On this day in horror…
1987. 25 years ago today Predator was released in US cinemas.
Released to a lukewarm reception from critics, Predator was #1 at the US box office on its opening weekend and grossed more than $98 million dollars worldwide.
Despite the initial tepid response of critics, Predator has a massive and loyal fanbase, has spawned two direct sequels and two movie crossovers with the Aliens franchise.
Horror fans need no reminder of the film’s plot and to my mind, Predator is peerless. It perfectly marries up a number of genres (sci-fi, action and horror), has a tremendous soundtrack, memorable dialogue, directed by the man behind Die Hard (John McTiernan) and with a cast of genuine badasses that include: a former NFL player (Carl Weathers), an ex-Navy SEAL (Jesse Ventura), a Vietnam veteran (Richard Chaves) and of course the seven time Mr Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger. This assembled cast make worthy prey for their initially unseen foe…
Many of us at Andy Erupts weren’t even 10 years old when Predator was released but through the joys of home VHS rental, we were soon able to imitate Arnie when running around screaming “Get to da choppa!“
