Watch as I review three movies in less time than it takes to buy a train ticket! Have a look as I race against the clock to tell you about Brad Pitt in “Bullet Train,” the rescue drama “Thirteen Lives” and the sci fi horror of “Prey.”
Richard speaks to “CTV News at 11:30” anchor Andria Case about the best movies and television to watch this weekend. This week we have a look at the animated “Luck” on Apple TV+, the return of “The Outlaws” to Amazon Prime, “Fireheart,” the adventure story for the whole family on Crave and “Prey,” the latest instalment of the Predator franchise.
Richard joins CP24 to have a look at new movies coming to VOD, streaming services and theatres. Today we talk about Brad Pitt in “Bullet Train,” the true-to-life drama “Thirteen Lives” and “Prey,” the latest in the Predator franchise.
I join CTV NewsChannel anchor Jennifer Burke to talk about Brad Pitt in “Bullet Train,” the true-to-life drama “Thirteen Lives” and “Prey,” the latest in the Predator franchise.
I sit in on the CFRA Ottawa morning show with host Bill Carroll to talk the new movies coming to theatres including Brad Pitt in “Bullet Train,” the true-to-life drama “Thirteen Lives” and “Prey,” the latest in the Predator franchise.
I join NewsTalk 1010 host David Cooper on the coast-to-coast-to-coast late night “Showgram” to play the game “Did Richard Crouse Like This?” This week we talk about Brad Pitt in “Bullet Train,” the true-to-life drama “Thirteen Lives” and “Prey,” the latest in the Predator franchise.
Seven movies in, the “Predator” franchise takes extraterrestrial terror back 300 years to the Comanche Nation in a new film now streaming on Disney+.
The action centers around Comanche warriors Naru (Amber Midthunder) and her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers). Raised on the Great Plains, Naru is a skilled hunter but isn’t allowed to participate with the men. Her expertise is put to the test when strange things happen in her camp.
“There’s something out there,” Naru says. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“I’m not frightened by a bear,” snorts Taabe.
“It’s not a bear,” she replies.
Turns out it’s a Predator, a highly evolved alien hunter who resembles an outer-space crustacean and announces his presence with a series of unnerving clicks and throaty gurgles. Equipped with the power of invisibility and technically advanced weapons, the Predator attacks a group of colonizing French fur trappers and then Naru’s family.
The odds seem stacked against Naru in the resulting showdown, but, as she says, “It knows how to hunt. But I know how to survive.”
It’s been tough to be a Predator fan in recent years. The alien bullies have featured in several not-so-great flicks, including 2018’s suburban terror entry, “The Predator.” That one included lines like, “They’re large, they’re fast and ‘bleeping’ you up is their idea of tourism.” It’s a really bad movie that makes “Sharknado” look like “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
I’m happy to report “Prey” is a return to form. Directed by Dan “10 Cloverfield Lane“ Trachtenberg from a script by Patrick Aison, this is a stripped-down sci fi action movie with a strong hero and tension to spare. The story is a bare-bones tale of survival, but given an interesting twist.
As an Indigenous woman Naru is a determined central figure, one battling for her place in the tribe as well as for the survival of the only way of life she has ever known. Midthunder is terrific, making Naru jump off the screen with a minimum of dialogue. It’s a performance that delivers the required action, while still allowing a fully-formed character to emerge.
“Prey” takes the “Predator” franchise in a different direction while still maintaining the bloodthirsty scenes that fans crave. The image of an invisible Predator made visible by bear blood and guts is a standout.
“Prey” is a period piece, that delivers solid action, but just as importantly, doesn’t treat its Indigenous characters as secondary to the story. A primarily Indigenous cast transcends stereotypes to create varied, interesting and complex characters in a genre that has not always been inclusive or respectful.