By no means is this an original idea. It taps the “Alien” well that we already know more than once. But what it does do is suppose a second sequel that includes Hicks, Newt and the android Bishop. David Fincher’s “Alien 3” killed the former two in the prologue of that film and unplugged Bishop soon after. In this version, Ripley and gang awaken aboard a Weyland-Yutani frigate. The “Company,” its ambitious fingers in pies all over the galaxy, has been tracking the Sulaco ever since it departed for LV-426 in the previous film. The vessel’s commander, Michael (a late 80’s Ray Liotta), the smooth but erratic progeny of W-Y founder Peter Weyland, is more than pleased to have the Sulaco in tow as the queen alien has left a gift, a single egg. Ripley is mistrustful of all things Weyland at this point but is none the wiser to the egg. She and Hicks are paid off for their sacrifices and told they’ll soon be home. Then Michael gives them a reason to cut loose. He suddenly directs the ship towards a nearby moon, a Weyland mining installation winding up operations; the perfect testing ground for a bio-weapon he’ll take full credit for. How else to impress Daddy? Ripley gets wind and loses it. She’s starting to unravel, compelled to find and kill whatever version of the xenomorph lives while getting a little W-Y payback. Hicks tries to reign her in, even Newt, but it’s no use. Ripley pieces together a disgruntled band of frigate workers and a refurbished Bishop and steals her way to the moon. Go time.

All images created with photographs found online.