Time to Upgrade The Predator

In 1987 the first Predator movie was released and spawned a scifi cult following spanning over 3 decades until today. The franchise comprise three movies with the fourth releasing next week in Malaysia on 13 September 2018. It also had two crossover AVP movies with the Alien franchise, another cult scifi series of that era. The Predator saga is further supplemented in other media by countless comic books, memorabilia, and video games forming a fairly expansive lore. Our geek intel here will recap on a few good-to-know facts about Predator to set context for this year's latest movie outing.

Predators are an extraterrestrial, i.e. alien, species of intelligent bipedals larger and much stronger than the average human. Whilst this alien species has not been named in films, lore from the expanded universe also refers to them as Yautja or Hish-Qu-Ten. An ancient and advanced civilisation, Predators travel the galaxy on their spaceships in search of other dangerous lifeforms to hunt for sport. Worthy prey defeated by Predators are skinned and/or decapitated with the skull & spine taken as trophies.

Like human, each Predator is unique with individual personalities and motivations. There are even sub-species (more about that later). Most Predators hunt separately, although occasionally deploying in small teams up. Their culture seems to dictate a similar assortment of gear and weapons on the hunt, such as bio-helmets, spear, wrist blades and shoulder mounted plasma casters. Their natural vision lies towards infrared spectrum, thereby able detect body heat from prey. Their advance tech also allows them to camouflage with the environment, becoming almost imperceptible to human eyes except for light distortion over its form. See this infographic below for more details on Yautja gadgets (source: geektyrant.com).

The first Predator movie released  in 1987 starred then action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role of Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer. Dutch together with Dillon, Mac, Billy, Blain, Poncho, and Hawkins form an elite special forces unit sent into the jungles of Central America on a rescue mission.

After overwhelming a camp to insurgents, the team proceeds to their extraction point with a guerilla captive, Anna. The team soon realise that they being stalked after Blain and Hawkins are killed by something with green luminescent blood. They set a traps around their camp site but fail to snare their stalker. In the process most of the team are slain except for Dutch and Anna.

The 30th Anniversary Trailer for Predator (1987) back in overseas cinemas last year for fan service.

Our hero then sends Anna away to confront the Jungle Predator one-on-one. The prey eventually outsmarts the hunter, trapping the injured Predator. Beaten by a worthy opponent, it activates a self-destruct and consumes the surrounding jungle in a massive explosion. That, of course, isn't enough to kill the future Governator and Dutch escape in the nick of time to the extraction point.

Oh and by the way, Hawkins as the first spec forces member to be killed is played by Shane Black, now Director of the upcoming movie!

Predator 2 was released 3 years later, this time with a new City Hunter based on Los Angeles of then near-future 1997. Arnie declined to return bringing Danny Glover into the lead role as veteran LA police department officer Lieutenant Michael "Mike" R. Harrigan. Casualties quickly mount amid a gang war between drug cartels as the Predator seeks a worthy adversary.

Now apparently Dutch's adventurers in Central America ten years back (in movie timeline) did not go unnoticed by the CIA where an Other Worldly Life Forms Program (OWLF) has been established to investigate Predator-related sightings. Led by Special Agent Keyes, OWLF sets a trap to capture the Predator but is outmaneuvered by the crafty alien with most of his team slaughtered. However Harrigan manages to severely wound the Predator by severing its forearm.

The Trophy Wall in the Predator spaceship contained the first inkling of a shared universe with Alien Xenomorphs. This moment was so epic in the franchise that an action figure diorama was recently released for it! (photo source: nerditis.com)

Harrigan tracks down the Predator to its spaceship and both dance the final duel. The City Hunter is narrow defeated by Harrigan using its own throwing disc to slice open its guts. In a final epic scene, a clan of Predators uncloak before Harrigan to retrieve their fallen comrade. As a sign of respect to Harrigan as a worthy warrior, the Elder Predator tosses him a vintage pistol from Earth 1715, hinting that the Yautja have been hunting mankind for centuries.

The epic ending unveiling the Predator clan!

