A highly misunderstood film

Rating: 8/10 (26 October 2013)

Recently I decided to watch the Alien films with my room mate in chronological story order (Prometheus first and not including the Predator franchise). I was surprised to find that I enjoyed this film as much as I did Alien and Prometheus. It is different, it is dark and it represents loss so bitterly well.
The most controversial parts of this film are actually what I liked about them. I didn't care very much for the characters they kill off at the beginning of the film and for me Ripley's reaction to the loss of them held so much more emotional weight, so much more impact than their characters ever could provide for me alive in Aliens.
As for the death of Ripley? I really liked how it was set up. Before this happens, human Bishop tries to convince Ripley that her chance to live was to come with them; She could go home and "make babies" (because, yes Bishop...that is how women define themselves). Ripley's response with an Alien Queen baby inside of her that threatens the very life of the universe is essentially...
'Screw you, I'm jumping.' In those last moments the alien bursts out of her while she holds it in her hands in an almost strangling position into the hot lava like substance. Ripley sacrificed herself to save humanity. She felt there was no way for her to survive anyhow, so why not take that parasite of an Alien down with her? It's not just an alien inside of her...it's a Queen.
(I know that so many have a problem with HOW she gets impregnated, because it's so loosely explained...yes I can agree with that point, it's a flaw.) Also, I really loved Clemens, because... well... Charles Dance. Brilliant Actor. The characters were well developed and deep. For me, this film was suspenseful and the darkness of it gives this film character. Perhaps some day more people will look back on this movie and give it another chance.
Not every movie can end happy, some just tear your heart out.