Outlander (2008)

Most people have never heard of this movie because it was only in a few theatres, and only for a week, so it is basically a direct to DVD title for the most part.
It is about Kainan, played by Jim Caviezel (you know, Jesus), who is from another planet. He is transporting a dangerious alien being, when his spaceship crashes on Earth in Norway during the time of the Vikings. When the alien starts killing the locals it is up to Kainan to team up with the vikings and kick some alien ass. It is also revealed that the alien's species was wiped out by Kainan's people on another planet, except for the one on the spaceship who sort of killed Kainan's family. So let's just say, it's personal.
Since I know your first question is "What does the alien look like?" I will tell you. It basically looks like a tiger, crossed with at Komodo dragon, and it glows in the dark. The effects for the alien were pretty good. I am not sure how big the budget was for this movie but everything in it looks top notch. The costumes, the viking village, the effects, etc, all of it helps take you back to Norway in 700 AD. The action is exciting and well shot, so you can actually tell what is going on.
I never saw Passion of the Christ so I don't really know much about Jim Caviezel's skills as an actor, but in this movie he is probably the low point. All of the supporting cast outshine him in most scenes. He's not terrible, just not as good as everybody else. Ron Pearlman (Hellboy) plays a rival clan leader in this movie. I don't know what special effects they used in his scenes, but when he is on screen he looks like the largest human being to ever walk the Earth. He looks like he is about 8 foot tall and weighs about 500 pounds. He also carries two stone hammers that would make Thor jealous. If I was fighting against an alien, I would want his character on my side.
I think this movie deserved a wider release in theatres. It was much more enjoyable than most crap released nowadays. This movie isn't deep or groundbreaking, just fun, sci fi escapism. A better viking movie is Pathfinder, so if you want to watch some vikings, check that out.

3 out of 5 Stars