scifi

The Predator is airing tonight but there is an alternative film to watch that’s been branded a “masterpiece”.

An “all-time favourite” war film that’s “not just a film” but an “experience”, is available to stream.

Science fiction war film enthusiasts are set for a treat this weekend as The Predators will be broadcast on Sunday, February 15, at 12.30am, on Channel 4.

Initially released in 2018, The Predator, which forms part of the Predator franchise, follows sniper Quinn McKenna (portrayed by Boyd Holbrook) during a military operation to rescue hostages from a Mexican drug cartel when he encounters a spaceship crash landing.

Nevertheless, for those unwilling to stay awake until the small hours on Sunday to watch The Predator, there’s an even superior option.

“It is as near to being perfect as any I have ever seen”, an enthusiast on IMDb described this 1986 film. Another declared it was “one of the most thrilling films ever”, whilst a third branded it a “masterpiece” and an “all-time favourite”.

Fellow science fiction war film Aliens centres on Lt Ripley ( Sigourney Weaver ) whose shuttle is discovered by a deep salvage team after drifting in space for 57 years.

The official synopsis continues: “Upon arriving at LV-426, the marines find only one survivor, a nine-year-old girl named Newt (Carrie Henn).

“But even these battle-hardened marines with all the latest weaponry are no match for the hundreds of aliens that have invaded the colony.”

Aliens, the award-winning film helmed by James Cameron, serves as a direct sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie Alien but numerous fans have expressed their preference for it over the original.

So, if you’re eager to watch The Predator but can’t wait, Aliens is readily available for Disney+ subscribers to stream at their leisure.

With The Predator earning a paltry 34% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Aliens’ near-flawless score of 94%, it’s clear which film is considered the superior offering.

Sigourney Weaver returns as Lt Ripley in this much-loved sequel, sharing the screen with Lance Henriksen as Bishop, Jenette Goldstein as Pvt Vasquez and Bill Hudson as Pvt Hudson.

While Weaver is most recognised for her role in the Alien franchise, she also made her mark in both the Avatar and Ghostbusters series.

“It’s nearly perfect in every way: storyline, characters, menacing threat, suspense, action, direction, music, emotion, etc”, one fan gushed about Aliens.

They added: “It’s always been a favourite of mine and still is. To me this is not just a film, it is an experience.”

Aliens is available to stream on Disney+.

Time is running out to binge watch the addictive and highly rated series

Time is running out for Netflix fans to enjoy an ‘epic’ sci-fi adaptation.

The series was originally an exclusive on rival streamer Paramount+, with episodes released weekly beginning in 2022. That was until the live-action series based on the popular video game series Halo made its Netflix debut in March last year.

Finding a new home on the platform, it quickly surged up the charts of most watched titles among UK subscribers. However, it looks like the deal to bring the show over was only good for a year, as it is set to be removed a day before its 12 month anniversary.

The show, based on the much-loved Xbox-exclusive game franchise, follows super soldier Master Chief John-117 and his team of Spartans as they battle against the alien threat known as the Covenant.

Its first season scored a respectable 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the second series upped the ante with an impressive 90% rating. Pablo Schreiber, known for roles in Orange is the New Black, Den of Thieves and The Wire, took on the role of Master Chief.

Despite its eventual cancellation by Paramount, many viewers have expressed their admiration for the show. This includes many acknowledging the challenge of successfully adapting such a beloved series.

One fan, sharing their opinion online, posted: “The Halo show on Paramount+ is everything I could have hoped for and more. As a fan of the Halo series, I was thrilled by how they brought the universe to life.

“The visuals are stunning, capturing the gritty yet futuristic essence of the franchise. The action sequences are intense and cinematic, especially the battles with the Covenant, which felt ripped straight out of the games.”

Another added: “Epic! If you want action, violence and non stop battles, this is for you. Amazing cinematography. Brought to screen successfully, I’d say.”

They continued: “Heaps of effort and money went into producing this, obviously. Visually stunning. Whole cast excels in character very convincingly. If you are a Halo fan, this will keep you glued to the screen. Lots of twists and dilemmas to keep it gripping and interesting.”

However, its not just dedicated fans of the game series that have been able to enjoy the show. As one person claimed: “Production quality is outstanding, on par with Star Wars or Star Trek. I found the first season intelligent, enjoyable to watch and honestly, very addictive.”

While someone else suggested: “Pure fun, best sci fi since Expanse and The Mandalorian.” And one person commented: “Excellent! They have filmed and written the storyline perfectly and it has me hooked wanting more. Binge watched whole of season 1 in two days.”

Halo is streaming on Netflix until February 28 and on Paramount Plus.