Does anyone know any? Preferably easier to use than the cut-scenes in AGS are?
What exactly do you mean?
If you're looking for animation software I recommend Macromedia Flash, but apparently Macromedia Director is better for AVI movies.
If you're looking for AVI conversion, compiling, messing about with software I recommend The RAD video tools (They're free) or Arcsoft VideoImpression.
I recommend DOGA
www.doga.co.jp/english
You can create animations of space ships flying thru space very easily. Download DOGA-L1 coz its free and you can have fun with it.