Alien: Resurrection

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 As different as a sequel can be, the horror atmosphere has been replaced by an action sci-fi joyride.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. (18/09/2011)

Jeunet managed the impossible with Whedon's script on his back. He sent the weakening series back to the top, stirred up a breathtaking well of ideas, and had no problem digesting 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 the entire Resurrection is. When Ripley then becomes an amazing creature with unprecedented charisma and the circle closes at the very end, I even contemplate whether this daring attempt is the best work of the saga. Ultimately, 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)

A very worthy conclusion to a famous horror franchise. Almost twenty years had passed since the first episode was filmed and it’s quite evident in the result. Jean Pierre Jenuet decided to gift Alien fans with a flurry of modern horror action, gore, and goofy main characters, especially Sigourney Weaver, who is very badass and definitely fits into my action hero column. Unfortunately, the more complex story brings with it a number of inconsistencies and plot holes. However, these are quite well patched up by several extremely good scenes, of which I would highlight, besides the duel underwater, also the final slaughter of the alien, during which you will feel, besides disgust, also a bit of emotion. (22/04/2011)

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)

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)