Come for the face-hugging, stay for the "deep thoughts"

Rating: 8/10 (24 May 2017)

Did you like the ALIEN prequel PROMETHEUS that came out in 2012? If the answer is "yes", then you'll like it's sequel ALIEN:COVENANT. If you didn't (or didn't see it), then you might not.
Director Ridley Scott has done a very fine job of expanding on the universe that he first created in 1979's ALIEN. With PROMETHEUS, he set the stage that will (eventually, I am told) connect up with ALIEN. With ALIEN: COVENANT, Scott continues the story (picking up about 10 years after the events of PROMETHEUS) and grows on his promise. I found this movie to be interesting, exciting and chilling - I also was glad that I viewed PROMETHEUS the night before, for there was quite a few connections between the two.
Starting with the work of the great Michael Fassbender (the greatest actor working today, IMHO). He picks up where he left off in PROMETHEUS, reprising his role as android David, while also populating another android, Walter. After seeing COVENANT, I now see why Fassbender decided to do these movies. His two androids are distinct characters, with great similarities. Fassbender is the heart and soul of this film and his performance here makes PROMETHEUS better as well. These films, these characters, Director Scott and writer Dan O'Bannon mine the ideas of creation, evolution and what it means to be human.
All these "deep thoughts" in an ALIEN film? Yes! And...it is also gorgeously shot - which helps tremendously.
But, you might ask, what about Aliens ripping humans to shreds?
There's plenty of that as well and is cast accordingly.
Besides Fassbender, the rest of the cast is populated by fairly significant names in forgettable "Red Shirt" roles (a "red shirt" role is someone who is just there to be used as victims to the monster/killer/villain). Katherine Waterston (FANTASTIC BEASTS) underwhelms in her role as the Sigourney Weaver-esque lead heroine. I have not been impressed with her so far. It made me miss Noomi Rapace of the first film. Billy Cruddup is underwritten and underused as the 1st Officer of the COVENANT who is thrust into Captaincy. Demian Becher, Carmen Ejogo and Callie Hernandez were also hampered by underwritten and underutilized characters, while only comedian Danny McBride jumps off the screen as pilot Tennessee. One last note - why was James Franco in this film? I can only think that his character just might pop up in a future Alien film.
But these underwritten, underused characters/actors is not a big deal, for this movie isn't about these folks. It is about Fassbender diving into the deeper issues and Aliens ripping these people apart - and rip these people apart these Aliens do! If you come to this movie looking for face huggers, Xenomorphs and creatures bursting forth from within humans, then you will be rewarded.
You will also be treated to an unexpected deep dive into deep subjects by a fantastic actor and director and writer who are at the top of their respective games.
Letter Grade: B+ (but it's an acquired taste).
8 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)