list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Alien ³ on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/Alien/854/default.aspx Title: Alien ³
Year: 1992
Director: David Fincher
Plot: Acclaimed director David Fincher's promising career was lucky to survive this astonishingly wrong-headed, almost universally despised second sequel to Alien (1979). The film careens into oblivion virtually from the beginning, as Lt. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is the only survivor of a crash-landing on a hellish, God-forsaken prison planet. Not only does the crash kill little Newt, completely obviating the entire point of the superior Aliens (1986), but Fincher then compounds his betrayal of that film's fans by having Ripley attend the girl's gruesome autopsy and barely bat an eye as the child's chest is bloodily ripped open with a steel bonesaw. Things just go downhill from there, as the rather unthreatening rapists and murderers harass Ripley and curse a great deal before being torn apart by large fans, having their heads crushed by the unconvincing CGI alien, and finally volunteering to be murdered by the beast rather than letting the evil Company get hold of it. Fincher does the best he can with a terrible script, and there are some nice supporting turns by Charles S. Dutton, Charles Dance, and Brian Glover, but nothing could redeem the film's first 15 minutes. By the time Ripley takes a suicidal swan-dive into a vat of molten lead, cradling a baby alien as it explodes from her chest, many viewers will not know whether to reach for the remote control or a warm bath and a razorblade. A loathsome experience by any standard, Alien 3 still made enough money for Weaver to return as a Ripley clone in Alien Resurrection (1997). ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 22
Number of Lists: 60
Number of blog posts: 3
Number of discussion threads: 4
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:07:41 GMTAlien ³1992David FincherAcclaimed director <a href="/players/P____89783/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>David Fincher</a>'s promising career was lucky to survive this astonishingly wrong-headed, almost universally despised second sequel to <a href=/films/853/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Alien</a> (1979). The film careens into oblivion virtually from the beginning, as Lt. Ellen Ripley (<a href="/players/P____75144/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Sigourney Weaver</a>) is the only survivor of a crash-landing on a hellish, God-forsaken prison planet. Not only does the crash kill little Newt, completely obviating the entire point of the superior <a href=/films/872/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Aliens</a> (1986), but Fincher then compounds his betrayal of that film's fans by having Ripley attend the girl's gruesome autopsy and barely bat an eye as the child's chest is bloodily ripped open with a steel bonesaw. Things just go downhill from there, as the rather unthreatening rapists and murderers harass Ripley and curse a great deal before being torn apart by large fans, having their heads crushed by the unconvincing CGI alien, and finally volunteering to be murdered by the beast rather than letting the evil Company get hold of it. Fincher does the best he can with a terrible script, and there are some nice supporting turns by Charles S. Dutton, <a href="/players/P____16791/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Charles Dance</a>, and <a href="/players/P____27273/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Brian Glover</a>, but nothing could redeem the film's first 15 minutes. By the time Ripley takes a suicidal swan-dive into a vat of molten lead, cradling a baby alien as it explodes from her chest, many viewers will not know whether to reach for the remote control or a warm bath and a razorblade. A loathsome experience by any standard, <a href=/films/854/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Alien 3</a> still made enough money for Weaver to return as a Ripley clone in <a href=/films/114663/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Alien Resurrection</a> (1997). ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide22Tag Target (>10)60343http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t38872ohsg4.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Alien/854/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/sci_fi/Re_Tough_Chicks_of_Sci_Fi/4/33625/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: rjsprague
Post To: sci-fi
Post Date: 8/6/2008 11:09:24 AM
Body: [quote user="SkyPilot"] Who is the toughest of them all? I think it's Rhona Mitra (Doomsday), though Ripley would give her a run for her money. By the way, do you guys like Resident Evil: Extinction? It looks pretty cool, but like ol' porcupine says, looking cool does not mean it is cool. [/quote] Ok Rhona Mitra is definitely badass. I would posit that Milla Jovovich (5th Element and Resident Evil as well as Apocalypse and Extinction) is my pick for tough chick of Sci-Fi. I haven't seen Apocalypse or Extinction, but I enjoyed The Fifth Element and Resident Evil.
