I've grown to appreciate and enjoy Alien Resurrection more over the years too, mainly after how bad and disappointing the 2 Alien Prequels have been. It does have a lot of strengths certainly more positives then negatives, that I have overlooked.
Postives
* The characters in AR are actually likeable,well written and have depth too them, like Johner ,Elgyn,Call,Christie. They have personalities,even less main ones like the solider Destaphano who joins the Betty Crew at the end. Unlike in Scott's Alien Prequels who have some of the most annoying and stupid characters I've ever seen.
* The score to the film is powerful.
* The visual effects and creature designs are for the most part on top form.
* It has some memorable scenes and set pecies, like Ripley discovery about her clones, the underwater action sequence, Ripley remembering Newt, Call and Ripley in the chapel.
* Its well shot.
*Weavers performance and the supporting cast are great too like Winona Ryder and Ron Pearlman.
Negatives.
* Jean-Pierre Jeunet's director is not suited for a alien film at times it makes the movie worse, like when he adds his comedic moments that don't fit in well with the tone of the film.
* The Newborn is the biggest failure of the movie when it appears the rest of the films quality drops. Its not threatening enough and it just looks pathetic at times. They should have stuck closer to Whedons newborn in the script with it being far more scary and menacing. Jeunet said that the creature was not well recieved.
* The climax is the weakest part of the film and easily the worst of the first 4 films. It should have taken place on earth like in the script but was cut down for budget reasons. Having the final just take place on the Betty feels very been there down that before.
