MOVIE: Alien Covenant brings franchise back

AFTER what many considered a misstep with 2012’s ‘Prometheus’, a marmite movie if ever there was one, the Alien franchise is back on track with some top class writing and directing.

This latest installment tells the story of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, a destination that will take years to reach. 

When the craft collides with some intergalactic debris, it suffers damage sufficient to wake the hibernating crew from their slumber. 

And when a signal is picked up from a nearby planet that appears inhabitable, the captain decides to plot a new course to investigate. 

Of course, all is not what it seems on this strange and hostile land, and it’s here that the real action begins. 

The film grabs you from the opening, with a thought provoking and powerfully staged scene involving Michael Fassbender as android David, and Guy Pearce as his master. 

We quickly board the spaceship and, knowing what we know, are on guard for the first signs of any unwanted visitors who may have tagged along for the ride. 

Hearing that much of the alien confrontation takes place on solid ground as opposed to up in the air, may be a disappointment for diehard fans, but in actual fact, this only serves to open up the world of possibility for interesting story. 

And it’s story where this film scores highest. Securing one of Hollywood’s top screenwriters, John Logan (‘Gladiator’, ‘Skyfall’), was a real coup, and his talent combined with the steady hand of director Ridley Scott (‘Alien’, ‘Blade Runner’), make this a compelling watch. 

Add in an impressive turn from Fassbender, throw it all up on a huge IMAX screen and you have something that will keep you stuck to your seat like an alien sticks to your face. 

With this being the first of three additional films in the ‘Alien’ prequel series, it appears there are many more other-worldly themes to explore, but for now, we score ‘Covenant’ a gut busting 4 out of 5 stars. 

Paul O’Rourke