Review: Alien: Covenant

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When Prometheus was first released, diehard fans of the original Alien films questioned the prequel's expanded mythology and the director Ridley Scott's story, but between the film's critical and commercial successes, the train continued onward with ease. So when it was announced that the sequel to Prometheus, titled Alien: Covenant, would return the series to its roots, while answering questions opened by Prometheus, audiences, fans and critics collectively rejoiced. Trailers and a strong marketing campaign portraying the film as a colonization effort gone wrong, only built the excitement surrounding the film and now released, all of the promises made seem to have been fulfilled.

Perfectly balancing horror with action and tying in aspects of both the classic Alien franchise with the deeper more drama-based Prometheus, Alien: Covenant is a thrilling non-stop adventure of seismic proportions. Tense and explosive, Covenant wastes little time setting the stage. The film follows a spaceship crew headed toward a planet in hopes of colonization, only to discover a signal on a previously unnoticed planet. Upon inspection, the crew meets more than they bargain for and the film quickly devolves into horrific chaos.

Alien: Covenant stars Katherine Waterson (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) as Daniels, the stunning and worthy Sigourney Weaver of the film, and Michael Fassbender (Assassin's Creed) reprising his as a Weyland Corps android, this time named Walter. The film also includes Billy Crudup (Spotlight) as first mate, Oram, and Danny McBride (Vice Principals) as the ship's pilot, Tennessee. Additionally, Carmen Ejogo (The Purge: Anarchy) and Amy Seimetz (The Killing) play biologist and Oram's wife, Karine, and lander pilot, Maggie, respectively. The film is then rounded out by a pretty fantastic and robust cast of cannon fodder characters that other than an online prologue are nearly nonexistent.

Alien: Covenant is a truly impressive endeavor. Featuring some fantastical visuals and special effects, the movie is captivating; offering some amazingly fiendish and terrifying aliens, sprawling forests and some futuristic technology that are sure to make sci-fi fans' heads spin. All of this is then topped with awesome costuming and some intense explosions and fight sequences. Covenant also benefits greatly from the notably good cast. No matter the size of the role, it's clear that each actor is invested and prepared for their character's fate.

Throughout the film, small flaws barely dent the gleaming exterior of Covenant. Aspects of the film - like a final act twist - can be easily picked up on, but are ultimately forgivable due to the impeccable execution. Even the gratuitous bloodshed is done in such a way that'll engross, rather than disgust the viewer. The film's plot is also nearly airtight; seamlessly tying in Prometheus, even if somewhat abrupt. Covenant is able to overcome all of these hurdles given its popcorn-munching, blockbuster action and its lightning-quick pace.

Alien: Covenant is terrifically retro. Its ability to capture the spirit of classic sci-fi films and modernize it in such a way that makes it even scarier is nearly unparalleled. It's the type of seismic movie that can tout its own horn because it offers so much. It' brims with action and fantastical elements and by its end, viewers should be completely satisfied. 8 out of 10.

 

Best in Show: Horror Sequels (Part II of II)

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5. The Descent: Part 2

Most horror fans and critics agree that The Descent is a modern classic. It terrified audiences and thanks to superb acting and crazy effects, the claustrophobic horror film catapulted its way into the hearts of all. But, the lesser talker about, yet still adequate follow up to The Descent deserves viewers' attention. Like the first, it offers up completely terrifying cave creatures and all of the original's claustrophobic atmosphere. The Descent: Part 2 is a direct continuation of the first's story and is nearly as unsettling, which given it being a sequel, is saying a lot. While the group venturing into the deadly cave may not be as compelling, there are still plenty to root for and when a surprise entry comes about, fans of the original will undoubtedly be won over.

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4. The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 got a surprising amount of flak from horror fans attempting to be edgier. By disliking the sequel to the critically acclaimed original, fans attempted to differentiate themselves from casual viewers and critics who applauded the sequel's continuation of stellar camera work and genuine scares. But, not even that coalition could halt the success of the second Conjuring. This movie is impressive and to search for flaws, people had to really stretch. This is one of the few horror sequels that keeps the majority of themes from the original and carries them over well. It's deeply terrifying and worth every second of its longer runtime.



