Vin Diesel's superhero upgrade into BLOODSHOT

Written by The Vulcan.

BLOODSHOT. "Who?" you may ask. What he ain't is another intergalactic rogue misfit adventurer the likes of Star-lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However he is yet another character with comic book origins but not that from the pages of Marvel or DC. Instead Bloodshot first appeared in the pages of Valiant Comics in November 1992 as guest or cameo roles of Eternal Warrior and Rai. With a solid reception by readers, Bloodshot #1 was released in February the following year to quickly become one of Valiant Comics best-selling characters.

Cover of Bloodshot #1 (1993)

Created by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, and Bob Layton, the original Bloodshot was imagined as a tech-augmented soldier with super-human attributes and regenerative "healing factor" (like Marvel's Wolverine) made possible by nanites in his bloodstream. For the less sci-fi initiated, nanites are extremely small robots the size of nanometers (billionth of a meter); as comparison a human hair is 75,000 nanometers. In the comics, the nanotechnology was developed by Project Rising Spirits (PRS) over decades to create the ultimate soldier embodied as Bloodshot. However the process erases his memory and implants false ones as a means for control. Core to the story is Bloodshot's quest to recover his identity.

Current version of Bloodshot in Volume 3 series (2012 onwards).

The first volume of Bloodshot comics ran for 51 issues until 1996. It was then rebooted the following year by Acclaim Comics with this second volume running 16 issues. After a long hiatus, Bloodshot returned in 2012 with a third volume now under Valiant Entertainment. This incarnation of Bloodshot finds his former identity as Ray Garrison and continues to adventure in several series until today in Volume 4. If you like to check out the comic books, follow this guide for the right reading order. The first issue is even available to read for free here.

In the shared Valiant comic universe, Bloodshot crossovered with Harbinger in Harbinger Wars.

The rights for a Valiant cinematic universe (VCU?) was acquired by Sony Pictures in 2015 for five movies starting with Bloodshot and then the Harbinger titles; Harbingers are psychics with superpowers with shared story arcs involving Bloodshot. Unfortunately for Valiant fans, rights of the Harbinger titles fell to Paramount Pictures last year and therefore prospects for such a new superhero universe were much diminished; read more about this here. Whilst there are no definitive movie release dates for Harbinger, Sony's Bloodshot blasts into cinema's worldwide this week.

Official Synopsis

Based on the bestselling comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation.  With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly.  But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too.  Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out.

Directed by: David S. F. Wilson
Story by: Jeff Wadlow
Produced by: Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Dinesh Shamdasani, Vin Diesel
Cast: Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez, Sam Heughan, Toby Kebbell and Guy Pearce

Vin Diesel as Ray Garrison, aka Bloodshot.

Star of the blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise Vin Diesel takes on the mantle of Bloodshot / Ray Garrison. Fans of the comics will point out immediately that he looks nothing like the titular character with grey ash skin, red eyes, chest circlet, and... hair! Indeed Vin Diesel retains his trademark "bad boy" look of his breakout roles as Dominic Toretto, Xander Cage and Riddick. So perhaps it's best to frame this movie adaptation as Vin Diesel's version of Bloodshot.

 Left to Right: Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto (Fast & Furious), Riddick, Xander Cage (XXX) in trademark black singlet.

Whilst the exploits of Dom / Xander / Riddick often surpass human believability, his latest foray as Bloodshot brings him true superpowers able to smash concrete with his bare hands and heal lethal injuries faster than Marvel's most famous clawed mutant. Of course one can say Vin Diesel has also been superpowered before as the lovable Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy, even cheating death like Ray Garrison. Let's just say Bloodshot is how we imagine Fast & Furious' Dom to be if granted superhuman powers!

In the movie PRS has been renamed Rising Spirit Technologies (RST) and based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Can't miss our Petronas Twin Towers in that trailer, then have fun trying to spot other familiar sights in the movie. But don't hold your breathe too long (unless you're KT; see below) as American producers just might not get the local nuances right... like what was suppose to have passed off as Sibu, Sarawak in 2018's Venom movie!

