Alien: Covenant (2017)

In 2104, a colonization ship bound for a remote planet seven years away collides with a neutrino (don't ask!) causing severe damage and killing some crew and colonists in hibernation. When they discover a previously unknown planet that seems susceptible to human life, they take a chance to explore it in the hopes of colonization. Big mistake! I approached this movie with some trepidation. Outside of the Bond movies, the Alien movies are probably my favorite movie franchise. Also, I loathed PROMETHEUS to the point of refusing to acknowledge its existence! Ridley Scott hasn't been in top form in years either. So I'm happy to report this is a marvelous entry in the ALIEN franchise! Scott takes a slow methodical approach to the film and it takes awhile before we get to action but the set up is crucial to the effectiveness of the film. The film seems on the verge of moving beyond the "Boo!" aspects of the franchise into something deeper and challenging but it only hints at the possibilities. After all, the Alien fans want their thrills! The ending is a downer which won't make the thrill seekers happy but I look forward to the next installment. The cast includes Michael Fassbender (in dual roles), Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, James Franco, Carmen Ejogo, Danny McBride and Jussie Smollett.