Jean-Pierre? Well, see, a number of us have been wondering... what the heck were you thinking?

Rating: 5/10 (6 May 2008)

I understand that French directors make weird films. In fact, maybe this one's even one of the most extreme in that respect. But this is just... a minor complaint would be events and actions in general that are bizarre, but there also bigger issues. For one thing, so many situations are solved in an unexpected way. Now, kudos for not just taking the easy way out, but it almost comes off as overcompensating, going so far in the other direction that the viewer feels completely disconnected from it... the illusion cracks, and we find ourselves wondering why we're giving this piece of fiction, which at these bits, not so much makes no attempt at convincing us, but more goes out of its way to taunt and push us away. The humor is seldom all that funny, and more often than not common sense is its expense. It should not be thought that Jeunet is not skillful; tension is mustered up(if, as others have said, there is hardly any character development), the creatures, as well as various parts of the movie, are effective. The plot is more or less empty and by-the-numbers once the initial stuff is out of the way(save for one or two ideas and scenes, which admittedly are pretty darn good and interesting), and its overall progression is mostly devoid of surprises(which is not to say that everything herein is figured out ahead of time). Something that, at best, at least nags is how this seems to try to fit in what was in each entry to go before it(which, sooner or later, has got to get to be ridiculous). The effects are great. There are some rather grotesque sights and sounds in this, anyone considering watching should take that into account. The action isn't that involving or entertaining. This did have the worst start-off point, and they did actually manage to work around that, if in a way that is far-fetched. The behavior of the Aliens is somewhat messed up. Furthermore, I wasn't scared of them at... anytime, really. The acting isn't particularly impressive, same goes for some of the character writing(Ripley, what happened to you? Is it the black nail-polish(I know, I know, someone told you it would look wicked)?). Perlman is reasonably cool(but the man probably delivered a one-liner as his first words). The Special Edition, briefly introduced(in less than a minute) by he who helmed this, holds an alternate opening and ending, among other things, and is worth it for those who want more of what this is. The commentary track is also fine to listen to. I recommend this to... maybe more fans of Jean-Pierre Jeunet(as well as Joss Whedon? I... wouldn't know, this appears to be the only thing of his I've seen firsthand) than those who dig the franchise. 5/10