RST's reseach program is headed by Dr. Emil Harting (above) played by Guy Pearce (Iron Man 3, Prometheus). Using nanotechnology and cutting-edge prosthesis, he has created a team of augmented soldiers codenamed Chainsaw, with a brainwashed Ray Garrison as its most potent weapon sent on missions across the world.

KT (Eiza Gonzalez, above) was injured in the line of duty and subsequently equipped with prosthetic lungs enabling augmented function underwater.

Ex-Navy SEAL Jimmy Dalton (Outlander's Sam Heughan, above) who lost his legs in an explosion now sports stronger and faster bionic legs from RST. As seen in the trailer he is also further augmented with an additional pair of mechanical arms which no doubt evens the odds when he is seen trading blows with Garrison.

Blind ex-Ranger Tibbs (Alex Hernandez) rounds out the team with high-tech ocular lenses granting him extraordinary vision.

Main cast at the Bloodshot Premiere.

See what the RST's team of augmented humans are capable of in this tech vignette:

Bloodshot is Director David S.F. Wilson's feature movie debut. Hailing from South Africa, he started his career visual effects with actor Sharlto Copley (District 9, The A-Team, Chappie). Creating a name for himself, he was recruited by Tim Miller (director of Deadpool) into Blur Studio in California. He has more recently directed the pilot episode of the Netflix series Love, Death + Robots. Wilson shared that it was Vin Diesel's 8-year old son Vincent that helped convince the action star to come on board for Bloodshot.

Check out what Wilson, Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez and Bloodshot's co-creators Bob Layton and Kevin Vanhook have to say:

Hear more from Vin Diesel and the cast including Lamorne Morris as Wiggins in this extended interview by ComicBook.com:

It is worth noting that this movie is not actually Bloodshot's first live action appearance. Indeed just a couple of years ago in 2018 Bloodshot appeared in web TV series Ninjak vs the Valiant Universe by fan filmmaker Aaron Schoenke of Bat in the Sun, famous for its Super Power Beat Down videos. Actor Jason David Frank of Power Rangers fame was cast as Bloodshot looking close to the character's comic incarnation. Watch the action below:

Ninjak vs. Bloodshot... who will win?

Our 2 sen movie reaction to Vin Diesel's Bloodshot

2020's Bloodshot comes in different flavour from the comic book superhero movies from Marvel and DC being served in recent years such that we could step into the cinema with minimal context and limited expectations. Hence, Bloodshot delivered an entertaining ride without a dull moment.

However it's difficult to see Vin Diesel apart here from his trademarked roles (black singlet - check!), just elevated to insane superhuman levels. Maybe that's why he took the role since doing the same carnage to F&F's Dom can't be explained rationally away in that franchise. Perhaps he could have tried to look closer to the comic Bloodshot and be a bit less Vin Diesel. But then that would probably disappoint a few million of his fans that want a Vin Diesel movie. And Vin Diesel fans probably outnumber Bloodshot fans so we can understand Sony Picture's choice as less risky versus casting against a less well-known younger actor.

Whilst the plot is somewhat predictable thanks to the trailer having explained a bit too much, there are still some small surprises. One of which is Lamorne Morris' Wilfred Wiggins who contributes much of the movie's humour. And most of the other cast members have enough moments to be worth remembering their names.

As for Kuala Lumpur, our nation's capital could have been "served" better with some on-location shoots. But the actual location of RST was not really important to the overall narrative, as noted in an overseas reviewer that a different cut of the movie exists where the city was not named.

No doubt Bloodshot's box office performance will determine whether there will be sequels. But if the movie plays well then selling a sequel will certainly be easier and should be put into production sooner rather than later as middle-aged lead star Vin Diesel is not getting any younger, muscles aside. As for a Valiant Cinematic Universe, it's unlikely Harbinger Wars will happen but there are many other comic books Sony Pictures could look to adapt; just browse the Valiant's comic titles.

For other opinions, read this review by Variety or watch Comicbook.com's video:

Wanna win some Bloodshot movie premiums? Join this contest by KLIPS by 17 March.

TGV Cinemas is offering their MovieClub members to the chance to win these movie premiums via their Facebook contest ending 19 March. Then watch their exclusive interview with Vin Diesel himself here.

MBO Cinemas has similar movie goodies available via their Facebook contest until 19 March as well.