]]>Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:09:24 GMTrjspraguesci-fi8/6/2008 11:09:24 AM[quote user="SkyPilot"] Who is the toughest of them all? I think it's Rhona Mitra (Doomsday), though Ripley would give her a run for her money. By the way, do you guys like Resident Evil: Extinction? It looks pretty cool, but like ol' porcupine says, looking cool does not mean it is cool. [/quote] Ok Rhona Mitra is definitely badass. I would posit that Milla Jovovich (5th Element and Resident Evil as well as Apocalypse and Extinction) is my pick for tough chick of Sci-Fi. I haven't seen Apocalypse or Extinction, but I enjoyed The Fifth Element and Resident Evil. http://www.spout.com/groups/sci_fi/Tough_Chicks_of_Sci_Fi/4/33568/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: SkyPilot
Post To: sci-fi
Post Date: 8/5/2008 12:46:00 PM
Body: Who is the toughest of them all? I think it's Rhona Mitra (Doomsday), though Ripley would give her a run for her money. By the way, do you guys like Resident Evil: Extinction? It looks pretty cool, but like ol' porcupine says, looking cool does not mean it is cool.
]]>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:46:00 GMTSkyPilotsci-fi8/5/2008 12:46:00 PMWho is the toughest of them all? I think it's Rhona Mitra (Doomsday), though Ripley would give her a run for her money. By the way, do you guys like Resident Evil: Extinction? It looks pretty cool, but like ol' porcupine says, looking cool does not mean it is cool. http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/5/6/28232.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 5/6/2008 11:01:12 AM
Body: Now that we’re sure there’s an Avengers movie on the way, and that it will be tied into the movies Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Ant-Man and Captain America (full title: The First Avenger: Captain America), it’s time to begin speculating on what other characters will be cast to fill out the team’s roster. In addition to the four characters starring in their own preceding titles, as well as cameo-man Nick Fury, there’s a good chance we’ll see Vision and Black Widow rounding out an even six team members. Yet I speculate on the basis that I haven’t picked up an issue of any Avengers title in at least a decade. Still, I’m excited about the film and have hopes of seeing at least one of my favorite, deserving superheroes end up on the big screen in The Avengers since none of them will likely get their own movie. Plus, a bunch of them allow for more Marvel movie tie-ins. So, I ask that Marvel Studios feature a lucky seven teammates and showcase at least one of the following come 2011: Ms. Marvel – Neither a favorite nor too familiar a character for me, but seeing as comic book movies are so lacking in female superheroines these days, I feel The Avengers needs at least one other woman besides the Black Widow. And as a bonus, there could be a post credits cameo from Anna Paquin, as X-Men’s Rogue. Then, if there’s ever an X-Men 4, or if Rogue gets to appear in a Gambit movie — or god forbid her own solo release — the girl could finally fly (at Ms. Marvel’s expense, of course) Hawkeye – Back when I was reading comics, Hawkeye was on the West Coast Avengers team, but there’s no reason he couldn’t be back in New York for the movie. At least let him cameo in order to refer to the existence of the other team, which would never get its own film. I feel Iron Man already (unintentionally) hints at the importance of Hawkeye when the terrorist Raza mentions the historical significance of the bow and arrow, so why not write the archer in? Oh, and don’t dare change the colors of his costume. It’s one of my favorite superhero color schemes of all time. Quicksilver – Who wouldn’t like to see this speedy character in a movie? Or multiple movies? I’m not sure if X-Men Origins: Magneto will be out prior to The Avengers, but there’s a great opportunity to introduce Magneto’s kids in that movie, with a possible post credits cameo from the kids all grown up. One of which will be Quicksilver, dressed in his blue uniform with the sash-like lightning bolt, played by whoever will play him in The Avengers. Scarlet Witch – Of course, if you’re going to have Quicksilver, you must also have his twin sister. And she too would be introduced first in the Magneto movie. Black Panther – Seeing as how John Singleton can’t get his Black Panther movie greenlit, perhaps we need to see the African superhero in a team-based film first and later receive his solo outing. Hopefully Marvel and Paramount