened "Concrete Jungle" only in reprints), it's an original story that only shares its subtitle with the comic book.
13:39 a "cinematographer" (or "director of photography" - DP for short) is NOT a "lighting director". People talking\writing about movies online are especially keen on using those terms interchangeably, but that's not the case. "Lighting director" is strictly a theatre and TV-industry term and indicates the person in charge of lighting the stage or a TV studio set on game shows, talk shows, variety shows, and so on. A "cinematographer" on the other hand is responsible for most of the creative choices about the visuals of a movie\commercial\music video and his\her area of influence includes (but is not limited to) choosing the camera kit, the lenses, the lighting kit (all stuff that usually involves testing) as well as directly interfacing with other departments such as wardrobe\costumes and production design to make sure the chosen look and color palette of the project is consistent.
I'm not joking, literally 1-2 weeks ago I went over your old catalogue again and I was like damn this P2 is only a 10 min video, I wonder if he will make a new one in same format as the Alien quadrilogy stuff! Amazing
Yeah, an updated retrospective Predator 2 review! 🤙🏻🔥
My favourite Predator sequel after the original. I love this film. I love how different it dared to be, and it’s over the top stuff. Besides it features my favourite Predator creature, the City Hunter!
Hard for me to choose a favorite between jungle and city hunter.
want some candy!
The City Hunter is a badass!
This film is one of the most underrated films ever
I loved Danny Glover, Bill Paxton, Maria Alonso and Ruben Blades in Predator 2
It's actually a perfect sequel for me. Keeps enough of the original to feel connected, but changes up enough o keep it fresh too. Amazing film
One of the most underrated sequel and entry of the Predator series and One of my Guilty Pleasure with Commando, TMNT (1990), Batman Returns, Willow (1988) and Rocky 4
Those are all great films you listed, no need to feel guilty for enjoying them!
Willow and Rocky 4 are hilariously bad.
@@drumtum I kinda have a soft spot for these films
One of my favorite youtuber reviewing an underrated classic!!! Thank you!
Hands down my favorite predator movie
Great as always. Believe it or not, and I don't remember if I ever brought this up in other reviews for this movie, but this was actually the first "Predator" movie I've ever seen as a kid. It wouldn't be until later I watched "Predator" on recorded VHS. I also remember renting this movie a bunch (I think) from my local video store. I haven't watched this movie in years, aside from bits on TV, and now I have this, the first "Predator", and "Predators" on DVD. Seriously should marathon these movies at some point.
Danny Glover vs. The Predator in an ultra-violent, comic book-like L.A.? Absolutely underrated sequel, and that bombastic soundtrack still goes hard. I saw this movie wayyyyyy too young, haha!
THAT MUSIC MAN. best soundtrack expansion ever (not only the reedition, but also how it builds on the original)
the most underrated sequal ever
I recall watching this move when it came out and...loved it. Imagine my surprise then, when it was panned by so many. To this day, I never understood that. I honestly think it is a great film.
Thanks so much for posting this. The first time I saw this movie was on ITV. My memory may be off, but I think it was when they did their Diet Coke movie nights and the news would split the movie in half at ten. I know I got Die Hard 2 on VHS this way because I remember there was always a few seconds of random news in the middle of my recording. I can’t wait to watch this tonight. I love all your amazing work Oliver. You are a phenomenal chap and great reviewer. I can’t wait for your in depth take and research. Finally, on the subject of ITV, I swear this movie felt like it was on every few months back then to the point I saw it more than the original!
Thanks for the wonderful feedback, Andrew!
I enjoyed this movie tremendously when it came out. I don't think it aged as well as the original but it will always be a fun watch. I still remember seeing the Alien skull and people here and there in the audience pointing and going 'ooooooh'
This is definitely my favorite Predator movie!!
23:40 - those who claim it recycles are clearly lazy assessments. Alan basically expanded on the original's cues/ themes drastically and this sequel's music is really a different "animal".
This movie is awesome. It is so over the top and action packed straight out of the gate and never lets up. They don't make them like this any more.
I really like how predator 2 came in 1990... the cusp, the split between 80s and 90s. It has the most awesome early 90s vibe and still caries with it the 80s vibe. Saw it in the theater. To me it remains one of the best action/sci-fi movie since it involves an alien. The first predator was ahead of it's time. The sequel did not disappoint me, because of it being an urban story there was a lot of opportunity to play with with the story in ways that can't be done in the jungle. I did miss a follow up on what happened with Dutch and the girl. In that regard it felt weird to just see the same story with an entirely different cast. But they did a great job and all had screen magic amongst them. Specially Glover and Busy.
20:58 One of the best visual effects I ever saw in an action movie, back in the day. It still holds up, in my opinion. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome piece. This film may be the last of its kind has a very special place in my heart. BTW, actor Kent McCord is also know for playing a cop in the old Jack Webb TV show "Adam-12" which makes his casting as Danny Glover's superior more fun. Your research is superb.
Only seen Kent McCord in a small handful of things and he has a real presence and I'm surprised he's not been in stronger roles in more movies.
Predator 2 is definitely one of my favorite action films of all time, and one of my all time favorite films in general. I enjoy it in many ways MORE than the original, and really wish that someday there will be a directors cut released. I can tell some moments that were cut and edited, and despite it just being cuts here and there that were seen by Hopkins as "no big deal" im sure there are plenty of fans, including me, that would easily pay for a new 4k director's cut as it IS a big deal to us.
