Dinner is Served

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2017)

(RATING: ☆☆☆☆ out of 5 )
GRADE: B
THIS FILM IS RECOMMENDED.
IN BRIEF: A fun-filled horror film that is more of the same gore and action as expected, but less on originality and cleverness.
SYNOPSIS: On a mission to colonize another planet, a crew of astronauts meet some hungry aliens along the way.
JIM'S REVIEW: The Alien series has been with us for nearly 40 years since it debuted in 1979. 20th Century Fox rode to the 21st Century and beyond in its own parasitic form, sucking the life out of this initially strong sci-fi horror film series with its sequels and prequels. Except for the original classic by Ridley Scott and its second chapter, the superior Aliens by James Cameron, it has been a downhill slide into mediocrity. Now spawning a total of 5 films on this cat-and- mouse theme, Alien: Covenant becomes No. 6 to enter uncharted territory (excluding the dreadful two Alien vs. Predator rip-offs). It is a worthy chapter to the franchise.
I must state that I had high expectations with this project, as this film is again being directed by its talented mentor, Mr. Scott (although he did lose his way in his philosophical mystical prequel, Prometheus, which lost its way from the central premise of his films' success: to scare the hell out of its target audience with blood and gore). Here, he has returned to his winning formula and stays comfortably in its safety zone, (unlike its astronauts), rarely venturing out of the perimeter of originality. We are firmly ensconced in the horror genre on this mission. (Of course, we are not alone...Dinner will be served promptly at 8, or 15 depending on how many crew members will be the main course.)
Mr. Scott is always the consummate craftsman. His films, including this one, have a stark beauty filled with wild action that any adrenaline jockey would love. This good-looking film has strong production values as well, including top-notch photography by the capable Dariusz Wolski and concise editing by Pietro Scalia. The director knows how to build tension and creates visuals that are very impressive. (Lest we not forget Artist H. R. Giger's Oscar-winning creature design of the xenomorph which remains the film's chief ace card.) While his screenplay credited to John Logan and Dante Harper is predictable. (Who will be next to suffer a grisly death? Just how dumb are these trained professionals' life-and-death decisions?) Add to that, all of the characters are a standard variety (the heroic captain, the empowered female warrior, the likable sidekick, etc.). But the fun is in the familiarity of the set-up...and the script takes its time developing its characters and plot before providing the scares and cheap thrills. (Just like Alien, the creature finally rears its ugly head about 40 minutes in.)
This second prequel continues its tale as it addresses the Prometheus story-line and brings that to a satisfying conclusion. Our story now picks up in 2104, about 15 years later. Its "new" players fill in quite nicely. Katherine Waterston plays the intrepid Daniels Branson (a.k.a. Ripley) although Ms. Waterson brings enough individuality to claim the role as her own. Joining her on her mission to colonize a new planet are Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Jussie Smollett, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Demian Bichir, and seven other human appetizers that are on the menu. Also going ala carte is Michael Fassbender playing the android, David 8, and his later model, Walter, and he is terrific. The actor steals the movie with his subtle interpretation of both pivotal roles.
Yes, there is an abundance of action sequences and scary moments, none of which I will reveal. The film builds tension well throughout its telling, although its many climaxes are a bit of overkill, literally. That said, Alien Covenant conveniently lives off its original 1979 host source and provides enough mayhem, gore, and action for most moviegoers, especially any horror film enthusiast with a taste for bloodshed. Dessert, anyone?