More chances available from LFS Cinemas on their Facebook contest ending 20 March.

Still wanna try then head to GSC Cinemas' Facebook contest but act fast as contest closes 15 March.

Plus choose to watch Bloodshot in GSC's 4DX or D-box by 25 March and stand a chance to win Sony appliances including a PS4.

Fans of IMAX movies at TGV Cinemas will receive an exclusive poster with every purchase of 2 tickets.

Follow more on Bloodshot from the official Facebook Page and Sony Pictures Malaysia.

BLOODSHOT  IN CINEMAS NOW!

Disclaimer: Bloodshot is a registered trademark of Valiant Entertainment LLC, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.

胡巴回归捉妖记2 Continuing Wuba's Adventure in Monster Hunt 2

看着《捉妖记2》即将在今年春节2月16日全马上映，之前还伴随着胡巴这萌娃大人偶到处宣传造势，再听说第一部的《捉妖记》口碑极好，所以在好奇心的驱使下，看完了《捉妖记》。

注明：以下影评将运用中文解说而已，如果造成不便请多包涵。
Note: The first movie's review will be written in Mandarin only, sorry for the inconvenience.

《捉妖记》剧情简介 《Monster Hunt》(2015) Movie Summary

Monster Hunt movie poster 第一部电影的海报

宋天荫（井柏然饰）意外怀孕生下萌妖胡巴后，为保护“儿子”，与天师霍小岚（白百何饰）一起对抗妖界的故事。很久以前，人与万物共存，当中也包括妖。但人想独占天下，于是人向妖宣战，把他们赶进了深山大泽，从此人和妖划界而治。一天，一对装人样的情侣妖竹高（曾志伟饰）和胖莹（吴君如饰），为了保护怀有小妖王的妖后逃避血妖的追杀，来到了永宁村，遇上了善良的天荫、降妖少女二钱天师小岚以及跟小岚对着干的四钱天师罗刚（姜武饰）。
天荫目睹人妖大战，才惊觉有妖的存在。妖后为了保住小妖王，决定将其托付给天荫，二话不说把肚里的蛋塞到天荫的嘴里，男子汉大丈夫的天荫从此就怀着妖胎成为“孕夫”。葛千户（钟汉良饰）重金悬赏小妖王。小岚为了得到赏金，硬拉着从没有离开过永宁村的天荫，躲避罗刚的争夺，离开永宁村展开了一段奇幻的旅程，途中遭遇大押店老板娘（汤唯饰）、厨子天师（姚晨饰）、一对萌妖（张悦轩和田雨橙饰）等各路人物。可爱的小妖王胡巴出生，令天荫和小岚的关系起了奇妙的变化，同时也揭穿了一个重大的秘密。经历一番风雨，原本频频被抓住了的胡巴最终被还是被天荫和小岚成功从坏妖手里救了出来。可人妖毕竟不能共处一世，胡巴呆在人类身边只会给彼此带来更多的灾祸，所以天荫忍下心赶走胡巴告别他妖。胡巴从此和其他妖怪们隐居过活，而天荫与妻子小岚也踏上寻父之旅...

The film takes place in the distant past, where the Human race existed alongside the Monster race. They once shared the world in peace and harmony until the Humans drove the Monsters out from their home, for they sought total dominion over their lands. Recently, a civil war took place in the Monster Realm which resulted in the usurpation of the Monster King's throne from a treacherous minister, who later sought the Monster Queen and her unborn baby, and the Monster Queen fled to the Human Realm. The story begins with Song Tianyin, an unnerved young village mayor who becomes pregnant with the Monster Queen's baby, and he encounters an aspiring Monster-hunter named Huo Xiaolan, and they both embark on an adventure to protect the baby from villains of the Human and Monster worlds alike. At the end Wuba was saved by Tianyin and Xiaolan after surviving various life-threatening fights, however human and monster cannot live together or it will bring disaster to each race, so Tianyin chases Wuba away and wave goodbye to other monsters as well. He then proceed to go on a journey to search for his father while Wuba is hiding away from human along with the other friendly monsters.

