"I think 2 and half stars is a bit harsh. That's like saying Alien 3 or Resurrection is better"

I thought this movie was half way there...has nothing to do with either of those films.  I don't know what I'd give them....I wasn't comparing this movie to any of the films besides the first movie which to me is really the one that matters.

I felt this was a nice opportunity to do a new beginning right

and since it was before the original movies....it wasn't weighed down with the other films. (ie the films you mentioned...although I told you I am not a huge fan of Aliens)

again to me the first Alien film would be the only one I'd really compare this too...and only because they are both "beginnings of stories"

not directly comparing the films...although that might happen unintentionally.

like I said, I am pumped to watch this a bunch of times.

This is probably my favorite series of movies, for better or worse....meaning I don't feel they are all great films...but I like the genre/