"Alien Covenant" is currently playing in movie theaters. The movie is number six in the "Aliens" franchise. "Alien" was released in 1979. "Aliens" (which is my favorite) premiered in 1986. They were followed by "Alien3" in 1992 and "Alien:Resurrection" in 1997. The prequel "Prometheus" was released in 2012. There were also two "Alien" vs "Predator" movies but I'm not counting them.
All newcomers need to know is that future humans encounter a space creature called a Xenomorph. It takes various forms depending on it's life cycle. The infant version erupts from a person's chest and thus is called a "chestbuster". It is planted there via a "facehugger". I'm sure you can figure out where it's name came from. And yes they do look like vaginas. I'm not ashamed to say that.
The adult versions of xenomorphs have some spidery characteristics. There's also a "Queen" alien who resembles a giant praying mantis. She is truly frightening and lays lots of eggs. There are some new genetic mutations called Neomorphs (they have more of a domed head and human-like appearance).
A species called the "Engineers" designed the aliens as a bioweapon (only to have the plan go horribly wrong). Oh, and they also created us. That probably didnt work out so well either.
The adult versions of xenomorphs have some spidery characteristics. There's also a "Queen" alien who resembles a giant praying mantis. She is truly frightening and lays lots of eggs. There are some new genetic mutations called Neomorphs (they have more of a domed head and human-like appearance).
A species called the "Engineers" designed the aliens as a bioweapon (only to have the plan go horribly wrong). Oh, and they also created us. That probably didnt work out so well either.
"Alien Covenant" takes place in 2104 (ten years after "Prometheus"). Humans aboard the spaceship "Covenant" plan to colonize a distant planet Origae-6. An android named Walter monitors them as they sleep. Long story short, the crew is awakened ahead of schedule. They hear a distress signal on a nearby planet and go to investigate. We all know they'll be dead soon. That is all EXCEPT the main character. In "Covenant" newcomer Katherine Westerson plays the role of the strong female lead (Daniels Branson, ie "Dany"). Noomi Rapace played Dr Elizabeth Shaw in "Prometheus". Before her,Sigourney Weaver (Ellen Ripley) is sole survivor of the ship "Nostromo".
The humans try to get away but it's too late. Daniels fights the Xenomorph. There's a bit of a twist ending. Does anyone care? I'm not sure I do.
Grade: 3 Monsters (out of 5). "Alien Covenant" is an OK movie but it's too light on action. I know everyone wants to make as much money as possible but it's time for Ridley Scott to put "Aliens" to rest. Don't get me wrong. I LOVED the second movie. In fact, I listed it as Number 4 on my list of best horror films. See Top 10 Horror Movies Of All Time
PROS:
- Michael Fastbender who does double duty as androids David and Walter is the highlight of the movie.
- The cinematography and sets are beautiful.
- I would like to learn seen more of the Engineers' culture and their world.
CONS:
- We never grow to care about the crew (thus don't care if they get whacked).
- Since we know what's coming, the element of surprise is gone, gone, gone.
- Katherine Westersen is OK but she's no Sigourney Weaver.
- "Covenant" adds nothing new to the mythology of the series.
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GMonsterTV
TV: Heavy On Sci Fi, Horror & Adventure
June 4, 2017
June 4, 2017
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