Alien: Covenant (2017)

I decided to take a couple days away from the blog to relax and to spend some time helping out a good cause by entering the dunk tank dressed as my favorite character Bert the Bird. That did not stop me from watching a couple movies. The first one that I am going to review from that group is the 2017 sci-fi entry Alien: Covenant.

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

I have always been a fan of the Alien universe and was looking forward to this installment. Unfortunately, for me, this one did not leave me wanting more as it felt extremely forced and less organic than some of the earlier films that made the franchise great. While it was not terrible, it just lacked the dark and foreboding atmosphere that saturated the earlier entries. Plus, the characters left nothing to be desired and were flat and predictable throughout. Even the Xenomorph and the effects lacked the feel and intensity of the source materials and the ending was expected. The cinematography and scenery worked, the performances were not terrible, and there was potential within the storyline to create something interesting, this one just missed the mark. Overall, it just did not hit home like the originals. In the end, I really wanted to like this film, but I couldn’t. Sure, it was not completely terrible or the worst sci-fi flick out there, but it just did not resonate in the same way that the original Alien films did.

The Machine (2013)

The Fourth of July is often one of those days that cause mixed emotions. While I enjoy the cookouts and relaxation, the drunks with the fireworks on every corner can make it a touch annoying. But, I would prefer dealing with those idiots more than dealing with a totalitarian society that wants to control everything… Oh wait this is the Obama administration. Next up for review is the 2013 Sci-Fi / Thriller The Machine.

Plot/ Two artificial intelligence engineers come together as they work to create the first ever self-aware artificial intelligence. Things go wrong when the Ministry of Defense takes over and advances the researchers' work to the next level, teaching the AI to kill with its new and nearly indestructible body.

Sci-Fi films have been all over the place recently, with the art of the Sci-Fi / Thriller almost non-existent. That was definitely not the case with this low budget but stylish independent flick. There was a lot to like in this one with a thought provoking storyline, solid acting, and an atmospheric realm. Sure, there were some scripting issues and the ending felt a bit abrupt, but those were not a deal breaker. In the end, this was an entertaining flick with some nice visual elements. If you are a fan of the Sci-Fi / Thriller genre, give this one a look.

Elysium (2013)

When I went to Family Video, one of my daughters made a request for something Sci-Fi. While I usually stay clear of mainstream blockbusters, how could I pass the opportunity to keep up the daughters interest in Sci-GI and horror? Armed with that request, I picked up what she wanted, 2013s Elysium. 

Plot/ In the year 2154, the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth. A man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds. 

In some ways a follow-up to District 9, this film in no way measures up to that piece of great Sci-Fi cinema. While not a terrible flick this one just lacks a coherent script. Yes, the action sequences are solid, the CGI is above average and the cinematography creates a tremendous example of a post-apocalyptic world. While these aspects and the set design create stunning visual world, it cannot save the film from a severe lack of  characterization that brings it down. while some of the performances are solid, many are flat, and fall short of the potential that existed with the cast. When you couple the uneven performances with a uneven storyline and a simple ending, you have a recipe for issues. In the end, this is a visually impressive flick that had the potential to be something special. Unfortunately, the miserable characters and dismal script prevent that from happening. Sure, it is watchable, but it is nowhere near a Sci-Fi masterpiece.

Nazis at the Center of the Earth (2012)

With the weekend coming to an end and me starting my first vacation from the institute, I wanted to get into the proper mindset. With that, I definitely wanted to find something mindless, as I may need it to help pass some time. Ironically, there are companies out there like The Asylum, which make those flicks all the time. My selection for last night was the 2012 cheesefest Nazis at the Center of the Earth.

Plot/ Researchers in Antarctica are abducted by a team of masked storm troopers. They are dragged deep underground to a hidden continent in the center of the earth. Here Nazi survivors, their bodies a horrifying patchwork of decaying and regenerated flesh, are planning for the revival of the Third Reich.

First off, anyone expecting a masterpiece should stay far away from this one. This may be one of the most ridiculous flicks put out by The Asylum, in fact, the plot was so utterly ridiculous that I was on the floor when the homage to the movie They Saved Hitler’s Brain popped up. Almost everything about this was wrong for a serious attempt at horror, but what they created was a hilarious and somewhat gory cheesefest that is rather entertaining in a mindless way. Sure, the acting was uneven and the scripting worse, but somehow it worked in a crazy way. If you want a good movie, stay away. If you want a mindless horror comedy, it is not a bad flick to waste some time with.