An astonishing breadth of concept....

Rating: 7/10 (12 September 2004)

There are few films that can endure until version IV.
Alien Resurrection works on many levels. Given that after the three previous films we all know what the monster looks like, and what it can do, the new world we are asked to confront concerns relationships - involving humans, aliens, clones, robots, clone/alien hybrids. Maybe most importantly it examines the relationship between mother and offspring in a world of warped genetic engineering.
The complexity of the plot might at first seem a weakness, but our previous knowledge of the concepts from the other three films allows the film to encompass many ideas that might otherwise be too confusing.
How does it compare with the previous films?
Alien was outstanding for the concept. Aliens was exciting, introducing the Space Marines. Alien 3, with perhaps the lowest budget and plot lines, still worked because of the ending. Alien Resurrection is by far the most disturbing. There are scenes in this film that will live with you forever - although you'll probably wish they wouldn't.