What is so surprising about the sequel to "Predator" (one of my favorite action/Sci-Fi films, tied with "Aliens") is that nobody ever seems to enjoy it.  "Predator" fanboys seem to think it is not enough like its prequel, while non-fans seem to think that it is "just stupid."  To that, I say bah!  While it may not be nearly as good as the orignal (what is?... besides "Aliens"), it still packs quite the awesome punch.

To tell you the truth, I was set to give this one a "Thumbs Down."  The last time I watched "Predator 2" was nearly seven years ago, and I thought of it as just poorly done and, well, boring.  Well, I guess something must have changed in my little mind in the past handful of years, because now, upon a second viewing, I think this one rocks.  From Gary Busey's over-the-top commando to the creature itself dropping the F-Bomb, I can't help but reccommend this one (not to mention it makes a much better "Predator" film than that other title released this week also featuring the iconic character).

...

Who am I kidding... "Predator 2" beats the living shit out of Anderson's wet dream gone horribly awry.

*Ahem*

Anywho, the story of "Predator 2" is as follows: L.A. is torn up (keep in mind, this was made in 1990, during the height of criminal tension before it all came down to a massive riot), and drug lords run the streets.  The police are left to no other option than to bassically carry out martial law as bad guys are not only told to "drop their weapons," but also get their hands obliterated by inhumanly large hand guns.  Of course, the criminals are not even half of the problem for Lt. Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover, channeling a more serious version of his "Lethal Weapon" character)... he has to deal with a extraterrestrial on a killing spree.

Gory, funny, and action-packed, this sequel never stops being enertaining.  On top of the Predator, we also get Bill Paxton as a bumbling officer, the aforementioned Gary Busey as the leader of a government agency sent in to take down the creature (quick trivia: this character was supposed to be Dutch from the previous film but when Schwarzeneggar balked, the idea was dropped... just F.Y.I.), a Jamaican sword master whom fights the Predator in one of the best blade battles since "Raiders," as well as a certain familiar-looking skull in the alien's trophy room.

Of course, not all is good.  The actual story (which is never fully realized) is completely disposable and is nothing more than an excuse for the Predator to be in a city.  Then again, it's not like the original had an engrossing story, but at least the characters where a bit more well-rounded whereas in this, except for Harrigan, they are all pretty one-dimensional.  Also, some of the attempts at humor are just too much, and end up coming off as overtly campy.

While it may not be as good as the original (again... what is?), "Predator 2" is still a worthwhile effort, and I commend director Hopkins for not blatantly ripping off of McTiernan, and, instead, crafting his own film out of a great character/creature.

Movie: *** out of ****

DVD Extras: ***1/2 out of ****

Like the original "Predator," 20th Century Fox once again creates a great DVD package for this Special Edition.  We get two commentaries, one with director Hopkins, the other with writers/brothers Jim & John Thomas.  Both are pretty good, but I enjoyed the Thomas' a bit more as they're more willing to share behind-the-scenes jokes and stories as opposed to Hopkins, whom tends to speak more about the technical issues.  We also get an in-depth documentary dealing with the creation of the film as well as the character.  Also, there are three featurettes (two of which I have been told are recycled from the earlier disc) which, while short, are nice to have.  There is also some footage of the special effects and weaponry tests.  Finally, all of the mock TV news broadcasts are included to be watched at your own leisure (they're actually quite entertaining).  A great package even if you already have the orignal, some what bare bones disc.