Predator 2's box office performance in 1990 was underwhelming and the franchise took a long break until revived in 2004 with Alien Versus Predator (AVP) directed by Paul W.S. Andersen (now of Resident Evil fame). Reviews were mixed with some fans feeling the Predators on their rite of passage were not sufficiently bad@$$ to warrant a fair smackdown with the Xenomorphs. Anyway, the movie made enough money for a sequel Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (AVPR) in 2007. Reviews were mostly gruesomely negative as the increased level of gore with the movie nominated for Golden Raspberry awards in the fields of Worst Excuse for a Horror Movie and Worst Prequel or Sequel. AVPR did not win.

Come 2010, the third installment of the franchise and the fifth movie featuring the Yautja was released as Predators. Importing nothing from previous installments, the action now takes place on another planet where the most lethal killers of mankind are dumped to be prey. Taking the lead this time is Adrien Brody as Royce, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier turned mercenary.

In line with the title of this sequel, Predators features not one but three new extraterrestrial hunters. Furthermore they are a larger sub-species dubbed Super-Predators and identified individually as Tracker, Falconer and Berserker. Furthermore there appears to be a feud between the Supers and Classic Predators, of which one had been captured.

After the obligatory gruesome deaths of the hapless humans and two Super-Predators, Royce attempts to work with the captive Predator to escape the game reserve planet. Plans go awry as the remaining Berserker defeats the Classic Predator and destroys the spaceship before Royce could escape. In an epic one-on-one duel of man versus Predator akin to the original movie, Royce cleaves apart the Berserker and plots another way off the planet when new prey arrives.

One would think Predators should know better by now to leave humans alone, but... say hello next week to The Predator.

Official movie synopsis

From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home. Now, the universe's most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.

The Predator stars Boyd Holbrook (Narcos), Olivia Munn (X-Men Apocalypse), Trevante Rhodes (12 Strong), Thomas Jane (The Expanse), Keegan-Michael Key, and Jacob Tremblay. As mentioned earlier, Shane Black (Iron Man 3) returns to the franchise after three decades now as Director.

The trailer pretty much sums out what to expect from The Predator, including a new “Ultimate Predator”. According to Director Shane Back, this new breed of Predator is more correctly referred to as the Upgrade. What this Predator has done is splice DNA from creatures they have hunted to grant superior traits and abilities. The Upgrade towers 10 feet tall and looks to have hardened skin such that it does not need to wear armour often used by the classic Predators. Abilities other than the standard Predator fit-out should be expected.

The Upgrade Predator, BIGGER and BADDER.

Also clearly present in the trailers is a classic Predator dubbed the Fugitive. No secret from the trailers, the Fugitive Predator seems to (finally) be captured by a human organisation that looks to be researching the creature and its technology. Tapping into the world established in Predator 2, this movie introduces the character of Sean Keyes (Jake Busey), the son of Peter Keyes from OWLF. Busey is in fact the real life son of Gary Busey who played Special Agent Keyes. Will this younger Keyes follow in his father's footsteps?

The other Predator in the movie, dubbed Fugitive, almost looks metrosexual in comparison to the new Upgrade.

Leading the ragtag band of ex-soldiers this time is Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook), a former U.S. Army Ranger who's son Rory (Jacob Tremblay) accidentally brings down the Predators to a small town. Among a testosterone-filled posse is school teacher Casey Bracket (Olivia Munn). Expect lots of bloody deaths so put your bets on who will survive this latest Predator outing.

Boyd Holbrook is Quinn McKenna, pitting his Army Ranger skills against the Predators. 

Place your bets which humans will survive this time around?

Here in Malaysia, “Predators” have been sighted recently at AEON shopping malls. But not to worry they are quite “friendly”... just ask nicely for selfies!

This Malaysian Predator clan looks ready to "burn rubber" on the roads!
(Source: 20th Century Fox Facebook)

This mini-sized Pred is kinda cute!
(Source: 20th Century Fox Facebook)

Catch them at these malls and check the respective Facebook Pages of each mall for appearance timing.

Yautja Pemangsa is an extraterrestrial species that travel around planets to hunt dangerous lifeforms. After making a kill they typically skin or decapitate the carcass, converting it into a trophy.
(Source: Fusion Wayang Kulit Facebook)

Blending traditional arts with modern pop culture, the folks at Fusion Wayang Kulit have created a localised version of the Predator named Yautja Pemangsa.

