The Next Reel Film Podcast

“There’s something out there waiting for us, and it ain’t no man. We’re all going to die.”
After the huge success of Rocky IV in 1985, screenwriters Jim and John Thomas saw an opportunity for another Rocky film where he'd have to fight an alien, calling it "Rocky vs Predator." They developed the idea into a script titled "Hunter" about a group of alien hunters looking for the most dangerous prey. Unable to get interest, they slipped it under producer Michael Levy's door who loved it. Levy brought it to producer Joel Silver who also loved it. Silver brought in action star Arnold Schwarzenegger, who suggested changing it from one man against the creature to a team for more dynamics. Director John McTiernan was hired for his first studio film. With a budget under $20 million and filming in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Predator began production.
Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 1988 Academy Awards Best Visual Effects Nominees series with a conversation about Predator.
Here's a hint at what we talk about:
We discuss the excellent creature design and visual effects that still hold up today in making the cloaked Predator feel dangerous and threatening. The story structure shifts cleverly from a military rescue mission to sci-fi horror when the alien arrives. We admire the directing style of McTiernan in generating tension and fear. Character dynamics are touched on, along with some problematic elements.
Here are a few other points in our discussion:
  • Memorable one-liners and quips from Schwarzenegger
  • Contrast of the special forces team against the advanced alien
  • Discussion of problematic Indigenous American and female character tropes
  • Always hoping for more from Jesse “The Body” Ventura's character
Predator succeeds at being an enthralling, action-packed cinema ride. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.