Alien: Resurrection
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Alien: Resurrection is not a great film, but after the cluster F*** that was Alien 3, it is a definite step up. Alien: Resurrection really dives head first back into what the fan base wanted-Ripley and Company blowing the crap out of anything that moves. In this regard the film really delivers. Once the usual awkwardness of explaining how “Ripley” is alive once more and back in a war with the sick alien creatures, the film cranks out some nice alien gut ripping action. Its good fun, unless your the girly type and if that is the case go bake and pie and watch Martha Stewart.
Another bit that you need to know is that Ripley has been resurrected via cloning and has also had a little bit of that old alien magic sliced in. This makes for some fun scenes to be sure.
What Was Cool:
-While the Alien films are now far, far removed from their intelligent and crafted origins, they are still great fun when getting back to their Aliens shoot em' up roots.
-There are some awesome visuals in Alien: Resurrection. In particular there is some very cool shots of aliens hunting humans underwater.
-Winona Rider doesn't exactly "steal" the show but she does play a very interesting character named Annalee, which is, in all fairness one of her best performances in recent years.
-Ron Pearlman as Johner is at his best,as is Brad Dourif who pulls out his best "creepy guy" bit.
-Darius Khondji is magic behind the camera
-Frenchie Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet of The City of Lost Children fame carries his intense style over to the Alien series. Good decision to get him involved.
What Was Stupid:
-The heart of the screenplay, the way Ripley is brought back this time is dumb but, if she is to be brought back, its going to be a bit stupid no matter how you do it. Long ago, the storyline needed to be different in order to avoid story problems, especially in the disastrous Alien 3.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
-The casting of Alien: Resurrection is good and unusually full for an action/science-fiction film. They get a gold star.
-Nice set design all the way around as Alien: Resurrection has such a marvelously delicious creepiness. Gold Star to John Dwyer and yet another gold star to Bob Ringwood, who is just the best costume designer.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
-Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet helps give the film the extra shine it needed.
Story C
Use of Science B- (At least science played a key role, in a semi-logic fashion and dealt with topical issues.)
Acting B
Portrayal of Women A
Visuals-VFX and Special Effects A
Visuals-Set Design/Props A
Wardrobe/Costumes A
Style/Sex Appeal A (This film definitely has some style.)
Enjoyability Grade B+
Home Theater/HD Factor A
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) C (It did take a little guts to do another Alien film after the offensively stinky Alien 3.)
Overall Innovation C+
Overall Grade B
|
