They mostly come out at night...... Mostly. (Aliens (DVD))

Member Name: giksy21

Product:	Aliens (DVD)
Date:	12/05/09 (102 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classic, terrifying and great action.

Disadvantages: none, even to this day.

Anyone who knows a bit about films, will know that sequels are dodgy ground. Generally dire, sequels are mostly film companies flogging a dead horse, in order to squeeze the last ounce of profit out of a franchise. So, to that effect the films produced are sub-standard. Of course, some sequels slip through that are amazing. Sometimes even better than the original. Personally I think that Aliens is in this category.


Now, I agree this is an outlandish claim. Ridley Scott's original Alien, is potentially one of the most atmospheric, and terrifying films of all time. In its time, it was perfect. The effects were great, and the performances exceptional. I believe that if I had of been writing this review ten years ago, then Alien would win hands down, but in today's market the award must go to the original's twisted little sister. With effects that stand up today, and atmosphere as tense as anything that has come out recently, Aliens is as enjoyable to watch now, as it was on its general release in 1986.


The film was directed by James Cameron, who as we all know is one for creating a spetacle. His direction to the film is in stark contrast to Scott's original. Where Scott went for raw science fiction, and horror, Cameron has created a rip-roaring action adventure. I think it is plain to see that Cameron was heavily influenced by the recent success of his debut film, The Terminator.


Ellen Ripley, sole survivor of the space freighter Nostromo has been in hypersleep for fifty seven years. As she slept, she escaped the terror of the events aboard the Nostromo. She had encountered an Alien, and it ripped through her crew, picking them off one by one. But that was over now. She had Blown up the ship, and dispatched the alien forever.


So, as she came to her senses, she felt safe. She had nightmares, but at least it was over. She could try and get on with her life, simple as it would be now because the damn company revoked her flight liscence. But terror came back when she was informed that a small colony on a planet called lv-426 had ceased contact with base. Ripley was asked to return to the planet as an advisor, accompanied by colonial marines. Although terrified, she eventually agrees when she realises that she will not escape her nightmares until she faces it head on. So she boards the drop-ship, with the crazy marines not knowing what to expect when she gets down there. Hoping above all, that the Alien is not back.......



The film is one of my all time favourites. It is not often that an action film of this nature recieves a great plot. the plot of Aliens, however is thick and has many branches. You will be involved from word go. Elements of love interest, occasional humour, and heart wrenching relationships make this film as interesting as a story, as it is as a spectacle. Personally I think that the majority of this is due to the immense performance of Sigourney Weaver as Ripley. This performance won her a nomination for best actress, which was previously unheard of for a film from a genre so typically overlooked.



Going back to before Alien was released, Ripley was going to be a man. Auditions took place, and suddnely weaver walked in. Her already impressive frame, extended by her big boots. She came in completely in character, and remained there throughout. She was quite the presence, and it was this that ultimately won her the part. A part, that you could not see anyone else playing now. She made it her own. I think that the fact a woman played the role, added so much to the film.


What Cameron created that year, is without question, one of the all time greats of the genre. You can always tell just how good a film is, if it still looks good years later. I think that the film looks great now, even 23 years on. Ok so the haircuts, and clothing don't look right. You can tell it has age, but like a fine wine it has matured beautifully.


Character list (WIKI)


. Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, the only character who previously encountered one of the Aliens. Ripley accompanies the Colonial Marines to investigate LV-426. Weaver reprised her role from Alien, with Ripley being the only surviving character from that film.

. Paul Reiser as Carter J. Burke, a corporate lawyer for the Weyland-Yutani Corporation who meets with Ripley after she is awakened from cryogenic stasis. He accompanies Ripley and the Marines to LV-426 to oversee the company's interests in the mission.

. Michael Biehn as Corporal Dwayne Hicks, a squad leader of the investigating Colonial Marines. Hicks forms a close bond with Ripley during the mission on LV-426.

. Lance Henriksen as Bishop, the android Executive Officer of the Sulaco. Bishop accompanies the team investigating the disappearance of the colonists on LV-426.

. Carrie Henn as Newt, real name Rebecca Jorden, a child who is the only survivor of the colony on LV-426. She forms a close bond with Ripley.

. William Hope as Lieutenant William Gorman, the Commanding Officer of the Colonial Marines sent to investigate LV-426.

. Al Matthews as Sergeant Al Apone, the senior non-commissioned officer of the investigating Colonial Marines.

. Cynthia Dale Scott as Corporal Cynthia Dietrich, the Marine team's corpsman.

. Bill Paxton as Private William Hudson, the Marine team's technician.

. Jenette Goldstein as Private Jenette Vasquez, a tough female Marine and operator of the M56 smart gun. She shares a close bond with Private Drake.

. Mark Rolston as Private Mark Drake, Private Vasquez's smart gun partner.

. Ricco Ross as Private Ricco Frost, the Marine team's APC driver.

. Colette Hiller as Corporal Collette Ferro, the Marines' dropship pilot.

. Daniel Kash as Private Daniel Spunkmeyer, the dropship's crew chief.

(Character titbits, taken from Wikipedia.com.).


On screen chemistry, special effects to die for, and a plot line so immense that you feel like you are there with them. Willing them on against the relentless, unfeeling alien hoard. You are part of the terror, but remember. In space, no-one can hear you scream.


P.S. If you get a chance check out HR Giger's website. Giger created the Alien for the films. His art is fantastic, if not a wee bit strange. Worth a look though!

Summary: One of, if not the best sci-fi of all time.