NINETOES VS. ALIEN COVENANT

The Ridley Scott Alien prequels get a lot of flack, but does Ninetoes think they deserve it, especially the second one, ALIEN COVENANT?

The crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discovers an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape.

Directed by Ridley Scott

Written by Jack Paglen, based on concepts by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett

Starring Michael Fassbender (Walter/David), Katherine Waterston (Daniels), Billy Crudup (Oram), Danny McBride (Tennessee)

Hey there, movie lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes, and today I am looking at Ridley Scott’s Alien: Covenant. I have popcorn in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

This one is the sequel to Prometheus and the prequel to Alien. As such, it encompasses elements of both. The thing that ties both together is Michael Fassbender’s characters David (from Prometheus) and Walter (from Alien Covenant), and I have to be honest, it is Michael Fassbender who steals the show as both, and as such, it is his character (David) that encompasses something more…evil than the xenomorph.

What makes this a good movie for the franchise is that it answers the questions of where the eggs, face huggers, and final design of the xenomorph come from. Where Prometheus confused the issue, Covenant clarifies it.

The one constant in this movie, like all of the others in the franchise, is the strong female lead, this time played by Katherine Waterston. What really would have cemented this as a prequel for Alien is a simple name change; make her last name Ripley. For me, as a mega-fan of the franchise, if she were a direct relative to Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver in Alien), it would have brought everything full circle.

The surprise for me was Danny McBride. Widely known as a comedic actor, he extended his range into drama with this in glorious fashion. He totally encompassed the wiseass pilot, Tennessee, to the point that I forgot his name was Danny McBride. He got the assignment and brought it home with an A+!

The story was good and served as a proper bridge from Prometheus to Alien. The set designs were excellent, and the overall acting was what you would expect for a AAA science fiction/horror movie. No Academy Award performances here, but if I were to give awards, I would go with Fassbender for male lead, Waterston for female lead, and McBride for supporting actor.

If you listen closely, you will hear a nod to one of Ridley Scott’s other movies, Blade Runner.

The best way I judge a movie is if, in the end, I was entertained. The answer for this one is a resounding YES! Is it the best movie I have ever seen? No, but it is not the worst either. It did serve its purpose in taking me away from the drudgery of everyday life and made me glad I was not one of the crew members.

This movie is perfect for fans of the Alien franchise, survival sci-fi/horror, good drama, and a good “popcorn” movie.

I give this one 4 popcorn buckets out of 5.

Happy viewing!

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.