Alien: Resurrection

Definitely the most exotic slimy adventure in the entire series. Far from being as mysterious as the first one, militant as the second one, or depressive as the third, the fourth Alien is something in between comedy (excellent wisecracks), horror (lots of slime everywhere you look, and the failed clones), and classic sci-fi, full of high-tech devices and robots. Jean-Pierre Jeunet's touch is beautifully evident, especially in the camera movements and the composition of certain scenes. Technically, it is of course brilliant and the underwater scenes are awesome. Surprisingly, Sigourney Weaver still has charisma. (01/11/2003)

Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Alien film is completely different from the previous three and the influence of the new director is evident. Visually, this is a pretty well done piece of filmmaking (for its time), in which I was most impressed by the "underwater scene". If it wasn't for the horrible alien hybrid at the end, I would have thought about a nice 4*, but as it is, it's just an average sci-fi flick that tries to cash in on its predecessors as much as it can. In short, it's a good thing it all ended here, because the drop in quality is already pretty noticeable. (14/08/2011)

At long last.. As different as a sequel can be, the horror atmosphere has been replaced by an action sci-fi joyride. Whedon’s screenplay delivers a lot of unexpected situations and a solid story. It may not be as atmospheric as the first two installments, but I like its original approach too. And part four is definitely the most abundant in catchphrases. (17/09/2011)

Jean-Pierre Jeunet has managed the impossible with a Joss Whedon script on his back. He sent a weakening series back to the top, stirred up a breathtaking well of ideas, and had no problem digesting David Fincher's previous vision. Each pivotal scene is a demonstration of first-class tension, and whether I am watching a perfectly timed underwater escape or a captivating panopticon of previous experiments, I can only smile contentedly at how amazingly unrestrained all of Alien: Resurrection is. When Ripley then becomes an amazing creature with unprecedented charisma and the circle closes at the very end, I even find myself wondering whether this daring attempt is perhaps the best work of the saga. Ultimately, Ridley Scott's first film wins by a nose, but because the second half of the movie is the best I have ever seen in the Alienverse, there is no doubt about the highest rating. (05/09/2007)

I’m quite puzzled as to why Alien: Resurrection received such a backlash from the viewing public. Perhaps Jeunet's irresistibly decadent atmosphere wasn't quite what fans expected after Fincher's unconventional contribution. The director demolishes the myths of the entire universe and makes fun of them on top of it. In doing so, he is constantly his own man, giving Aliens his unique imprint as a French poet, culminating with the final arrival of the overgrown albino. To say that this is the worst film in the series is stupid. It's only over the years that the whole series has swelled to a cult status where everyone likes to claim their own film they like best. I’m not saying I don't do it too, but even though Jeunet's film is not one of my favorites, I refuse to denigrate it. (30/05/2009)