Repetitive and Uncharacteristic

Rating: 3/10 (10 November 2017)

Alien Covenant had the same skins and occupation as previous Alien films, but with many flaws. The characters had no depth, and as has been pointed out in many other reviews, were lent to impeccably poor decisions. At least in the original Alien, the lack of concern for quarantine was driven by the deceitful android, yet to be uncovered- which was cool!
I was surprised to see Danny Mcbride, whose comic work I enjoy, take on a role. It didn't suit, but kinda added to the overall lack of effort of the movie ("..But the crane will make us unbalanced" he mutters in a robotic voice as they flee from the infested planet *paraphrasing*. And no, he is not cast as the cyborg).
The female lead became empowered and bad-ass during their leave of the planet, which felt untrue to her character. I mean the only reason she stood out was because towards the start, she foresaw that checking the planet out was probably going to be a donkey-brained idea. But no real likable roots, no match for Sigourney Weaver.
The planet looked fantastic, but the Aliens looked kinda cartoony/ overtly animated or CGI'd, I don't know the technical jargon, but as a spectator it was off-putting and disappointing. Particularly when the many blinking lights on the ship boasted a big effect budget (which is not as important as plot for this kind of film!)
Not only did the Aliens look disappointing, but they killed in a method more appropriate to a cheap Slasher than the tense Cat and Mouse style Alien fans adore. The gore was over the top, and took all away from the alien's anticipated arrival.
Mr Fastbender is great, but maybe too much focus on his characters, they were pretty boring (albeit well acted) and amounted to a fairly predictable ending. The only clink preventing it from being called outright, rested in his speedy costume change to look like 'the good android'. Another aspect which made the story feel disappointing and fall apart.
I will be disregarding this installment as an addition to the Alien story-line. The plot is better left with the mysteries which is squandered by this film.
Note: Loved Prometheus.