Ridley Scotts Sci Fi thrill ride 'Alien: Covenant': Review



8.2/10

 Michael Fassbender doubles down in an Oscar-winning worthy performance as two "synthetics" (Walter and David) in director Ridley Scott's follow-up to his 2012 film "Prometheus."

 Anyone still on board with Scott's attempt to tell an origin story for the famed (beloved?) "xenomorph" creature from his 1979 movie "Alien" should absolutely appreciate "Alien: Covenant." Unlike 2012's "Prometheus," there are far more of the popular aliens in it.

 The colony ship Covenant is traveling across space looking for a new home for the 2,000 odd colonists that are fast a kip on board. When the ship is hit by a solar flare, the crew is awakened early. They have to decide whether to continue their perilous journey or settle down on a nearby planet.

 The film offers a slow build-up as the Covenant's crew, led by Billy Crudup's religious Captain Oram and accompanied by their own faithful android Walter (Fassbender), lands on what looks like a civilized planet. That's where all the "fun" begins. Picks up, actually.

 Make no mistake: Despite the all-new cast, this is a direct sequel and continuation of "Prometheus." That becomes more obvious once the survivors of the first wave encounter Fassbender's troubled synthetic David, who has been holed up on this planet for 10 years (getting up to god knows what).

 This latest installment greatly benefits from the diverse cast around Fassbender, including Katherine Waterston as Daniels, a suitable replacement for Sigourney Weaver's Ripley. Danny McBride is also very likable in his role as crewman Tennessee.

 The movie hits a significant second act lull as Fassbender effortlessly works wonders to make David even creepier than he was in "Prometheus."

 When the aliens show up, the viewer is promised gruesome and gory kills. At the same time, Scott deliberately wipes the slate clean of some of the problems fans had with "Prometheus."

 To say more would take away from the movie's many surprises, but those wanting to see more of the actual aliens ought to be thrilled by how the third act ups the fucking action ante.

 Further proving his mastery of creating tension and thrills, Scott has effectively created a satisfying hybrid of "Alien," "Prometheus" and even James Cameron's "Aliens."

 Those looking for one of the better movies in the "Alien" franchise should appreciate what the latest movie brings to the mix. But it's not for the squeamish or faint of heart.

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