Review of Alien: Covenant (2017) by O C — 06 Oct 2017

If Prometheus was frustrating, illogical, and full of plot holes, at least it had some compelling actors (Naomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba). Ridley Scott makes the mistake of thinking Prometheus was actually a good movie and follows up with an even worse one.

Now throw in even more disposable faces (James Franco says, "Check, please!"), more mutant variations of aliens, and make the android the anti-protagonist again. Don't get me wrong, Michael Fassbender is talented - but a robot isn't really an interesting enemy when he already got eviscerated in the previous film.

The conceit that "David" can control the genetic engineering of aliens makes absolutely no sense except as a plot device to keep the aliens coming. At this point, everyone should know that Scott in imaginatively bankrupt and destined to recycle the innovation of Alien (and Geiger's designs) for another inevitably disappointing sequel.

In retrospect, Cameron's Aliens looks better by the day - true action with consequences, memorable cast of primary and secondary characters, and a tight, self-contained logic. Keep seeing that film and don't bother with the parade of saccharine sequels since.