Source: Wikipedia

《捉妖记》影评分析 《Monster Hunt》(2015) Movie Review (by Micho Teh)

说实话电影各方面偏低幼化，就说角色造型而言，电影里头不论好坏的妖，均一都眨着汪汪大眼，不怕小孩看了做噩梦，给人感觉上就几乎小妖王外的妖怪都长得太相似了。即便如此，妖怪设计细节却处理得非常好，比如说妖怪的性别之分会影响它们的形象-- 雄妖四只胳膊两条腿，雌妖则两只胳膊四条腿，还有妖怪们生气时候脑袋上的植物会有所反应变化。它们更有自己的独特性格，百变的表情，看着叫人觉得怪可爱的。影像方面来说， 整部电影虽没有特宏大的特效场面，但所存在的影像特效都弄得不差，当时更是在中国被称3D特效大片，吸引了不少人进去电影院观看。

Wuba is way too adorable. 胡巴真的很可爱。

故事情节非常简单，甚至肤浅：一对慈父虎母外加一群人人妖围绕着胡巴这新生儿历尽风雨到处奔波，本来男女主角照顾好它就为了最后可以卖个好价钱，怎么知道小妖孩卖掉没多久，两人就来个大反悔后势必救回胡巴不让它被葛老板众人宰吃了。当然最后，小妖王胡巴和它“父母”天荫小岚再怎么被折腾，最终必定安然脱险（即使死了也会起死回生的）。完美总结着善良必是战胜邪恶的不变概念，故事大都如此。但人们似乎都挺喜欢这不变的主剧情，也说不上这是好事还是坏事，反正放轻松去看待欣赏这电影还是可以的，没亏了票钱。

真人演员方面就男女主角人设较新颖逗趣，妇男宋天荫一瘸一拐一心一意承担照顾村子里的一切只为不辜负大众和奶奶的心意，这让人发自内心地喜欢这样温柔善良的角色。当小瘸子宋天荫被牵涉进入重重危机甚至阴差阳错怀上了小妖王，后遇上了霸气女主霍小岚而被逼接受她的出手相助和引导，两人之间所插出的火花定是电影的看头之一。直到后来小妖王胡巴出生了，一家三口的亲密互动更是叫人心暖暖的。可惜的是，出生后的胡巴虽然萌得大家一脸狗血，但是故事却没解释为何这小妖王的存在如此重要？它究竟凭什么让坏妖紧追他不舍，它的生死会到底会给妖界带来多大的影响？它又能怎么拯救现在已经是暴乱中的妖界？无奈电影里没做出任何说明，毕竟这些细节内容能帮助观众更投入并期待其角色和接下来故事的发展呀。整体来说电影里除了妖怪外的各个演员诠释演活了自己的角色，虽然有人会说演员们演技夸张太浮夸，个人却觉得这承托出彼此的不一样，为电影注入了更多生命和欢乐。

 Main Characters in the movie: Song TianYin (Jing Boran; standing) and Huo XiaoLan (Bai Beihe)
电影里男主角宋天荫（井柏然饰）与女主角霍小岚（白百何饰）

观完《捉妖记》后，还特地上网找寻相关的资讯欲了解为何这电影可以创下24亿的票房。后来得知，当时柯震东吸毒事件波及这电影无法上映；角色换为井柏然扮演之后，制片人江志强决定投入七千万重新拍摄，而影片前后的投资高达3.5亿。 这样的一举动，让不少当地人拍手叫好，赞美这是良心制作之举，我想这决定不止带来了的强大宣传效果，还激起不少人民想要赞颂并支持如此“高尚”的诚意制作吧。
《捉妖记》并不完美，相反它有着明显的瑕疵，但这不代表这电影不值得一看，反而特别推荐给有小孩成员的家庭合家观看。


《捉妖记2》剧情简介 《Monster Hunt 2》(2018) Movie Synopsis 

上一部与胡巴分别后，天荫（井柏然饰）带着小岚（白百何饰）踏上寻父之路，在义薄云天的天师堂堂主云大哥的帮助下，二人得知天荫父亲宋戴天的护妖轨迹；而重回永宁村的胡巴再度被妖王追杀，颠沛流离逃亡时结识大赌徒屠四谷（梁朝伟饰）和一只妖怪，三人一起过着相依为命的生活，但又因屠四谷欠下的巨额赌债横生诸多波折。与此同时，江湖盛传小妖王胡巴的重金悬赏令，妖界大军、天师精英、绿林草莽闻风而动，多方势力为抢夺胡巴在清水镇掀起腥风血雨。千钧一发之际，念子心切的天荫和小岚通过天师堂找到胡巴并一起逃离险境。岂料，一场更大的惊天阴谋尾随而至，伺机而动。

