An interesting end to Ripley's story.

Rating: 8/10 (30 August 2008)

Having seen Alien³ I was surprised when I heard that a fourth film was to be made and that Sigourney Weaver would still be acting in it. In the opening minutes we learn that the Ripley we see in this film is a clone of the original, not only has she been cloned but so has the alien queen that was in her. The military remove the queen before it bursts from Ripley's chest.
Shortly afterwards a small cargo ship docks and its crew of smugglers unload an unusual cargo; twelve people in their cryogenic sleep tubes, it turns out these people are to be hosts to the next generation of aliens. One of the smugglers, an young engineer named Call, played by Winona Ryder, has an ulterior motive for being there; she has learnt of the military plans and had intended to kill Ripley before the queen could hatch. While the military are trying to apprehend the smugglers for Call's actions the Aliens escape from they holding cell and the alarm sounds ordering the evacuation of the ship... of course that doesn't go quite as well as it might as Ripley and the smugglers struggle past numerous aliens as well as encountering an entirely new type of alien that was live-born rather than needing a host.
This film is probably the lightest in tone of the four films, the smugglers are a varied group who are likable and quite funny, especially Ron Perlman's character. Another surprise is that more characters than usual survive... I won't spoil it by saying which ones though.
I found the story to be well written by Joss Whedon and the acting and direction was good too, I particularly liked Winina Ryder as Call. While it isn't the best film in the series I'd certainly advise those who liked the previous films to give it a go.