'Alien: Covenant' A Review

Alien: Covenant is the latest in the Alien franchise a sequel to the 2012 prequel Prometheus. The film opens on a scene between android David(Michael Fassbender) and his creator Mr. Weyland(Guy Pearce) discussing creation. Following that we see android Walter(Michael Fassbender) on the Covenant a colonization ship. After a neutrino burst damages the ship Daniels(Katherine Waterston) and the rest of the crew are awakened to make repairs. They then pick up a transmission from a near by habitable planet, significantly closer than their intended destination, which they then go to inspect.

Fassbender in his dual role is the bright spot in an otherwise tepid cast of characters, not for lack of talent but a flatness and impatience in the script. His characters are the only two given any room or time to develop. Waterston is serviceable but she is no Ripley not because she is incapable but because the film is so predictable it has no tension and things move so quickly we have no idea(nor care) much about any of the crew or their proposed mission.

All production elements are noteworthy but the doesn't live up to its potential because it essentially has two focuses, neither of which are fully explored, and is lesser for its middle-of-the-rode narrative and tone. After the critical backlash of Prometheus writer/director Ridley Scott re-conceived its sequel shoehorning in more classic horror elements and the creatures the series is known for although it is clear in this installment, as in the proceeding, that he is more interested in the philosophical questions about creation and the origin of Man. These are not totally excluded but the result is a disappointing mish-mash where neither is actually realized or given free reign. The film, essentially, lacks a clear identity. It is neither compelling horror nor though-provoking scifi.

Entertaining but weak for all the talent on display.

Rent It.