The story continues with Wuba after he parts way with his human parents Tianyin and Xiaolan for his own journey. Peace has not been restored in the monster world after the death of the evil monster king as a sinister lord has ascended and seized the throne. A heavy bounty is placed on Wuba dead or alive, forcing him to go into hiding again. He encounters an ill-famed gambler Tu (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) who's deep in debt and seemingly up to no good. Together, they form a reluctant alliance in order to escape from their predicament.

Source: Wikipedia

期待《捉妖记2》 What to expect in《Monster Hunt 2》

第一部电影里没交代清楚的事物，想必是为《捉妖记2》预留下伏笔。而在拥有了制作第一部电影的经验和成功获取了高票房的收入的基础下，导演在这次还投资了9亿血本请来了工业光魔参与特效制作 ，就为了呈现出更壮观华丽的特效场面。导演依旧是曾在著名的电影制作公司梦工厂(DreamWorks Animation)工作并且前后执导过的《怪物史瑞克》系列和《穿靴子的猫之萌猫三剑客》的许诚毅，深信他对怪物题材和卖萌题材是特别拿手的，要不然也不会在《抓妖记》里创造出大家那么喜爱的萌妖们。
而第二部电影照旧是同一批制作班底，奠定了第二部的基调与第一部不会有太大的区别，这也同时保证影片质量。《捉妖记2》演员阵容也很强大，聚集了影帝梁朝伟、李宇春、黄磊、柳岩、大鹏等多位大牌明星，阵容豪华升级。而《捉妖记2》既有实地选景也有特别搭建以重现出第一部的奇幻色彩。根据网上所报导，该片的音乐和舞蹈加入很多异国元素，电影中的很多歌舞桥段都是由日本、印度等国专业舞蹈演员精心设计编排。

Wuba's "parents" -- Huo Xiaolan (Bai Baihe) and Song Tianyin (Jing Boran)

The return of PangYing (Sandra Ng) and ZhuGao (Eric Tsang)

New characters  that everyone is looking forward to see on screen: 

Tu Sigu (Tony Leung Chiu-wa) and Zhu JinZhen (Li Yuchun a.k.a. Chris Lee)

The main theme of this movie will probably still relate to that of first movie about acceptance -- to accept differences by seeing through another person's perspective to foster greater understanding between groups of people. Sounds like an inspiring movie for all Malaysians to watch, yes? 

The man behind Monster Hunt 2 is Raman Hui, a Hong Kong animator and film director best known for co-directing Shrek the Third. Director Raman hired back the same production team of the first movie to ensure consistent quality of the sequel and further invest 9 million RMB (MYR5.6 million) into the VFX production, aiming to bring more elaborate fight scenes.

The original movie's younger stars, Bai Baihe and Jing Boran, have also both returned. New cast members in this sequel include Chinese pop star-turned-actress Li Yuchun and well-known actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai.

Check out the official weibo page for more behind the scene clips and photos from Monster Hunt 2

In China Monster Hunt 2 has already pre-sold 70.6 million RMB (MYR43.9 million) tickets a full 2 weeks prior to its opening day on 16 February 2018.

相信《捉妖记2》也会如其第一部一样，是个适合一家大小一块儿观看的春节喜剧电影。所以假日时不妨考虑带上家人一同去电影院观赏这个2月16日会在本地电影院上映的《捉妖记2》吧！让我们一起来摒息期待寻父中的宋天荫和胡巴能否再次重逢并且利用小妖王的力量为两界带来久违的和平吗？

Isn't Wuba just adorable?

Outpost intel reliably says that Wuba will be appearing LIVE! at selected Malaysian cineplexes this coming Chinese New Year on festive weekends. Stay turned to social media channels for GSC, TGV and MBO Cinemas announcing when & where to meet Wuba.

