Everyone’s favourite breed of alien hunter returns in a story which twists the formula, with a cast out Yautja battling for his honour on the deadliest planet in the galaxy, with a severely damaged, yet very cheerful Weyland Yutani synth providing help. Iain MacLeod reviews Dan Trachtenberg’s eagerly awaited new entry in the PREDATOR saga.

Eighteen years after a totally unnecessary and unmemorable remake, which seemed purely a marketing decision instead of a creative one to take advantage of its 6/6/06 release date, hopes could hardly be described as high when plans for a prequel to THE OMEN were announced. With a completely underwhelming EXORCIST sequel still fresh in our memories, it is hard not to feel that this could be yet another cynical ploy by a major studio capitalising on a profitable IP. What a pleasure then to find that THE FIRST OMEN is much better than expected, showing what can be done with a vintage franchise with the right talent paying their respects while simultaneously taking risks that, for the most part, pay off in a fulfilling and sinister fashion.