Merdeka Special | Meet our Wayang Kulit Predator
To celebrate Malaysia's 61 years of Independence, we have hunted down local Malaysians with unique talents up their sleeves! Meet the talented team at Fusion Wayang Kulit! Fueled with a passion to revive the wayang kulit scene, they infuse popular culture into the making of their wayang kulit characters. Check out how they came up with a Predator-inspired character! #SayangiMalaysiaKu2018 #ThePredatorMY
Posted by 20th Century Fox on Thursday, 30 August 2018

To stay tuned to upcoming performances, follow Fusion Wayang Kulit on Facebook.

Noting that Yautja prefer hot and humid climates to hunt, our Malaysian tropical weather do seem ideal for Predator vacations. So indeed here's our very own Malaysian Predator:

Merdeka Special | Meet The Malaysian Predator
Keeping up with the #SayangiMalaysiaKu pride, let's continue to celebrate patriotism with THE PREDATOR twist. We hunted down a true Predator Fan, Cikgu Ayie www.facebook.com/PreBrushArt with a passion on creating the most realistic Predator costume. Ugaiz have to check this out! #ThePredatorMY
Posted by 20th Century Fox on Thursday, 6 September 2018

Hardcore fan Cikgu Ayie spent years developing his Predator costume to be movie accurate and certainly makes a memorable presence when appearance at the local cosplay scene. Find him on Facebook as Pre brush Art.

Malaysia's Movie Premiere for The Predator took place on 12 September 2018 at TGV Sunway Pyramid and thanks to 20th Century Fox, we could invite local Yautja clan members to join the Fan Screening that night.

Samurai and Berserker Predators with human marines.

Cikgu Ayie's Jungle Predator (far left) with Berserker (middle) and Samurai Predator.

Tintoy Chou (centre) of Fusion Wayang Kulit displaying the Yautja Pemangsa shadow puppet with "lifesize" counterparts.

Malaysia's Predator Biker gather for photo ops. There's clearly a Star Wars fans amongst the clan.

Some action before the movie screening as Samurai and Berserker Predators battle a trio of human soldiers.

[CONTEST CLOSED - THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING]
Thanks for 20th Century Fox, we have five (5) pairs of invites to an exclusive Fan Screening of The Predator on Wednesday 12 September, 9pm at TGV Sunway Pyramid. Follow the steps below for the chance to win:
1. React (Like, Love, Wow, etc.) to this post on our Facebook Page.
2. Share the same post onto your Timeline, setting privacy to Public.
3. Comment in the same post on "why you are the BIGGEST Predator fan in Malaysia" within 100 words (photos permitted).

Make sure your entries reach us by Sunday 9 September, 11.59pm.

TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION
1. Participation only for residents in Malaysia ages 18 years & above able to attend the Fan Screening. If you are unable to attend please do not participate and potential derive a fan of the opportunity.
2. Only 1 entry per person. Multiple entries will forfeit all entries.
3. Selection of winners will be based on most creative submissions in Comments.
4. Contest closes on Sunday 9 September 2018, 11.59pm. Submissions thereafter will not be eligible.
5. Winners will be contacted via Message by or before Tuesday 11 September 2018. It is the contest participants' own responsibility to lookout for the said Message and respond accordingly to the redemption instructions given.
6. Invites / tickets to be collected in person at the cinema foyer of TGV Sunway Pyramid from 8pm onwards. Winnings are forfeit if not collected by 9.00pm.
7. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.
8. We reserve the right to revise these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

The Predator opens in cinemas nationwide on 13 September.
#ThePredatorMY
#OutpostGiveaway

Disclaimer: Predator and other trademarks are copyright 20th Century Fox, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.

The Fast & The Furious tempts Fate 8

by Phang Kuok Sing

I recall watching the first movie The Fast & The Furious not on the big screen, but on the TV. What got me hooked was the brightly lit and loudly modified street racing cars featured in the movie. Never would I have thought the franchise would become what it is today, and have such an impact on pop culture. From small time thugs and street racers, the team has since find themselves often involved in international missions which require their specific skill sets of driving really fast cars. Some would even think the last few films were directed by Michael Bay (not true). The team has come a long way and so has their following of secret agencies and baddies. Despite all the madness that happened in the last few films, Family is still the end goal.