Meet Wuba live! at Malaysian cinemas in conjunction with Monster Hunt 2.

《捉妖记2》电影宣传

TGV Cinemas have announced Wuba will be appearing at their cinemas over CNY as follows:

Also expect Wuba at MBO Cinemas at the following locations:

In addition watching Monster Hunt 2 at participating MBO Cinemas may win a Wuba plush toy. Get the link from their Facebook post to participate.

For the chance to win official Monster Hunt 2 movie premiums (pictured above), goto KLIPS by SAYS Malaysia to join their online contest by 19 February 2018.

GSC Cinemas is giving out Monster Hunt 2 Ang Pow packets with purchase of any two movie tickets at all GSC cineplexes (while stock last)! For more information refer to the GSC Website.

So let's look forward whether the super-cute baby monster Wuba can continue to fulfill his prophecy of bringing peace to the long-standing conflict between monsters and humans. What will happen next to Wuba and his "parents" Tianyin and Xiaolan? Catch 《Monster Hunt 2》 in cinemas this Friday 16 February to find out!

 Wishing everyone a 
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! 

在这祝福大家春节快乐，恭喜发财，财源广进，身体健康，万事如意！

Disclaimer: Monster Hunt 2 and other trademarks are copyright to 无锡影都传媒有限公司、安乐（北京）电影发行有限公司、蓝色星空影业出品 and distributed by Sony Pictures Malaysia, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.

Will the origins of Xenomorphs be finally revealed in Alien: Covenant?

Fans of the Alien movie franchise will get to rejoice next week with the return of the classic Xenomorph and Facehuggers in Alien: Covenant. Although they were much anticipated during release of the preceding movie, Prometheus (2012), neither were actually featured to the disappointment of fans who were instead treated to a number of new alien monstrosities. This time there is no mistaking return the Xenomorph is it distinctly featured in movie trailers and other promotional materials.

Alien: Covenant is the sixth movie in this billion dollar sci-fi franchise and second in a series of planned prequels. Beginning 38 years ago in 1979 with Alien, acclaimed director Ridley Scott returns to the helm once again and promises to bring back the cinematic terror of sci-fi horror that was invented by the original masterpiece. Although Alien: Covenant is intended to be R-rated with barrels of claret (fake blood) flowing, Scott will also be further exploring the universe that inhibits his films through the search for mankind's progenitors (in Prometheus) and now the origins of the Xenomorphs (in Covenant, hopefully!).

Before joining the crew of the Covenant on their journey, let us briefly recap of the previous five movies according to timeline of the Alien universe: 

Ridley Scott returned to direct this first prequel movie to the saga in 2012 after a 3 decade hiatus from the original Alien in 1979. Prometheus begins in 2089 with the discovery of star map amongst ancient hieroglyphs on Earth. This sets off an expedition team four years later aboard the starship Prometheus to a mysterious planet LV-223 in search of mankind's origins. Needless to say their discovery of the "Engineers", a giant humanoid race, was far from amicable resulting in destruction of the Prometheus and most of her crew. With more questions than answers, the survivors Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and synthetic android David  (Michael Fassbender),  depart LV-223 on an alien spacecraft journeying to the "Engineers" homeworld, setting up the scene for Alien: Covenant.

Check out this official prologue video linking these two prequel movies:

10 years after the doomed Prometheus expedition, its surviving crew Elizabeth Shaw and the synthetic David continue their journey to discover our origins. Watch The Crossing, an official prologue short for #AlienCovenantMY in cinemas 10 May, with special sneaks 9 May
Posted by 20th Century Fox on Friday, 28 April 2017

P.S.: No Xenomorphs.

Official Synopsis:

Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, the crew of the colony ship Covenant discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world -- whose sole inhabitant is the "synthetic" David (Michael Fassbender), survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition.

