A load of fun, suspense, and atmosphere.

Rating: 7/10 (17 June 2012)

OK, OK, this ain't the classic that Alien is, granted. But it's way cool anyway. I find it very interesting to get some insight into the back-story that Scott had in mind when he put together the original Alien. I think if you go into this expecting Lord Ridley to surpass himself, you'll unavoidably be disappointed. But what did I most like about the original? I liked the atmosphere, the feeling of being transported into an increasingly nasty situation far from home, where malevolent elements seem to escalate until only the very toughest, smartest, and luckiest individuals will survive, if anyone will. Some have complained about the untenable character of some of the situations and motivations that make up the story, especially the auto-surgery scene. Personally, I was so caught up in the human plight of the character and the amazing action going on, that I was able to just chalk any incredulity up to the advanced technology being used. I agree that I would like to see a director's cut version, since there seemed to be some potential richness lost to the cutting room floor. But that's why I hardly ever go to movies anymore. I find the DVD versions much more satisfying on my HDTV. Besides, sitting 10 feet from a 50" is about the same as sitting 200 feet from a 14' X 9' movie screen. BTW: The 3D version is very seamlessly done. It adds to the viewer perspective without becoming obtrusive. All-in-all I found it enjoyable, and would like to see the further adventures of Dr. Shaw and David the droid. I am interested in the answer to the question they were seeking answers to. I'm sure it will allow me further insight into the mind of Ridley Scott; a master story teller who has earned my respect and indulgence. I do not feel like a mere consumer whose insatiable appetite for ever greater stimulation has been somehow short-changed by this latest Scott opus. I think some people take movies and art too seriously. That's because they are overly obsessed with their importance, as if their life's meaning revolved around whether a film lives up to their every expectation. It does not; lighten up!