Reviews in Retrograde: Alien: Resurrection

Critical Outcast isn't my first attempt at a website, I had a few stutter steps in the late 1990's and early 2000's. These attempts generated a whole bunch of poorly written, often very short and spoilerific reviews. I recently stumbled upon them in my archives and thought you may be interested in seeing some of these early attempts at writing. They are as they were then, I make no apologies for how bad or how short they are. Feel free to have at them with reckless abandon! I present to you: Reviews in Retrograde.



Alien: Resurrection

200 years after the conclusion of Alien 3, the company is able to resurrect Ripley through the process of cloning and the scientists successfully take the Queen Alien out of her. But, Ripley's DNA gets mixed up with the Queen's and she begins to develop certain alien characteristics. The scientists begin breeding the aliens, but they later escape. Soon the Xeno-morphs are running amok on the ship, which is on course to earth. The Queen then gives birth to a deadly new breed of alien, which could spell disaster for the entire human race. It's up to Ripley and a band of space pirates to stop the ship before it reaches Earth.


Visually inventive, that is the first way to describe this film. Jeunet has one of the most unique visual styles in film today. After two features in his native France, he has brought that style to America with the latest installment in Alien saga. This film brings back Ripley after her untimely death in the third film. Exciting, good characters, and a great look all help this film succeed, not quite on par with Aliens, but close.

I look forward to seeing more from Jeunet. The character of Ripley is develpoped in a new fashion this time, she is a clone of the character from the first film. That is what makes her character so interesting this time, because she is unpredictable, she is now part alien. Which side is she more? is she an alien? or is she Ellen? or what if she doesn't know who she is? Another interesting character is played by Winona Ryder. Her character looks out of place, but that is what makes her so mysterious.

The film is a triumph, masterful art direction and an interesting story returns Alien to it's place at the top.