Following the critical and commercial success of “Alien,” Walter Hill’s company tried to persuade 20th Century Fox (pre-Disney purchase) to produce a sequel. Due to legal and financial problems, Fox out the sequel on hold. It’s a long story. If you wanna learn more about behind-the-scenes history on “Aliens,” grab a copy of “The Making of Aliens by J.W. Rinzler.” In 1983, Fox eventually green-lit a sequel. While working on “The Terminator,” James “Jim” Cameron took over Ridley Scott’s directing duties. Jim and Walter wrote several drafts. It took a while, but it was worth a full commitment. Fox approved their final draft. Sigourney Weaver reprises her role as Ellen Ripley.
Set nearly 60 years after Alien. After Ripley wakes up from stasis by a squad of space marines, she volunteers to assist the soldiers by searching for remaining survivors where the colony’s infested by Xenomorphs. Fully aware of the Xenomorph physiology, she’ll do everything she can to find remaining survivors. Ripley finds a little girl named, Newt. They begin to form a close bond.
Released in 1986, (same year The Fly came out) the sequel earned unanimous praise from critic and movie goers alike. In addition to huge praise, it was a box office success. Sigourney Weaver was nominated for an Oscar Best Actress. Unfortunately, she went home empty handed. “Alien 3” & “Alien: Resurrection,” Butchered the franchise. “Prometheus” was alright. “Alien Covenant” ruined the lore. I’ve yet to see the most recent film, “Alien: Romulus.” Hulu produced a TV series, “Alien: Earth.” I’ve yet to see it.
Anyway, I’m watching and review Horror films throughout October. You know, get into the Halloween Spirit. Which ones should I review next? Please leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe.
This review contain no SPOILERS. I’m giving newcomers who living under a rock. Especially one movie critic obsessed with Disney princesses, *cough* BloggedByEric *cough* a chance to see this worthy sequel.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Sigourney Weaver reprises his role as Ellen Ripley. She did a superb job for her performance.
Other Cast Members such as Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Paul Reiser and the late Bill Paxton all did a great job for their respective performances.
James “Jim” Cameron did a decent job directing. He also co-wrote the story with Walter Hill filled with memorable dialogue.
- Game Over man! Game Over!
- Yo! Stop your grinnin’ and drop your lid!
- What the hell are you supposed to use man, harsh language?
- Can I dream?
- We’re on an express to hell goin’ down!
- My mommy always said there were no monsters. No real ones, but they are.
- Get away from her you bitch! (my personal favorite earns Bonus Points)
Action Sequences are awesome. The soldiers fire pulse rifles at the Xenomorphs. The exosuit cargo lift fight with The Queen is worth the wait.
Death Scenes are realistic.
James Horner (Braveheart, The Mask of Zorro, Troy) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects were heavily involved designing Xenomorphs courtesy of Stan Winston.
Pacing’s an improvement. Told as a straight-up Three Act Structure taking cues from Joesph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey.”
Cinematography captures in-depth imagery.
Costumes and Set Pieces were manually built by decorators.
Ripley’s chemistry with Hicks, Newt, Hudson and the Colonial Marines serve as the main highlight.
Hick & Newt are interesting characters. Ripley acting as a motherly figure to Newt makes you care about ‘em. You want them to see them make it out alive. Heck, Hudson provides comic relief.
Sound Effects are spot on. It never gets old hearing the sound of a pulse rifle and Xenomorph yelling.
There’s not forced romance between Ripley & Hicks. They act like soldiers in arms.
Random Thoughts
- I believe Ripley’s chemistry with Newt predates Joel & Ellie from “The Last of Us.”
- I prefer Aliens over Alien. Why? Because it wasn’t boring like the latter.
- Aliens is my favorite film of 1986. Plus, it’s one of my all-time favorite films.
- Aliens is overdue to be inducted in the National Film Registry for preservation by the Liberty of Congress.
Fun Facts
- Bill Paxton later appeared in “Predator 2. Both Alien in Predator crossed over in comic books, film and video games.
- Aliens camel out on July 18. 22 Years Later, another worthy sequel, “The Dark Knight” came out on the exact same date.
- I consider Aliens as the last installment. To me, Alien 3 & Alien Resurrection does not exist. Just like “American Psycho II” with Mila Kunis. Not the same without Christian Bale.
Thanks to Ripley’s Character Development from the first movie, she has knowledge of the Xenomorph’s physiology. Helps the soldiers on how to take ‘em out. Ripley’s not portrayed as a bossy feminist know-it-all telling men she’s superior. Ripley’s trying her best to wipe out an a deadly species. Her bond with Newt fleshes out her Main Character Arc. If Aliens were made today, a feminist like Kathleen Kennedy or Rachel Zegler would completely butcher Ripley. Now that we’re living in a dark age of feminist know-it-alls characters like General Holdo in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Aliens would never be made today along with “Kill Bill.” If you’re seeking to make a female led action movie, you can’t make ‘em anymore. Otherwise, producers will interfere your work.
Director’s Cut features additional scenes not in the Theatrical Cut. Adding more layers.
- Ripley learns about her daughter’s fate. Amanda Ripley’s also the main playable protagonist in “Alien Isolation.” Which is set between the first and second installments.
- Ripley has a chat with Burke.
- Hudson showboats playing badass.
- An extended Opening Scene provides more context with the colonists on Moon LV-426 before all heck broke loose.
- More interactions of Ripley & Newt.
- A subplot regarding sentry guns.
- Subtle clues on The Queen.
- We get to see Newt’s family.
- Hicks reveals his given name.
Weak: Even though it lacks legit scares, Jim took a risk transitioning a Horror film into an Action popcorn film. Jim once said sequels are tough. He has a point. If you’re gonna make a sequel, you gotta take a big gamble. I’ll let this con slide. Jim understands the concept of trying something different for a change.
I know I have a bad reputation for judging a monster’s lack of screen time, but Aliens managed to win me over. Why? Because it’s got well written characters you actually give a crud about like Newt. Old Horror films from the 1930s-1960s (anything with Vincent Price) lack compelling characters. Again, you wanna see Riley & Newt make it out alive. I’ll let this con slide too.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX! (Director Cut)
Considered as a worthy follow-up to Alien, Aliens is one of the best (if not the best) sequels ever made. Every significant detail indicates why it’s a timeless classic. A 10/10 sequel along with others such as “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” and last but not least, The Dark Knight.” The aforementioned sequels are also part of my personal favorite films. Aliens is also inducted on my all-time favorite films. If you’ve only seen Alien, watch I strongly recommend Aliens: Director’s Cut.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 