Most critics lean towards Predator as an effective action thriller, with praise clustering around John McTiernan’s tense direction, the jungle setting and the special effects. Schwarzenegger’s physical presence is another asset, particularly when the film makes its imposing hero seem vulnerable. Favourable reviews value the stripped-down storytelling and brisk action rather than looking for much characterisation. The photography and oppressive atmosphere also earn some respect from critics who find little else to admire.
The spread is wide, however, and the main disagreement concerns whether the craft compensates for the thin script. Some reviews find the effects sustain tension; others see them replacing suspense. The New York Times finds the action alternately grisly and dull, preferring the jungle habitat to what happens in it. The Los Angeles Times is harsher about the empty, derivative writing, while allowing limited praise for McTiernan’s visual flair and the cinematography.