don’t think they’ve already sufficiently filled their black quota for the film with Nick Fury. The Wasp – Though I never paid much attention to her, The Wasp has been around since the inception of the Avengers and so she should probably get a role in the movie. We could certainly use more ladies in the mix, even if they are miniature. Of course, unless she lands a significant part in the Ant-Man film (which might actually come after The Avengers), it could easily be argued that one small superhero is enough. The Hulk – It’s possible that Marvel is already planning to involve the Hulk in the Avengers movie, especially since this summer’s The Incredible Hulk is rumored to be tied-in with a cameo from Tony Stark/Iron Man. Yet despite the character’s involvement in the founding of The Avengers, the Hulk is a little too overpowering for a team-based movie, especially in his giant, CG-rendered motion picture form. Perhaps a cameo would be nice, though, if Universal allows it. Namor (Sub-Mariner) – Another character who is set to receive his own film, which just doesn’t seem to be on the fast track of late. Introduce him in The Avengers and then spin him off into oceanic adventures by his lonesome. Moondragon – I’m not too familiar with this character, but in case I didn’t make it clear: WE NEED MORE LADIES. But why Moondragon over Tigra, She-Hulk, Spider-Woman or any other superheroine? Because bald women are super sexy in science fiction and comic book movies (see Star Trek: The Motion Picture; Alien³; V for Vendetta). Beast – Sure, we already saw him in action in X-Men: The Last Stand, but we could do with more continuity tie-ins, right? If Kelsey Grammar would be interested, Marvel should consider featuring the blue-furred mutant in his second team-based movie. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Tue, 06 May 2008 15:01:12 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com5/6/2008 11:01:12 AM Now that we’re sure there’s an Avengers movie on the way, and that it will be tied into the movies Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Ant-Man and Captain America (full title: The First Avenger: Captain America), it’s time to begin speculating on what other characters will be cast to fill out the team’s roster. In addition to the four characters starring in their own preceding titles, as well as cameo-man Nick Fury, there’s a good chance we’ll see Vision and Black Widow rounding out an even six team members. Yet I speculate on the basis that I haven’t picked up an issue of any Avengers title in at least a decade. Still, I’m excited about the film and have hopes of seeing at least one of my favorite, deserving superheroes end up on the big screen in The Avengers since none of them will likely get their own movie. Plus, a bunch of them allow for more Marvel movie tie-ins. So, I ask that Marvel Studios feature a lucky seven teammates and showcase at least one of the following come 2011: Ms. Marvel – Neither a favorite nor too familiar a character for me, but seeing as comic book movies are so lacking in female superheroines these days, I feel The Avengers needs at least one other woman besides the Black Widow. And as a bonus, there could be a post credits cameo from Anna Paquin, as X-Men’s Rogue. Then, if there’s ever an X-Men 4, or if Rogue gets to appear in a Gambit movie — or god forbid her own solo release — the girl could finally fly (at Ms. Marvel’s expense, of course) Hawkeye – Back when I was reading comics, Hawkeye was on the West Coast Avengers team, but there’s no reason he couldn’t be back in New York for the movie. At least let him cameo in order to refer to the existence of the other team, which would never get its own film. I feel Iron Man already (unintentionally) hints at the importance of Hawkeye when the terrorist Raza mentions the historical significance of the bow and arrow, so why not write the archer in? Oh, and don’t dare change the colors of his costume. It’s one of my favorite superhero color schemes of all time. Quicksilver – Who wouldn’t like to see this speedy character in a movie? Or multiple movies? I’m not sure if X-Men Origins: Magneto will be out prior to The Avengers, but there’s a great opportunity to introduce Magneto’s kids in that movie, with a possible post credits cameo from the kids all grown up. One of which will be Quicksilver, dressed in his blue uniform with the sash-like lightning bolt, played by whoever will play him in The Avengers. Scarlet Witch – Of course, if you’re going to have Quicksilver, you must also