The quintessential sci-fi horror film Ridley Scott's Alien is a masterpiece. From Jerry Goldsmith's thrilling score to H. R. Giger's now classic creature design, the peerless special effects, the down-to-earth dialogue and performances, and Scott's meticulous direction the film is nearly flawless in every respect. It's also one of the few films to get cosmic terror (best exemplified by the work of H. P. Lovecraft) right. The Xenomorph is such an otherworldly creature, so single-minded and inhuman, that the very idea of it inspires terror.
Score: 10/10
With a new director at the helm, James Cameron, Aliens is a bit of a stylistic departure from its predecessor, abandoning the slow paced, claustrophobic terror of the first film for a bigger, more action heavy approach. The characters are also less down-to-earth and more archetypal. It's more character driven, with Ripley going through an arc of sorts, and it's much more optimistic, eschewing the existential, Lovecraftian qualities of Alien. It also undermines the horror of the creature by going deeper into its world. This isn't too say it's a bad film, far from it. It's easily one of the best, if not the best mix of action and horror ever put to film (only Predator can compare) with nail-biting action scenes, top notch special effects and a terrific cast. But it is perhaps a better film in its own right then it is a sequel to Alien.
Score: 9/10
A huge step down from its predecessors Alien 3 is a dull, plodding film with little in the way of real tension. The effects are incredibly inconsistent and the wide shots of the Xenomorph during the climax are laughably bad. The story is also awkwardly paced and confusing at times likely a result of merciless trimming by the studio. The opening of the film treats the characters from Aliens with a lack of respect that I found unacceptable. There is a decent sense of atmosphere and supporting characters are actually pretty likable, if criminally underdeveloped (see what I did there), but it's not enough to save the film.
Score: 5/10
The fourth film jumps forward 200 years, as a group of scientist attempt to use traces of Ripley's blood to the Xenomorph implanted in her in Alien 3 (no, this doesn't make any more sense in the movie). Though less dull then that film, this installment more then makes up for it with its addlebrained script, over-the-top characters and mix of predictable and bizarre narrative choices. Sigourney Weaver seems surprisingly committed to her role despite this and Brad Dourif puts in a brief but memorable performance as one of the scientists experimenting on Ripley. The special effects are also an improvement over 3 though the creatures continue to get less scary with each successive installment.
Score: 4/10
Is Prometheus technically an Alien film? How much do its tenuous connections with the series impact the film? In the end it makes little difference. This is a poorly plotted, pretentious film with underwritten characters and overwritten pseudo-philosophy. The characters are all either paper thin with exaggerated personalities and confusing or vague motivations and is little-to-no depth in their relationships with each other. The actors do the best with the material their given and Idris Elba and Micheal Fassbinder manage to inject at least some humanity into their roles. The effects work is solid if largely unimaginative and there is at least one suspenseful sequence. I really have very few positive things to say though.
Score: 2/10
6. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Micheal Fassbender's fun to watch in his duel role and the cinematography by Dariusz Wolski (The Crow, Dark City) is easy on the eyes but characters who make stupid decisions for the sake of the plot, rushed pacing and a complete lack of atmosphere or tension make Alien: Covenant yet another mediocre sequel. It does at least take it's time to set up a few relatable characters with interesting relationships so I care a little about what's happening, and it has a discernible plot. That's more then I can say for Prometheus, which watches more like a poorly researched, entry level philosophy paper then a film.
Score: 5/10
I apologize that this turned into a "dump on Prometheus" fest but I needed to vent.
Next week Stephen King!
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