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3. Scream 2

There is something so timeless about Scream. Simple, yet satirical, Scream ages better than most horror classics and this is partially thanks to its nearly as amazing sequels. Scream 2 is perhaps the movie at its best; grander and just as quickly paced, the follow up to Scream, spans over a college campus and features a lovable twist and some fun chase scenes. Scream 2 also hones in on the first's comedy and makes plenty of bold moves to be even funnier and on-the-nose. Scream 2 is definitely comparable to the first and with all of the same actors attached to it; it definitely feels like a trip down nostalgia lane.

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2. Saw II

While the first Saw build viral excitement, it is the film's sequel where the movie really comes into its own. Looking past the shock value of the original, Saw II is arguably more entertaining and more superior. Featuring far more suspense, a host of new characters and a twisting and turning plot, Saw II opened so many doors for the franchise. The traps are creative, the characters are unlovable and as they maneuver through the death house, it's easy to become captivated in their tiny world. Saw II is an underrated gem in the horror universe, often overlooked by the regarded first and the more over-the-top follow ups. But, this sequel, with all of its sickening yellow lighting and choppy rooms, is the real gem of the series.

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1. Aliens

Aliens, the well-known, highly regarded sequel to Alien, is - by some accounts - even better than the first. Utilizing plenty of special effects, a host of new talent, including a pretty great child star, is pretty much an action-packed perfection. In fact, the aptly titled Aliens could have just as easily been named Sigourney Weaver vs Space Monsters Pt. II and I'm pretty sure the audience and today's viewers would still love it. This is the type of movie that, even if the graphics get a little wonky over time, is still a must see and worthy rewatch. Aliens is nonstop suspense and excitement and is a pinnacle sequel to an already great horror-sci-fi film.

 

 

Best in Show: Horror Sequels (Part I of II)

Horror sequels get a bad rap. For horror fans, the audacity of sequels seems unimaginable and wrong. Add on a few more editions and filmmakers basically become criminals of the entertainment industry. But, when a horror sequel works, it can easily become a shining star and rather than being recognized as a standard, is instead listed as an exception to the rule. Fortunately though, for those fans who want to see stories continue on and for those hoping these stories are told equally well to the originals, options do exist and the future of horror sequels isn't dead yet. This week's list covers the best horror sequels (and two, kind of three, prequels that truly deserve acknowledgment) out there. The movies listed are direct sequels, following the original (fair note that many are more recent, given the ability to stand the test of time not typically granted to classics).




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10. Wrong Turn 2: Dead End

It's no secret that the Wrong Turn franchise is pretty trashy. But, unlike movies that get the "camp" label, Wrong Turn is criminally underrated given its exaggerated storylines and over the top acting and death scenes. Not taken seriously, the sequel to the original Wrong Turn is an impressive endeavor with a creative approach. Following a group of reality show contestants who must survive the now well-known cannibals of the West Virginia forest, Dead End is hilariously weird and offers a plethora of jump scares and laughs.

 

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9. Final Destination 2

Like Wrong Turn, the Final Destination franchise has received a lot of flak. But, with an original featuring strong performances and a particularly creative storyline, the first and its later sequels deserve a lot more credit. The sequel - which capitalized on everyone's fears of highway accidents, is particularly good as it left behind some of the more sinister undertones of the first movie in exchange for some slight exaggeration and comedy. Final Destination 2 also deserves additional points for playing with the "final girl" trope and featuring some pretty insane, while not necessarily logistical, death scenes.





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8. Ouija: Origin of Evil

While I did say I was specifically sticking to horror sequels, the prequel to the awful Ouija deserves recognition. Unlike the first's overly polished camera work and plot, Ouija: Origin of Evil is filled with personalized time pieces and amazingly suspenseful moments. Ouija: Origin of Evil is the rare follow up that completely blows the original out of the water. Not only does it ignore the mythology of the first and advantageously grasps its prequel setting, but Ouija: Origin of Evil offers truly terrifying scares. The one question it'll pose viewers to ask is: "what original?"