have his twin sister. And she too would be introduced first in the Magneto movie. Black Panther – Seeing as how John Singleton can’t get his Black Panther movie greenlit, perhaps we need to see the African superhero in a team-based film first and later receive his solo outing. Hopefully Marvel and Paramount don’t think they’ve already sufficiently filled their black quota for the film with Nick Fury. The Wasp – Though I never paid much attention to her, The Wasp has been around since the inception of the Avengers and so she should probably get a role in the movie. We could certainly use more ladies in the mix, even if they are miniature. Of course, unless she lands a significant part in the Ant-Man film (which might actually come after The Avengers), it could easily be argued that one small superhero is enough. The Hulk – It’s possible that Marvel is already planning to involve the Hulk in the Avengers movie, especially since this summer’s The Incredible Hulk is rumored to be tied-in with a cameo from Tony Stark/Iron Man. Yet despite the character’s involvement in the founding of The Avengers, the Hulk is a little too overpowering for a team-based movie, especially in his giant, CG-rendered motion picture form. Perhaps a cameo would be nice, though, if Universal allows it. Namor (Sub-Mariner) – Another character who is set to receive his own film, which just doesn’t seem to be on the fast track of late. Introduce him in The Avengers and then spin him off into oceanic adventures by his lonesome. Moondragon – I’m not too familiar with this character, but in case I didn’t make it clear: WE NEED MORE LADIES. But why Moondragon over Tigra, She-Hulk, Spider-Woman or any other superheroine? Because bald women are super sexy in science fiction and comic book movies (see Star Trek: The Motion Picture; Alien³; V for Vendetta). Beast – Sure, we already saw him in action in X-Men: The Last Stand, but we could do with more continuity tie-ins, right? If Kelsey Grammar would be interested, Marvel should consider featuring the blue-furred mutant in his second team-based movie. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2007/6/21/11591.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 6/21/2007 2:01:10 PM
Body: I have about 800 ideas for books that I'll probably never write; one of them is acollection of case studies of films that initially flopped, only to be reclaimed as classics. In the same vein, via GreenCine Daily comes news of the Ambitious Failure blogathon. Beginning today and running through Sunday the 24th, the blogathon was initiated by William Speruzzi, who writes: Pushing the limits of budget, creativity and patience can all be a bust in the end but that is in the eye of the beholder. Can hindsight work in a film’s favor? Was the criticism deserved or misguided? What makes a film that aspires to reach beyond the boundaries of entertainment go down in flames? Who gets to determine its demise? What is an ambitious failure? That’s what we’re here to find out. There are four entries up already, each approaching the concept of failure from a different angle. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 50 percent are so far concerned with films by Francis Ford Coppola: Ed Copeland takes on The Cotton Club ("Having not seen The Cotton Club in more than 20 years (and remembering it fondly), I suspected that it might fit the bill for an "ambitious failure." Boy, was I right."), while Speruzzi looks at Apocalypse Now ("The media was caught up in the great American malady of predicting failure before it actual happens, if not actually rooting for it."). Paul Hackett's entry is basically an industrial analysis of Phillip Noyce's The Quiet American, citing Miramax's reluctance to promote the film in the wake of 9/11 as the root of its failure. And while Alien 3 might have failed with audiences (and in the mind of director David Fincher), Ray DeRousse is ready to reclaim the sequel for its "powerful message, powerfully delivered." To contribute to the blogathon, check out the guidelines here. I think I'm going to do an entry on It's Always Fair Weather, Stanley Donen's super-dark sort-of sequel to On the Town. