Quick Reviews!!

Rating: 7/10 (13 April 2005)

The final entry in the series, so far, and perhaps one entry too far considering Ripley's nightmare was finally ended in Alien 3. However, as is the case with nightmares, they always find a way back. Being 1997, DNA and cloning was all the rage so the guys in charge decided to bring Ripley back using advanced cloning techniques 200 years after her death. With Jeunet directing, one of the most original upcoming directors, and Joss Whedon with the script this had potential, and all thoughts were of taking the series back to an action style. Get together a talented cast and this should have been much better. Though for some reason it simply does not live up to the hype.
Those evil scientists have been chasing the alien Ripley encountered for centuries now, and finally after many failed attempts they managed to clone Ripley with the Alien DNA inside her. Using this they created a number of Aliens for observation, but Ripley has also become a cross-breed with all the strengths of both species. Meanwhile a cargo ship has landed on the floating base where these experiments are being made, and soon the aliens have found a way to escape. Most employees try to flee, leaving the cargo crew and Ripley to fend off the aliens. Though it is uncertain which side Ripley is on. As they try to escape The Queen gives birth to a new breed of Alien, more deadly than all the rest. Their ship is drifting towards Earth, and if the creature makes it there, humanity could be over.
The inclusion of quality actors such as Ryder, Perlman and Wincott add to the film's strengths, but the whole thing seems hollow, lacking both the excitement of Aliens and the scares of Alien. There are twists, lots of gore, some good effects and ideas, but perhaps it tries to be too clever for one movie. Mostly the performances are good, though most of the characters are not given a chance to grow or get our sympathy. Weaver is again good as the new Ripley, but one of the main good points of the other entries was that she was human, mortal, weak but when in danger would fight. Now we cannot relate to her and none of the other characters really draw our attention as they are all cold and hardened smugglers. Only Ryder gets some emotional value, but then again she has a twist in store for the viewer. It seems to be a film which tries to blend all of the past films into one, and therefore does not excel in any one place. The visuals are very good, as are the sets etc, but with this series we have come to want excellence.
7 out of 10