"Alien: Romulus" delivers as a lean, gnarly blast

Alien: Romulus (2024) 

Fede Álvarez seems to be the perfect choice to helm this spectacular-looking pre-"Aliens," post-"Alien" thrill ride. It goes back to basics and plays the hits in a pleasing way, marrying both the tone and pacing of Ridley Scott’s original and James Cameron’s sequel (as well as the clunky analog technology of both). Already being called the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" of this franchise as if that’s a bad thing, this horror-heavy entry delivers all of the chest-bursting, face-hugging intensity and then some in a bonkers third act.

Cailee Spaeny is right up there with Sigourney Weaver and Naomi Rapace as a root-worthy heroine named Rain, and David Jonsson is excellent as synthetic Andy. Isabela Merced and Aileen Wu also get some of the gnarliest set-pieces involving the Xenomorphs (who are practically done and haven’t looked this terrifying since the first two films). The resurrection of a certain character from the past may look a little too “uncanny valley,” but as long as one can get over the ghoulishness of computer generating a late actor, the off-kilter look of it all mostly works. "Alien: Romulus" may not be the most high-minded in the series, but it’s a lean, relentless, gnarly, and visceral blast. Read the full "Alien" ranking at GuyAtTheMovies.com

Grade: B +