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:01:10 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com6/21/2007 2:01:10 PM I have about 800 ideas for books that I'll probably never write; one of them is acollection of case studies of films that initially flopped, only to be reclaimed as classics. In the same vein, via GreenCine Daily comes news of the Ambitious Failure blogathon. Beginning today and running through Sunday the 24th, the blogathon was initiated by William Speruzzi, who writes: Pushing the limits of budget, creativity and patience can all be a bust in the end but that is in the eye of the beholder. Can hindsight work in a film’s favor? Was the criticism deserved or misguided? What makes a film that aspires to reach beyond the boundaries of entertainment go down in flames? Who gets to determine its demise? What is an ambitious failure? That’s what we’re here to find out. There are four entries up already, each approaching the concept of failure from a different angle. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 50 percent are so far concerned with films by Francis Ford Coppola: Ed Copeland takes on The Cotton Club ("Having not seen The Cotton Club in more than 20 years (and remembering it fondly), I suspected that it might fit the bill for an "ambitious failure." Boy, was I right."), while Speruzzi looks at Apocalypse Now ("The media was caught up in the great American malady of predicting failure before it actual happens, if not actually rooting for it."). Paul Hackett's entry is basically an industrial analysis of Phillip Noyce's The Quiet American, citing Miramax's reluctance to promote the film in the wake of 9/11 as the root of its failure. And while Alien 3 might have failed with audiences (and in the mind of director David Fincher), Ray DeRousse is ready to reclaim the sequel for its "powerful message, powerfully delivered." To contribute to the blogathon, check out the guidelines here. I think I'm going to do an entry on It's Always Fair Weather, Stanley Donen's super-dark sort-of sequel to On the Town. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/The_Quintessential_Collection/Re_Top_10/317/9086/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: halo1205
Post To: The Quintessential Collection
Post Date: 5/21/2007 5:26:27 AM
Body: Easily, my Alien Quadrilogy! Two disks per movie, two editions per movie, bonus disk of extras, beautiful packaging. These are some of my favorites films, but Fox went over-the-top when putting this collection together and as far as I am concerned set a benchmark no other collection has even come close to achieving before or since. The work put into Alien 3 alone rivals anything Criterion has done.My Criterion edition of Videodrome would be worth a burn or two as well.From all i have heard the upcoming Blade Runner special edition is going to be a necessity, especially if the include all three versions (Original Theatrical, Extended Cut and Director's Cut).
]]>Mon, 21 May 2007 09:26:27 GMThalo1205The Quintessential Collection5/21/2007 5:26:27 AMEasily, my Alien Quadrilogy! Two disks per movie, two editions per movie, bonus disk of extras, beautiful packaging. These are some of my favorites films, but Fox went over-the-top when putting this collection together and as far as I am concerned set a benchmark no other collection has even come close to achieving before or since. The work put into Alien 3 alone rivals anything Criterion has done.My Criterion edition of Videodrome would be worth a burn or two as well.From all i have heard the upcoming Blade Runner special edition is going to be a necessity, especially if the include all three versions (Original Theatrical, Extended Cut and Director&#39;s Cut). http://www.spout.com/groups/FilmCouch/Re_Last_Film_Couch/302/8423/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Puhnner
Post To: FilmCouch
Post Date: 5/8/2007 3:06:27 PM
Body: An interesting concept. I, however subscribe to only one caveat being required of a villain, Free Choice. .. A Villain quite simply must have 'free choice' and have chosen to act a certain way, proceed in a certain direction, and that direction is one or more that is/are contrary to 'Life'. Unless that is present they are no more a villian than a tidal wave is.In my view then Aliens are not villains, for Aliens do not, that is, they do not seem to have free choice, because their motives seem biologically driven, at least the reproductive ones. Although in the Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection Ripley was not killed because she was with 'alien' and was one of them...so they do seem to have choice in somethings.I guess we can now go on to just what in the hell 'free' or 'free choice' means...see A Clockwork Orange...although from what I am reading these days, free choice or our actions, may well be just another illusion; see some of my other posts in other groups.
