Science fiction war film enthusiasts have a compelling viewing choice this weekend, as The Predator is scheduled for broadcast on Channel 4. However, many fans are recommending an alternative that has been celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece.
The Predator's Broadcast Details
Originally released in 2018, The Predator will air on Sunday, February 15, at 12.30am on Channel 4. The film is part of the long-running Predator franchise and follows sniper Quinn McKenna, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, during a military operation to rescue hostages from a Mexican drug cartel. His mission takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a spaceship crash landing.
Why Aliens Is the Superior Choice
For viewers unwilling to stay up late to watch The Predator, there is a highly acclaimed alternative available for streaming. The 1986 film Aliens has been described by enthusiasts as "near to being perfect" and "one of the most thrilling films ever." One fan on IMDb even called it a "masterpiece" and an "all-time favourite," noting that it is "not just a film, but an experience."
Aliens serves as a direct sequel to Ridley Scott's 1979 movie Alien, but it has garnered a strong following, with many fans expressing a preference for it over the original. The film is directed by James Cameron and features Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as Lt Ripley. The plot centres on Ripley, whose shuttle is discovered by a deep salvage team after drifting in space for 57 years.
Plot and Cast Highlights
The official synopsis reveals that upon arriving at LV-426, the marines find only one survivor, a nine-year-old girl named Newt, played by Carrie Henn. Despite being equipped with the latest weaponry, these battle-hardened marines are no match for the hundreds of aliens that have invaded the colony.
In addition to Sigourney Weaver, the cast includes Lance Henriksen as Bishop, Jenette Goldstein as Pvt Vasquez, and Bill Hudson as Pvt Hudson. Weaver, widely recognised for her role in the Alien franchise, has also made significant contributions to the Avatar and Ghostbusters series.
Critical Acclaim and Availability
The critical reception further underscores Aliens' superiority. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Predator holds a modest score of 34%, while Aliens boasts an impressive near-flawless score of 94%. This stark contrast highlights why many consider Aliens the better film.
Aliens is readily available for streaming on Disney+, offering subscribers the convenience of watching at their leisure. As one fan enthusiastically noted, "It's nearly perfect in every way: storyline, characters, menacing threat, suspense, action, direction, music, emotion, etc. It's always been a favourite of mine and still is."
In summary, while The Predator provides a late-night viewing option, Aliens stands out as a critically acclaimed and beloved sci-fi war film that promises an unforgettable experience for streamers.