The first movie of the franchise released 16 years ago in 2001.

Current leading man of the franchise, Hollywood bad boy Vin Diesel stepped into the shoes of Dominic Toretto in 2001 for the first movie, The Fast and The Furious. He was then on hiatus for the subsequent 2 movies and returned to the role of Dom after 8 years for Fast & Furious in 2009.

The other films in between introduced Dom's associates around the world, whom eventually became part of the Toretto Family - Brian (the late Paul Walker), Letty (Michelle Rodrigeuz), Mia (Jordana Brewster), Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Han (Sung Kang), and Gisele (Gal Gadot). We are all too sure towards the plot of each movie so we won't dive deep into the story line. Instead we will attempt to fill in the gaps of some "unconnected scenes" & recurring characters.

Brian shows up in a pimped out Skyline GTR in the beginning of 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003). We bet a lot of us were wondering how he'd just show up with a ride like that, after giving up his 10-second Supra to Dom whom ended up Baja California, Mexico.

Brian's Nissan Skyline GTR R34

There is actually a short film in-between the first and second movie, known as "The Turbocharged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious", released with the DVD in 2003 which follows Brian's journey after parting with Dom, and how he became the established street racer/hustler.

Turbocharged Prelude For 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

Does it make sense now?

Chronologically, Tokyo Drift (2006) happens after Fast & Furious 6 (2013), which explains the sudden reappearance of Han in the Dominican Republic, helping the crew in stealing the oil tanker in Fast & Furious (2009), where we were also introduced to 2 new faces, Leo & Santos (Puerto Rican singers Tego Calderón & Don Omar respectively). Now, the duo did not just mysteriously appear as new characters, like Brian's GTR in 2 Fast 2 Furious. They were actually introduced to us at an earlier time, in the form of a short film included as a bonus on Blu-Ray & DVD, known as "Los Bandoleros" in 2009 prior to the fourth movie.

Los Bandoleros (2009)

Now that we have cleared the past, let's connect the dots in the future especially the new characters introduced between Fast 5 and Fast & Furious 7. Firstly, Agent Luke Hobbs played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson:

Diplomatic Security Service Agent Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson)

Hobbs first appeared in Fast 5 (2011) when Dom & Brian stole a Ford GT40 on-board a train, which was seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as it was linked with Brazilian drug lord Hernan Reyes. As Hobbs pieced the puzzles together at the end of the chase, he gave Dom & Brian a chance to flee as they have earned his respect. Hobbs returns in Fast & Furious 6 (2013) to find Dom as the case he is working on, Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) involves his supposedly dead-girlfriend Letty (killed 2 movies back in Fast & Furious). Hobbs was successful in securing the computer chip with the help of Dom's team and gave them full pardon for their assistance. 

Owen Shaw (Luke Evans)

Owen Shaw in Fast & Furious 6 (2013) was a former British SAS Major & Special Operations Soldier & his team of tech & weapons experts was out to steal several high tech components to create a deadly device, and intends to sell it to the highest bidder. One of the members included Letty - Dom's supposedly dead girlfriend. Shaw recruited Letty after discovering her amnesia after being rescued by Gisele. It was later revealed that Shaw is connected to Mexican drug lord Arturo Braga, whom Gisele used to work for. Surprise, Surprise! Owen suffered severe injuries from the crashing plane at the end of the film and is bedridden in a hospital.

Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham)

We get the first look of Owen's big bad brother Deckard Shaw in the intro of Furious 7 (2015), as a flashback to Han's crash sequence in Tokyo Drift (2009), showing Deckard responsible for Han's death. It is revealed that Deckard is out to avenge his brother Owen by taking out Dom's family one by one. Highly skilled in tracking people with background in the British military, Deckard plays the "you can't find me, but I will find you" role as he only appears when he wants you to see him. Deckard pursues in attempt to disrupt Dom's team while they are out on missions orchestrated by Mr. Nobody played by veteran action-star Kurt Russell. Despite these attempts he fails but ends up in a one-on-one brawl with Dom but lost and disappears in the collapse of the parking lot. He is later found in the rubble by Hobbs and locked away in a high-security prison.