]]>Tue, 08 May 2007 19:06:27 GMTPuhnnerFilmCouch5/8/2007 3:06:27 PMAn interesting concept. I, however subscribe to only one caveat being required of a villain, Free Choice. .. A Villain quite simply must have &#39;free choice&#39; and have chosen to act a certain way, proceed in a certain direction, and that direction is one or more that is/are contrary to &#39;Life&#39;. Unless that is present they are no more a villian than a tidal wave is.In my view then Aliens are not villains, for Aliens do not, that is, they do not seem to have free choice, because their motives seem biologically driven, at least the reproductive ones. Although in the Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection Ripley was not killed because she was with &#39;alien&#39; and was one of them...so they do seem to have choice in somethings.I guess we can now go on to just what in the hell &#39;free&#39; or &#39;free choice&#39; means...see A Clockwork Orange...although from what I am reading these days, free choice or our actions, may well be just another illusion; see some of my other posts in other groups. http://www.spout.com/blogs/scy385/archive/2007/4/24/7565.aspx Post By: SCY385
Post To: SCY385 Blog
Post Date: 4/24/2007 8:02:24 PM
Body: I am an absolute Alien fan. I have loved the film since it was released in the summer of 1979. I think it is brilliant film, and I have recommended it to anyone who would listen. Aliens, the sequel, which was released the summer of 1986 some seven years later, is not one of my favorite films, but I have respect for it. It did help give birth to the female action hero; and for that I will always be grateful. Aliens is a very different film from the first, and I can respect the fact that James Cameron did not want to do a retread of the first. He made his own movie, and did a good job, but it is not my favorite Alien movie. Now, fast forward to 1992. I knew that there was going to be a sequel to Aliens, because at the end of the credits of Aliens, if you listen carefully, you will hear the sound of an Alien egg opening up. My first thought was , Why? Then I thought about how Hollywood worked, and smacked own my head for being stupid. My first hope was that maybe they would do something smart. I had read the movie tie-in for Alien, and came to the conclusion that was a lot of things that had happened before the Nostromo ever sat down on that planet. I had always thought that prequel would be absolutely fascinating, and if done right a very good movie. Silly me. The first indication that I had that this was going to be a bumpy ride was when I went to see Termnator 2, and there was preview for Alien 3. I was jazzed when I saw the Alien egg above a planet resembling Earth. The preview said one release time, which never happened. That was my first indication that things weren't going well. Then, a story in Premiere magazine confirmed my suspicions. Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. Seven scripts, not sure about having Sigourney Weaver in it, changing studio bosses, the first Iraq war, penny-pinching, and a novice director. The fact that this movie got made at all is truly a testiment to determination. This is probably one of the most hotly debated of all the Alien films, and I can understand why. When I saw it in May 1992, I hated it. But, I realize now, that the reason I hated it was because of what happens to Ripley, Hicks, and Newt. I thought it was cruel, and I just hated to see it. Period. As the years have passed, I have reformed my opinion a bit. The film is well-made; beautiful actually. There is a dark, and unrelenting sadness that looms over the film. Ripley is a shell of herself. She is damaged mentally, physically, emotionally. She has lost everything because of this Alien, and the company that sent here into danger in the first place. There is a sense of the doom, and danger to come from the onset of the movie. David Fincher does a very good job of creating an atmosphere more like the first Alien film than the second. The prison planet that Ripley lands on is not only dark, but is full of convicts that are as dangereous as the Alien itself. This setting creates tension, but very early on it is clear that the reason Ripley, Hicks, and Newt are ejected from the Suloco is because of an Alien. The way this is handled in the film is where it starts to unravel for me. One of the cool things about the Alien franchise, is the film makers have never been afraid to break the mold. Making Ripley the sole survivor of Alien was a big deal back in 1979. Even in Star Wars, Princess Leia is waiting for 'the guys' to rescue her. No such thing in Alien. Ripley has to save herself. In Aliens, the idea of having Ripley protect a young child from the Alien Queen touched a nerve with Mothers everywhere. You had to respect, and respond to such innovation. And that is the problem with Alien 3. I can honestly say for all its beauty, and effort, it is not terribly original. As a matter of fact, it's like Jaws in space. That is what I did not like about it. I had seen all of this before in movies that did not have half the money, or talent. The movie turns into a sort of slasher flick with a dumded down Alien that attacks, and attacks, and attacks. That was another cool thing about the first two Alien films. It was disturbing that they were parasites. It was disturbing that they burst out of your chest. But, what kind of chilled you to the bone was the obvious intelligence of the Alien. They were smart, and relentless. In this film, this Alien just kills, and shows very little of the smarts that made the thing so dangerous in the first place. Sigourney Weaver is quite good as the doomed Ripley, and does a good job of conveying the hopelessness that has overcome her character. But, I have to say that I did not like the way movie ended. Like I said before, I just thought it was cruel, and as a fan of the character it is very hard to watch. Watch it for what it is, but don't expect anything anywhere near as good, or innovative as Alien, or Aliens.
