Favorite Alien Prequel

[Cremildo]

Which one do you prefer, and why?

[jayman3]

I know they're not considered "canon," but what about the AvP films? Those are technically prequels too

[Al_The_Strange]

Prometheus gets my vote. I won't deny that it has its dumb parts (mostly agitated by the scientists who decide to touch all the things and get themselves killed), but I'm pretty forgiving of a lot of it, if for no other reason than it's not that much different than numerous other horror movies where characters make bad decisions (including 1979's Alien--that entire plot is enabled by characters ignoring quarantine protocol after a guy sticks his head in an alien eggsack).

I value Prometheus for the scenes I thought were done well--the opening with the Engineer sacrificing himself, Weyland meeting the Engineer and having it turn on everyone, the operating table scene, just about every scene with David. To say nothing of the sets, props, costumes, special effects, which I feel are some of the best of the series and makes every scene visually awesome. And I love how they continued drawing on HR Giger's designs (to include recycling the unused stuff from Jodorowsky's Dune).

Above all, I value the story. Individual scenes have their issues, but the whole of it is an interesting adaptation of an ancient myth updated for modern issues concerning artificial and biological intelligences. The film may not say much about the core existential questions, but as an expression of nihilism it's far scarier in its insinuations about our creators and us as creators (I will admit that Covenant's final scene drives it home in a much scarier way though). Even though a lot of the characters are killed off by stupidly sticking their hands in stuff or getting crushed by falling ships, I think that's the whole point--people are curious to the point of exceeding rationality, and it could drive us to extinction if we aren't careful.

Covenant is a film that looks great and covers some good ground, but I'm less smitten buy it as it rehashes '79's Alien and glosses over other things with droll exposition. Do love the android aspects and such. Do like specific scenes. Characters don't stand out as strongly imo--I felt like I could follow Shaw to the ends of the universe, but Daniels always felt like Ripley 2.0.

In the end, I felt Prometheus at least tried to be unique and original to the series, whereas Covenant fell back to the "safe" route and became less memorable for it. Would still love to see a third film to wrap up the series.

Originally Posted by jayman3

I know they're not considered "canon," but what about the AvP films? Those are technically prequels too

You know, I didn't mind the mythology/worlduilding tie-in that connected the two franchises. It's been years since I revisited those and I have a bad feeling they might not hold up for me.

[The Debts]

I like both but Prometheus gets my vote hands down: That was easily one of Scott's most enthusiastically directed films in years, felt like a true blue passion project for him warts and all.

Covenant still works and his passion for Sci-Fi never falters, but it's also loaded with complete contempt for its audience in a way a mainstream film hasn't had in a while. Plus how it handles plot threads left over from the first film is a mixed bag.

[stvn1974]

Both are giant turds but Prometheus smell less than Covenant.

[Geoff D]

Yeah, it's like which is least worst. As much as I rag on Prometheus, it's a masterpiece next to Covenant.

[Michael24]

Prometheus, although I liked Covenant a lot as well.

[VictoryAtNight]

[Porco Azzurro]

I love Prometheus, I rank it not too far below Alien and Aliens.

I thought Covenant was just ok.

[Roonan]

Prometheus. Mostly because Scott didn't compromise.

[Dr Lenera]

Went with Covenant. But I can't say I'm especially fond of either.

[FrellingFrakker]

I'm one of those who really likes Prometheus but I thought Covenant sucked.

[DR Herbert West]

Prometheus, but I like them both.

[imsounoriginal]

Prometheus; always liked it, a few quibbles notwithstanding.

Covenant is a mixed bag but I'm mildly positive on the whole thing.

[L.J.]

Prometheus think is the better film, do like Covenant tho.

[Cremildo]

I have a preference for exploration-based sci-fi over outright horror, so Prometheus gets an advantage. Besides, it's a more streamlined film that doesn't have any third-act weaknesses. Still, I love both.

[hockeyshark91]

Prometheus.

[AaronJ]

I voted for Prometheus, but I really like both.

[CyberpunkCentral]

The one with the less dumb characters.

[kylor]

Prometheus, but I also enjoy Covenant.