Mr Nobody (Kurt Russell)

Nothing much is known about Mr Nobody (Or is he?) besides being the leader of a covert operations unit. Nobody offers Dom to get back to Deckard if he helps to find a high tech device known as the God's Eye. With the help of Dom's team & Hobb's return, Nobody successfully secured God's Eye.

Elena Neves (Played by Elsa Pataky)

Elena first appeared during Fast 5 (2011) in Rio de Janeiro as a local police officer, selected by Hobbs to assist in tracking down Dom & his team. Elena retrieves Dom's cross necklace after a minor gun-fight in the favela, whom visits her later that evening to claim it back. Elena returns with a minor role in Fast & Furious 6 (2013) she and Dom were approached by Hobbs seeking help to bring Shaw in with the reveal that Letty is alive. Elena sees that Dom still loves Letty & tells him to accept the job. That was the last of Elena. Perhaps.

Got all that? Take it all in to help digest what's being served for the 8th installment of this blockbuster movie franchise:

The Fate Of The Furious - In Cinemas 12 April 2017

Official Synopsis:

Now that Dom (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are on their honeymoon, Brian and Mia have retired from the game, and the rest of the crew has been exonerated, the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman seduces Dom back into a world of crime that he can't seem to escape, the crew will face trials that will test them as never before.

The Fate Of The Furious, better known as Fast & Furious 8 in Malaysia, is now showing in cinemas nationwide. The Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T) has done some homework to find some Fast8 goodies for furious fans. Check it out!

Fast 7 Furious Combo with drink tumbler and popcorn from TGV Cinemas

TGV Cinemas is offering Furious 8 combo of 1x regular popcorn & 1x 44oz (1.3L) tumbler. Relating to that, they are also selling movie marathon tickets featuring Fast 7 & Fast 8 at selected cinemas. Plus, you get unlimited soft drink refills throughout the marathon. WOWZERS!

TGV Cinemas Fast Marathon recap on the preceding movie before jumping into Fast8.

TGV Cinemas is also running the Furious Showdown contest giving away a trip for 2 to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the official Fast & Furious Supercharged ride. Head over to TGV Sunway Velocity this Sunday 16 April between 12pm to 4pm to witness the Furious Showdown Finals as 10 racers compete to score the Grand Prize. Actually the runner-up prize don't look too shabby either with an entire hall given away for a private movie screening!

TGV Cinemas' Furious Showdown

GSC Cinemas on the other hand have a tamer but interesting combo. A drink & popcorn bucket together in 1 oil barrel-like container. Say what?! Yes your popcorn remains crunchy!

GSC Furious Combo

We kid you not!

Similar to that, MBO Cinemas is also offering a tumbler combo, but with a more traditional approach. Race gauges anyone? You'll even get a special FF diecast vehicle with the Ultimate combo!

Want more Fast & Furious movie merchandise? Then join the online contest by United International Pictures Malaysia. Visit one of the green screen simulators at  Gurney Paragon Mall, Mid Valley Megamall or Johor Bahru City Square to "star" in a trailer reel with Vin Diesel, then post that clip online for the chance to win stuff! Find out more at their Facebook page:

FAST & FURIOUS 8 | Contest | In Cinemas 13 April
[CONTEST] It's your turn to ride or die with the #FastFamily!🔥Our exclusive #F8 green screen simulator lets you star alongside Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne The Rock Johnson and many more! So, show your best #F8FASTWEI face and WIN exclusive F8 merchandise! Just follow these simple steps: 1. Visit the #F8 green screen simulator at Gurney Paragon Mall, Mid Valley Megamall or Johor Bahru City Square for an experience of your life! 2. SHARE your customised clip with the hashtag #F8FASTWEI on Facebook and Instagram before 16 April, 12pm! 20 of the best stand a chance to WIN exclusive #F8 movie merchandise! Participation is FREE. T&Cs apply (bit.ly/F8FASTWEI). FAST & FURIOUS 8 opens nationwide this 13 April. Book your tickets now! 🎬
Posted by United International Pictures Malaysia on Wednesday, 5 April 2017

#Fast&Furious #Fast8 #FastFamily #F8FASTWEI

Disclaimer: The Fast & The Furious and its trademarks are copyright to Universal Pictures, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.