Ridley Scott covers familiar post-apocalyptic ground in "The Dog Stars," but the thrilling action proves he still has the goods.

Alien 3 was one of the wildest and bleakest chapters in the franchise, as it strips away hope almost immediately. Set in the prison world of Fiorina 161, the film isolates Ellen Ripley among violent inmates who have embraced a new apocalyptic religion.

Sci-fi master Ridley Scott has spent the last five years making period pieces before going back to the future.