Agreed
Not seen the movie in a while and i wanna rewatch tbh
An director cut would be perfect
LOVE Effing love your Reto's bro... I love this movie brings back my childhood ( 90's kid ) Lol
Seriously tho im in your first 1000 subs .. And this is what got me as such a huge fan of your channel its mind blowing what you have done the podcast the moves etc etc amazing but THESE Retro's are my Fav thanks again oliver
Thanks very much man!
The original is on a level of it's own, but this was a worthy sequel. I loved both as a kid.
Great film with many legendary lines, good cast and the action scenes deliver.
What Predator 1 and 2 get right, that 3 and 4 get wrong, is that they aren't about the Predator. Not at first. It's a preexisting story that the Predator interrupts. The special forces mission and LA drug war could very well be their own movies. The third and forth movie are just all about what the Predator does, and that is why they aren't as good. (Predators is decent, but just a rehash of part one with some really bizarre choices.)
I saw Predator 2 in the theater when I was 13 years old and always liked it better than part 1. It's been among my top five all time ever since, spending many years in the number one slot. I love everything about it. The urban setting spoke to me so much more than the jungle. At that time, I was so into the whole cyberpunk, tech nior vibe that was omnipresent at the time, so Predator 2 hit that sweet spot perfectly. The score is perfect. The attitude is so hyper aggressive that it stands out as a man among boys compared to its action contemporaries at the time. I never cared that Arnold wasn't back, because it just didn't make sense. This was a different Predator, hunting a different trophy. I feel like people coming around on Predator 2 is a somewhat recent phenomenon of maybe the last ten years or so. It was dumped on for a long time as a shitty movie, so it's satisfying for me to see people embrace it, because I was there day one.
Wonderful sequel and retrospective. As always, time is often the true tester of success, and this film's passed with flying colours 🙂😉
Fantastic Oliver! I really enjoyed this! Great job. Like you I have come to appreciate this film more over time.
Was just watching your Deep Rising retrospective.
The effect of the Predator walking in the water is brilliant. No sign of linings or wobbly opticals and with the music by Alan Silvestri and the shot's angle ... it's a perfect moment that reminds you why we invest our time as a society into filmmaking, and that's because it can be so rewarding to be entertained on that level of technique.
I love that original, classic Predator roar. It’s a real shame that they didn’t use it here or really ever again in the main Predator films. It’s always featured in the trailers (and video games) but never in the actual films haha AVP doesn’t count lmao
I rewatched this move the most out of the predator films. Prey was a solid prequel and one of my favorites.
A perfect sequel
The more shit that keeps coming out today the more I go back and rewatch older more badass movies like this one. I miss the era of big budget R rated action movies the whole family can enjoy.
One of the best movies ever made. When it came out, some thought this had silly story, silly acting. But I thought it was pure badassness. Perfectly exemplifies what society has become because of neca.😛
Predator 2 is, and always has been, a terrific sequel.
I remember thinking predator 2 wasn’t that good back in the day but rewatched it again a few years back. Completely changed my opinion, it’s a good solid follow up. Holds up well. Tried to do something a little different and I think it worked. Much better than any of the other sequels
No it IS awful. Get a grip lol
@@DutchUltra nah, awful would be terminator 3 or matrix resurrections. That level of awful
I'm glad to see Predator 2 getting some well-deserved love on the boards here. I've seen a few of the content creators I follow cover this movie over the last 6 months. For me it's the perfect sequel start to finish. It's not some lazy remake of the first, it has fresh characters, a fresh environment, it builds on the lore without becoming silly. I never just watch one of them, I always watch both together.
Without becoming silly? The movie is a bad joke
With how well done your vids are, I wish you got way more views mate
Thanks for your feedback, its always a bit of an issue with views you never know why things underperform or do well. Depends on UA-cams algorithm and what it shares or if subscribers are notified etc.
@@OliverHarper Oliver 2ill tou ever do retrospectives on the avp movie I knis you hate those film but just wh der if you would do reviews treospectives on them as well was your sister's much intonpredtor films much
Predator 2 is definitely an underrated sequel but hey I love it. We get to see more of the Predator and its awesome weapons. It's a sequel very worth watching.
Another fantastic retrospective Oliver, thank you. Nothing can match the original, but Predator 2 is seriously underated and remains the best sequel IMO (Prey being 3rd)
Part of me argues whether I like Predators more than Prey. Prey feels like more of a spiritual successor to the original but Predators feels more like a direct sequel, know what I mean?
@@fredfredburger5150 I get where you are coming from. IMO Prey is a much better film, though - Predators was a fantastic spin on the concept and the first half is great, however the pacing falls flat when Fishbourne shows up and the film never really recovers from then (even though the ending is pretty decent).
Always liked this film, a great sequel.
Only thing that niggled me
When keys gets cut in half by predator disc, his upper torso doesnt fall down lol
This was my favorite predator movie because during the 90s that's all they would show for some reason they never really show the first one
Bro I'm 34 and fully agree! I wont complain but I do remember it on TV a TON!
@@bsgtrekfan88 dude I'm 33 and growing up I wonder why they never show the first one that often
I think many of us that grew up in the '90s Saw many movies that were attended for adults. And I loved every moment of it.
hands down the best sequel to this date.