Great talents combine to make great sci-fi

Rating: Null/10 (31 July 2003)

Alien: Resurrection is the finest component of the series since the original. The well-paced script by Joss Whedon (of Buffy fame) provides both humor and pathos. Director Jeunet reproduces the visual genius of Delicatessin and City of Lost Children, aided by his veteran colleague, D.P. Darius Khondji, who washes the entire set with a metallic grey hue. Outstanding performances all around highlight the struggle between man and beast (as exemplified by the new, hybrid Ripley). Watch for great animalistic portrayals by Sigourney Weaver and Ron Perlman and the Winona Ryder's "mechanical" characterisation. Fans of Buffy will recognize Whedon's playful wit (keep an eye out for Perlman snagging the gun from a soldier guarding him, then returning the weapon with a warning not to touch him). Fans of Jeunet's prior and later work (e.g. Amelie) will recognize the atmosphere and sudden shifts between extremes. Finally, any sci-fi fan will get caught up in the fast-paced action and original gore.