]]>Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:02:24 GMTSCY385SCY385 Blog4/24/2007 8:02:24 PMI am an absolute Alien fan. I have loved the film since it was released in the summer of 1979. I think it is brilliant film, and I have recommended it to anyone who would listen. Aliens, the sequel, which was released the summer of 1986 some seven years later, is not one of my favorite films, but I have respect for it. It did help give birth to the female action hero; and for that I will always be grateful. Aliens is a very different film from the first, and I can respect the fact that James Cameron did not want to do a retread of the first. He made his own movie, and did a good job, but it is not my favorite Alien movie. Now, fast forward to 1992. I knew that there was going to be a sequel to Aliens, because at the end of the credits of Aliens, if you listen carefully, you will hear the sound of an Alien egg opening up. My first thought was , Why? Then I thought about how Hollywood worked, and smacked own my head for being stupid. My first hope was that maybe they would do something smart. I had read the movie tie-in for Alien, and came to the conclusion that was a lot of things that had happened before the Nostromo ever sat down on that planet. I had always thought that prequel would be absolutely fascinating, and if done right a very good movie. Silly me. The first indication that I had that this was going to be a bumpy ride was when I went to see Termnator 2, and there was preview for Alien 3. I was jazzed when I saw the Alien egg above a planet resembling Earth. The preview said one release time, which never happened. That was my first indication that things weren&#39;t going well. Then, a story in Premiere magazine confirmed my suspicions. Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. Seven scripts, not sure about having Sigourney Weaver in it, changing studio bosses, the first Iraq war, penny-pinching, and a novice director. The fact that this movie got made at all is truly a testiment to determination. This is probably one of the most hotly debated of all the Alien films, and I can understand why. When I saw it in May 1992, I hated it. But, I realize now, that the reason I hated it was because of what happens to Ripley, Hicks, and Newt. I thought it was cruel, and I just hated to see it. Period. As the years have passed, I have reformed my opinion a bit. The film is well-made; beautiful actually. There is a dark, and unrelenting sadness that looms over the film. Ripley is a shell of herself. She is damaged mentally, physically, emotionally. She has lost everything because of this Alien, and the company that sent here into danger in the first place. There is a sense of the doom, and danger to come from the onset of the movie. David Fincher does a very good job of creating an atmosphere more like the first Alien film than the second. The prison planet that Ripley lands on is not only dark, but is full of convicts that are as dangereous as the Alien itself. This setting creates tension, but very early on it is clear that the reason Ripley, Hicks, and Newt are ejected from the Suloco is because of an Alien. The way this is handled in the film is where it starts to unravel for me. One of the cool things about the Alien franchise, is the film makers have never been afraid to break the mold. Making Ripley the sole survivor of Alien was a big deal back in 1979. Even in Star Wars, Princess Leia is waiting for &#39;the guys&#39; to rescue her. No such thing in Alien. Ripley has to save herself. In Aliens, the idea of having Ripley protect a young child from the Alien Queen touched a nerve with Mothers everywhere. You had to respect, and respond to such innovation. And that is the problem with Alien 3. I can honestly say for all its beauty, and effort, it is not terribly original. As a matter of fact, it&#39;s like Jaws in space. That is what I did not like about it. I had seen all of this before in movies that did not have half the money, or talent. The movie turns into a sort of slasher flick with a dumded down Alien that attacks, and attacks, and attacks. That was another cool thing about the first two Alien films. It was disturbing that they were parasites. It was disturbing that they burst out of your chest. But, what kind of chilled you to the bone was the obvious intelligence of the Alien. They were smart, and relentless. In this film, this Alien just kills, and shows very little of the smarts that made the thing so dangerous in the first place. Sigourney Weaver is quite good as the doomed Ripley, and does a good job of conveying the hopelessness that has overcome her character. But, I have to say that I did not like the way movie ended. Like I said before, I just thought it was cruel, and as a fan of the character it is very hard to watch. Watch it for what it is, but don&#39;t expect anything anywhere near as good, or innovative as Alien, or Aliens. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/action/MemberTagFilms.aspxaction
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