Haven’t stayed current on all the Alien films, but always curious about what Weyland-Yutani are up to as a staff, a record label and a motherfuckin crew.
Ridley Scott’s 1979 original is still an all-timer.
On the franchise timeline, new addition Alien: Romulus falls in between the events of the OG and its Regan-era sequel, Aliens. Better yet, it’s from the “twisted mind” of Fede Álvarez, whose Don’t Breathe chopped a heist thriller and a video nasty into one of the more satisfying genre blends of the past decade.
Caught Romulus opening night (fine, early Friday afternoon with my fellow childless creative professionals) and can confirm: he ate.
Lean, mean, Sir Ridley-approved!
They understood the assignment, which was make sure a sicko is in charge. Reviews have trended towards backhanded compliments, but I was locked in. Great young cast, especially soulful cyborg David Jonsson. Pitch-perfect production design, relentless tension, but sadly…
No carbonated soda tie-ins.
1992’s Alien 3 (now streaming on Disney+, lol) is best remembered as the misfire that almost tanked David Fincher’s Hollywood career before it began.
Not going to re-litigate, things turned out OK for our boy. Plus, he made it in Jordans. “What’s in the box?” Fire Reds, baby!
In any case, his dystopian threequel was gruel-tinted, bleak and — for some reason — advertised with that rubber suit Xenomorph above, chasing a young Jeremy Davies around a vending machine during the VMAs.
The pop culture penetration (ayo) of this psychosexual sci-fi franchise has always been unique, to say the least.
A clip of Texas parents dragging their eight year olds to see the original has been making the rounds again. It’s almost as weird as the toy commercial of kiddos piloting HR Giger’s phallus monster that same summer.
HR had a real knack for turning everything in space into airbrushed nightmare sex organs. The Oscar-winning creature artist — and once again, total sicko — was sidelined from 1986’s Aliens (check the beef recap on his gloriously old-school website) but Kenner’s “Space Marine” line of action figures (“NO BUGS!”) kept the R-rated IP in the hands of children following the four-quadrant success of James Cameron’s sequel.
By the time the 2000s prequels hit, those facehugger-pilled youngsters (waves hand) were all grown up. But we still got a Beats By Dre activation!
You’d figure some kind of goofy Romulus tie-in would keep the bizarro promo streak alive, right?
As a cinephile, I’m glad Fede made a good movie. But as a silly goose, I need some inappropriate corporate synergy.
Official craft beer is somehow… not it (would still drink it tho). Don’t get me started on the Reeboks.
“All I wanted was a Pepsi... just one Pepsi…”
At least we still have Willem Dafoe Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Fanta!
Guitar Moves — I see Matt Sweeney in the neighborhood now and again but never think to yell I LOVE YOUR INTERNET TELEVISION PROGRAM in his general direction. If you play a six string or merely appreciate those who do, it’s a must watch. Sturgill Simpson’s episode is fantastic (voice like honey, that fella) and Eyedress has to get a shout for his hat alone.
Holy Blade, Holy Blade — if WSOU Pirate Radio was ever a part of your life, play this at max volume immediately. Melodic ‘80s metal with updated chugga chugga… think MCR cosplaying Dio. (Yes, there is a church bell.)
Casey Niccoli x Jane’s Addiction — fascinating essay from the muse and collaborator behind Gift, “Been Caught Stealing” and so much of the band’s breakthrough work, steadily and sadly written out of their story. “I won’t accept a lesser role in my own art.” Bars!
Chaz Dean’s Billboards — a portrait of a conditioner icon.
Michael Mann on Collateral — damn that’s a lot of b2b LA content! Heading there next month, guess it’s in the air. Will def watch this gem (on it’s 20th anniversary no less) to pre-game. More Mann here.
Amine Charli XCX freestyle — Brat Summer lasts as long as you want it to.
Extra Butter x FILA US Open Party — if you’re in the NYC area this weekend, hit the 7 train and come through! Free day party at the Extra Butter store in Long Island City (next to MoMA PS1).
And playlists updated, per usual…