Alien: Covenant takes place 10 years after the events of Prometheus. As a colony ship on a mission to spread mankind across the galaxy, crew of the Covenant comprise couples: Captain Jacob (James Franco) and his wife, Daniels, head of terraforming operations (Katherine Waterston); second-in-command Christopher Oram (Billy Crudup) and his biologist wife Karine (Carmen Ejogo); boisterous pilots Tennessee (Danny McBride) and Faris (Amy Seimetz); head of security Sergeant Lope (Demián Bichir) and his second-in-command and husband Sergeant Hallett (Nathaniel Dean). Plus one Weyland-Yutani synthetic, Walter (Michael Fassbender again), a more advanced version of David upgraded by AMD technology(!) to better serve real humans. Indeed reserve your very own Walter at MeetWalter.com and check out the video on YouTube.

Bridge crew of the Covenant. Choose your likely survivors?

As can be seen from the trailers, the mission pretty much goes to hell shortly after planetfall and becomes a full-on gore-fest with the Covenant's crew being eliminated by the classic Facehugger and Xenomorph as well as a new creature dubbed the Neomorph. Following in the footsteps of strong female leads, we can almost expect Katherine Waterston's Daniels to resist being alien-kill for most of the movie. But don't count on her returning for the sequel as Noomi Rapace's Shaw is clearly not returning for this movie unlike Ripley in the original Alien Quadrilogy.

Will director Ridley Scott finally reveal origins of the Xenomorphs?

Whilst Prometheus delved into mankind's origins from outer space, this time director Ridley Scott aims to finally address origins of the Xenomorph. Make what you will of Scott's cryptic statement: “It came to me that no one had asked the question, who made this and why. You could say monsters from outer space, gods from outer space, engineers from outer space invented it. They didn’t. Alien: Covenant's going to flip that around.” Speculation is rife across geek channels on what this actually means. Just search Google and YouTube for numerous fan theories.

Alien: The mother of sci-fi horror movies was unleashed in 1979 hot on the heels of Star Wars frenzy. Set around 30 to 60 years after the first prequel movie, Prometheus, this story revolves around crew of the commercial starship Nostromo who, on the way back to Earth, responds to a mysterious transmission from planet LV-426. During investigation planetside, one of the crew is impregnated with an alien creature and gives birth to the first Xenomorph seen in cinemas to terrify movie audiences for years to come. Most of the crew die save Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver in the role which defines much of her future career.

Director Ridley Scott said he always thought of Alien as a B-movie, but really well done, with a basic subtext of seven people locked in the old dark house and who’s going to die first and who’s going to survive. Pretty much the same subtext carries over in the sequels although the specific environments change and Xenomorphs evolve to keep each movie fresh.

This Time It's War! So goes the tag-line for the first sequel movie Aliens helmed by award-winning director James Cameron in 1986. Taking place 57 years later in the Alien timeline, Ellen Ripley returns of LV-426 with a team of bad@$$ marines to investigate loss of communications with the colony. Battles ensue between the marines and hordes of Xenomorphs, climaxing with a showdown between Ripley and an Alien Queen. No cookies for guessing who walks away as the victor!

The third official movie released in 1992 simply named Alien3 takes place shortly after the events in Aliens on the penal colony Fiorina "Fury" 161 where Ripley crash-lands. Whilst adapting to harsh conditions of the planet, Ripley soon discovers presence of a Xenomorph as prisoners are massacred one by one. Even worst she finds herself impregnated with an Alien Queen and in the end chooses to sacrific herself over allowing corporate suits from Weyland-Yutani to harvest the Xenomorph as a weapon.

Almost like superhero comic books, no good protagonist remains dead for long and Ripley is resurrected 200 years later on the United Space Military starship Auriga as part of an experiment to control Xenomorphs. As expected, that plan goes sour way fast as Xenomorphs escape and overrun the starship. Ripley then teams up with a band of mercenaries to escape the Auriga.

If you have not yet seen these movies, consider saving yourself 10 hours by watching this 5 minute summary before watching Alien: Covenant:

To celebrate the franchise, Alien Day took place last week on 26 April (as numbers of LV-426 by month & year) with a special 1-hour event broadcast live online from Fox Studios in Los Angeles. The event featured interviews with cast members of Alien: Covenant, live art drawings, and peaks into the upcoming movie including the aforementioned Prologue. Watch the entire event below as well as behind-the-scenes with Adam Savage:

Special event for Alien Day 2017.

Adam Savage visits the film set of Alien: Covenant.

