More Aliens 3 or 4 than 1 & 2

Rating: 3/10 (10 June 2012)

This highly anticipated addition to the Aliens universe was very disappointing. It was sadly familiar with its formulaic crew of female leaders not quite in charge and unreadable android with its own agenda. The space craft is reminiscent of the earlier films. Their purpose in seeking the creators is confusing and inconsistent: the archaeologists want to explain the origin of man; the corporation as personified by Weyland wants eternal life; and who knows what the moviegoer should care about. The destination is directed by cave paintings around the ancient world, but when they arrive, the planet has no technology (like satellites) and is apparently just an outpost occupied only 2000 years ago. The movie attempts to explain how 'Alien(s)' originated as a biological weapon, but we're left wondering how it transformed from a Star Wars sewage snake into a giant octopus and then into an 'Alien'-like creature.
To conclude on a positive note, Theron's character was enjoyable, Rapace was sympathetic, and David was very watchable. The others were forgettable.