Is Predators really the true sequel?

So, I've watched the review of Predators by the AtTheMovies guys... I've also read a couple online. It seems to be the consensus that Predators is supposed to be the true sequel to Predator and not Predator 2. Since I haven't seen the latest movie in the franchise, I can say for sure what I think, but I'm told there are references to the first movie's outcome.

I want to know why the writers decided to completely forget all the other Predator-related movies. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in Predator 2, more than one person was left alive that knew the predator was here on Earth. Mike Harrigan and Garber survived... did they really just keep their mouth's shut? How did Mike explain the giant hole in the ground left by the departing Predator ship to his commanding officer? I'm going to assume that Garber works for the same agency as Isabelle in Predators, therefore it makes sense for him to keep the predators a secret, but I find it hard to believe no one else spilled the beans. I guess piles of dead bodies left behind by the predator isn't enough for people to start asking questions... especially considering how these faceless victims died (horribly, I'm sure).

I can understand wanting to distance yourself from AVPR, but at least try to be consistent with what we know already. Like I said, I haven't seen Predators. I'm going on what I've heard about the new movie (novel idea on the internet, yes I know).

Oh, I picked up Predator: Ultimate Hunter Edition on Blu-ray. Pretty good transfer considering the age of the film. Other nerds on the internet are complaining of waxy-looking images at certain scenes, notably Dillon and Dutch at the beginning of the movie while look over the map and discuss the up-coming mission. I noticed how Dillon looked a little fake, but it certainly didn't look as horrible as some would have you believe. I own the DVD release, so this is a huge step up as far as I'm concerned.

Answers to Movie Trivia #1

1) What is the total number of dead bodies (either via the Predator, the team, or others)?

64

2) What t-shirt does Blain proudly wear in the movie?

MTV

3) Two actors had their big screen debut in Predator; who were they?

Shane Black and Jesse Ventura

4) Name three of the actors who are now (or were) involved in politics.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, Sonny Landham

5) What was the working-title of the movie during filming?

Hunter

6) What is the first thing spoken in the movie (word or phrase)?

"Good to see ya Dutch."

7) What is the last thing spoken in the movie (word or phrase)?

"What the hell are you?" -- Predator
"What in god's name?" -- Helicopter Pilot (aka, Kevin Peter Hall)
edit: Predator Fans is dearly sorry for the pain and suffering caused by this mistake. Thanks Bob.

8) While the team is being driven from the helicopter to their barracks in the beginning of the movie, who can be seen standing up during the ride?

Billy and Poncho

9) What actor was sent by studio executives to watch over the director?

Shane Black

10) What is the codename of the rendezvous team?

Blazer One

Predator Fans widens focus

We've decided to refocus our coverage of Predator Fans to include more than just the original movie. While it was fun coming up with posts that dealt strictly with the movie, we felt that limited what we could talk about, and have fun with.

So, starting today we'll go ahead and accept the fact that there are other movies with the Predator and that novels have been written about the Predator and his (mis)adventures. Needless to say, we think this is a step in right direction.

While not the biggest fan of Predator 2, it isn't all that bad of a movie. I mean, Bill Paxton is great! Who else has been killed by a Terminator, a Predator, an Alien, and Pat Benatar? The Predator has some really cool scenes, and we get a little more incite to his/them lifestyle.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed AVP: Alien vs. Predator. I didn't expect a whole lot going into it, mainly because the merging of two childhood memories for the sake of making a dollar didn't ring well with me. But it was entertaining, and I actually look forward to a sequel.

So what does the future hold for Predator Fans? I'd say a lot; we've got a new Predator novel in the works and a sequel to AVP in post-production.

Check back often ... we've got some more details regarding the Predator novel to share.

Predator visual effects

Here are some user-created visual effects found on YouTube.

Cheesy? one-liners

Alright ... what are the cheezy one-liners in Predator?

Here are a few to get you started:

Stick around! -- Right after Dutch heaves a massive hunting knife into some poor Val Verden soldier.

I ain't got time to bleed -- Blain's response to Poncho after noticing he's been shot in the left arm/shoulder area.

... but, I wouldn't waste that on a broke dick dog -- Billy's unsure about the path through the valley that leads to the east.

If you got more, post a comment.

Movie Trivia #1

If you think your attention to detail and memory is better than average, check out some Predator-related movie trivia:

1. What is the total number of dead bodies (either via the Predator, the team, or others)?
2. What t-shirt does Blain proudly wear in the movie?
3. Two actors had their big screen debut in Predator; who were they?
4. Name three of the actors who are now (or were) involved in politics.
5. What was the working-title of the movie during filming?
6. What is the first thing spoken in the movie (word or phrase)?
7. What is the last thing spoken in the movie (word or phrase)?
8. While the team is being driven from the helicopter to their barracks in the beginning of the movie, who can be seen standing up during the ride?
9. What actor was sent by studio executives to watch over the director?
10. What is the codename of the rendezvous team?

That's all for now. Check back soon for the answers!

Predator Novel in the works

Jeff Vandermeer is writing a Predator novel due in 2008, to be published by Dark Horse.

Here are Jeff's comments from his blog:

I'm writing a Predator novel for Dark Horse and editor Victoria Blake, from a detailed synopsis I provided to them. The novel is due in January 2008 and will be published in 2008. Set in the South China Sea, the novel features an ex-Khmer Rouge colonel, a Thai pirate, a huge transplanted African crocodile, and a Romanian crime boss, among other things. Oh, yes, and a Predator.

All this sounds very exciting. It's nice to hear that the Predator story hasn't died. Although, I am skeptical of the synopsis by Jeff.

Source: http://www.jeffvandermeer.com/2007/06/11/predator-novel-sold-to-dark-horse/