The following is an edition of The Mirror’s movie column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Drury Mirror. 

“The Predator” is the most recent flick from writer/director Shane Black. Black wrote some of the funniest pulp films of the past three decades. His credits include the likes of “Lethal Weapon,” “The Last Action Hero” and “Iron Man 3.” He is an accomplished and underrated filmmaker who is known for his smart, original scripts.

This movie, however, is neither smart nor original. It follows a fairly standard plot and has more than a few facepalm-worthy moments of sheer idiocy.

Yet it is an absolute blast. Critics have been less than keen on the film, which is understandable, but ultimately this is the perfect turn-off-your-brain-and-have-fun blockbuster. Not because one feels like they cannot enjoy it otherwise, but because the film has the perfect tone to let audiences zone out and get caught up in the events without having to think too hard.

The best way it does this is through its characters. None of them have a particular amount of depth, but they are all charming and funny enough for one to enjoy. And the actors, especially Keegan-Michael Key, are charismatic enough to pull it off.

Moreover, the action is just plain fun. Shane Black does not hold back on the violence, and there are lots scenes of the predator shredding people. Every slash and stab has the effect of making one smile and grimace at the same time.

In all fairness, the script is a mess. It jumps from scene to scene seemingly at random and has far too many subplots for its own good. However, it also never takes itself seriously, with characters delivering one-liners at an impossibly fast rate.

This is a movie that knows that it is a dumb sequel to a dumb franchise and has as much fun with itself as it can.

No, “The Predator” does not get a pass for all that it does wrong. But neither should it be lampooned for not being what it was never attempting to be. If one just wants an enjoyable, laughter-filled two hour romp, then Shane Black’s latest work might be perfect.

No one is going to be thinking about this movie for years to come, but neither will too many regret having seen it once.

Written by Jacob Maher.