Some additional filming trivia: Exterior scenes on Alien: Covenant were shot in Milford Sound, New Zealand, one of the wettest places on our planet. This combination of rain and sheer rocky mountains shrouded in mist provided the otherworldly setting for the movie amidst being one of the top tourist attractions in the world. Here's comparison of the scene from the movie with a scenic photo by our Outpost Commander at Fiordland National Park:

Screen-cap from the trailer as crew of the Covenant discover a wheat field.

View of Fiordland valley along Te Anau - Milford Sound Highway on a clear day.
Compare those mountain ranges!

Just before heading into the cinemas, it would be worth your while to watch this 2nd Prologue introducing the main crew of the Covenant and setting up the scene for the new movie.

Also note Ridley Scott is already developing 2 more prequels with working title of the next one being Alien: Awakening. Perhaps we can expect this movie in a couple of years to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of Alien in 2019.

Typically the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) will be providing intel on where to find movie stuffs locally. Thanks to the nice people at 20th Century Fox Malaysia, we have 8 pairs of Movie Premiere invites to Alien: Covenant for our readers as well as Movie Premiums.

Alien: Covenant Movie Premiere

Monday 8 May, 8.45pm

@ MBO Starling Mall
(Damansara Utama)

UPDATE 8 May: Movie Premiere Contest CLOSED.

Follow our newly launch Instagram channel Outpost MY for chance to win more Movie Premiums during the opening week of Alien: Covenant.

Up for grabs Alien: Covenant t-shirts, notebooks, bottle opener & cup.

Just follow these instructions below for a chance to win a pair of Movie Premiere Invites, an exclusive Alien Day mini-poster (above), face towel and a Movie Premium:

1. Like our Facebook Page, Outpost Productions, and this article post.

2. Share this Blog post on Facebook and/or Twitter (set your post privacy to Public)

3. Submit your personal details and answer 3 questions plus write creative caption in the online form below.

Make sure your entries reach us by Friday 5 May, 11.59pm and stay tuned to our Facebook Page for announcement of winners.

Terms and Conditions for Movie Premiere contest (CLOSED):

• Participation only for residents in Malaysia able to attend the Movie Premiere.
• Only 1 entry per person. Multiple entries after the first entry will be automatically rejected.
• Selection of winners will be based on answering all 3 questions correctly and our selection of the most creative captions.
• Winners will announced on our Facebook Page anytime after Saturday 6 March, 12pm. It is the winners' own responsibility to lookout for the announcement and respond accordingly to the redemption instructions given.
• Giveaways items to be collected in person at the Movie Premiere in MBO Starling on Monday 8 May between 8.00pm to 8.30pm. Winnings are forfeit if not collecting by 8.30pm.
• We reserve the right to revise these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

Alien: Covenant Twitter Contest

17-18 May 2017

Please give thanks to the folks from 20th Century Fox Malaysia as we have one final round of giveaways for you Alien fans. Follow us on Twitter at OutpostMY and retweet our contest post with caption on your rating of the movie out of 10 with a few keyword hashtags on why and ending with #OutpostGiveaway, e.g. 8/10 #Xenomorph #horror #gory #plottwist #MichaelFassbender #NewZealand #OutpostGiveaway. Contest closes Thursday 18 May, 11.59pm (Malaysian time).

Click here for our Contest Tweet

Win this tshirt and mini-poster from our Twitter contest.

Terms and Conditions for Twitter contest:

• Participation only for residents in Malaysia.
• To participate, Follow OutpostHolonet @OutpostMY on Twitter.
• Retweet the Contest Tweet (link above).
• In retweet add Comment with your rating of Alien Covenant our of 10, e.g. 9/10, and keyword hashtags on why, e.g. #Xenomorph #horror #gory #plottwist #MichaelFassbender
• End comments with hashtag #OutpostGiveaway
• All entries to be posted by Thursday 18 May, 11.59pm.
• Only 1 entry per person. Multiple entries after the first entry will be automatically rejected.
• Selected winner will be contacted by direct message on 19 May.
• Prize to be collected from Outpost stall at Sunway Pyramid, Blue Concourse on 20-21 May 2017 between 10am to 10pm.
• We reserve the right to revise these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.

Disclaimer: Alien and other trademarks are copyright 20th Century Fox, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.