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7. Paranormal Activity 2

There's something about the second Paranormal Activity film that is especially starling. Like the viral success of the first, Paranormal Activity 2 utilizes the relativized home security cameras. Unlike the first though, the action and dialogue of this sequel is packed with far more action. From spooky childhood stories to actual movement on camera, the somewhat predictable sequel is truly terrifying; it's larger budget and gathered collection of faith propelling it to success. Paranormal Activity 2 deserves more given that it literally surrounds the events around the first and builds on the mythology, providing everything the filmmakers needed to make a larger franchise,



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6. Insidious: Chapter 3

Okay, so the first part of this list actually has quite a few prequels on it. I assure that this is the final one and while there are a lot of prequels that deserve to be seen and received, this list is definitely about sequels. But, unlike the direct follow ups of Ouija and Paranormal Activity, it is the third film in the Insidious franchise that deserves some attention. Insidious: Chapter 3 is a truly terrifying adventure, following a rather tepid sequel and building on the first's concrete mythology. And, while each follow up to the original has been less well-received, Chapter 3 was a refreshing return to the basics, featuring all of the horrifying shadowy figures and panned scares that drew in viewers in the first place.

Best in Show: Final Girls (Part II of II)



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5. Elizabeth Shaw (Prometheus)

When I see or hear things about people's dislike for Prometheus I am stunned. From its visuals to its superb acting, there is really not much to complain about. What makes this matter even more questionable is the fact that the majority of the criticism comes from fans of the Alien franchise universe. Prometheus isn't some cheap, rehashed endeavor and it's certainly not bad, those that feel it is should feel equally ashamed that they feel that way. One of the strongest cases for Prometheus is its amazing final girl. Building on Ellen Ripley's archetype, Noomi Raplace's Elizabeth Shaw is stunning. Her nuanced prowess and ability to command every scene is nearly unparalleled. She's intelligent, driven and complicated. Her character is a multidimensional powerhouse that horror cinema should be thankful for. From the opening scenes to her attempts at escaping the mission that's gone awry, Shaw never falters.



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4. Erin Hardesty (Texas Chainsaw  Massacre)

How dare I put a remake so high on this list! And to not include the original? Condemnable, but ultimately true to my opinions. I'm here to declare that Jessica Biel's Erin is not only superior to the original Sally, but also far more believable in the role. Remakes get the worst rap, yet the 2003 remake of the classic slasher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a rare and shining accomplishment, holding a candle to the 1974 version. Maybe not as revolutionary or stylistically strong, but the 2003 version is an incredibly scary adventure only propelled farther by Jessica Biel's best performance of her career. Jessica Biel's Erin is stronger and more unrelenting than Sally and every moment she's on screen viewers should be gripping their seats. Sorry, not sorry.




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3. Sarah (The Descent)

The Descent is horrifying. By far one of the scariest movies in decades, The Descent has forever been engrained into my brain. And, while I would argue that each of the women featured in this movie are great additions to the stock of strong female characters in horror, the truest star is final girl, Sarah. Her struggles to cope with the loss of family paired with a crazed survival instinct make her beyond entertaining. Her willingness to do literally anything to escape the cave is pretty outstanding (and gory). Sarah is often overlooked on best lists of final girls but I would argue that she is by far one of the best.




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2. Ellen Ripley  (Alien)

One of the original, and most prolific final girls of all time is Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley, This of course is for good reason. Where others may be reactionary in space situations, every move made by Ripley is proactive. She's determined and vicious; an unrelenting character with little flaw. If I was ever trapped in space, I would 100% want her on my side. In fact, I wish I had her by my side at all times. Imagine the security you would feel. Ripley is physically and mentally one of the strongest final girls ever and she is definitely the feminist icon we all need every day.





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1. Sidney Prescott (Scream)

I think if one character beats out Ellen Ripley for the title of final girl, it has to be Sidney Prescott from Scream. I'm sorry to everyone who feels hurt by this statement, but Sidney is not only the first name that came to my head when I thought of good final girls, but is also the only one who knows pretty much the whole time that she is, in fact, the final girl. Her self-awareness and planning skills, one liners and ability to protect or attempt to protect those closest to her is undeniable. Sidney Prescott is the final girl to end final girls and she will never be matched. She is essential to the trope and in every iteration of the trope; she is the one to look to for iconography because Sid is the icon.