Review of Aliens (1986) by Bob S — 28 Sep 2013

If Alien is the textbook definition of what a science fiction horror film should be (and it is), then its first sequel, Aliens, is the textbook definition of what a science fiction action flick should be. Though similar to its predecessor in terms of characters and story-line, Aliens is truly its own film in terms of direction and tone, and it works just as well. Beautifully shot and well acted, Aliens is another of those movies that is often imitated, never fully captured.

The film begins fifty-seven years after the destruction of the Nostromo in the first movie, due to Ellen Ripley's over-extended hypersleep in her pod that has gone awry and is rescued, by pure blind luck, by a second starship, whereupon Ripley is awakened. Quickly informed of the severe time lapse, she is eager to warn the crew of LV-246, where a new human colony has been established. Afraid that the moon is still completely inhabited by Xenomorphs, Ripley joins a military crew down to the moon in order to wipe them out, and finds the colony absolutely desolate. Subsequent attempts to eradicate the aliens and discover the missing crew follow, and every moment is intense, exhilarating, and generally a fine example of filmmaking.

The acting in the film is superb. Sigourney Weaver is still as intense and emotional as ever as Ripley, and I mean it in the most sincere way. She completely embraces the role as her own, and, while it still seems surprising that she was ever nominated for an Academy Award for the film, she absolutely deserved it, as she is stunning in the role. Charlie Henn, about ten years old at the time of the release, plays Newt, a new character who is introduced as the story progresses. Newt is, as far as the crew can tell, is the lone survivor of the colony, and Charlie Henn is quite possibly the second best actor in the movie, with only Weaver more exceptional than her. Henn doesn't have a lot of charm as the character, as she is a very morbid little girl, but she is one of the most believable actors in the film, and, I believe, one of the best young actors of all time. Only Bill Paxton, as Private William Hudson, is an unworthy actor in the movie, and his whiny caricature of a character does not well fit the film's tone. In fact, I would argue that Hudson's non-appeal qualifies him as the single most annoying character in any film, ever.

James Cameron, in his third major motion picture (following Piranha II and The Terminator), truly proves himself a wonderful director once again as a brilliant alternative to Ridley Scott in Alien. The contrast between light and dark is prevalent in Aliens, and the somber attitude truly defines what the film sets out to be: dark, moody, and intense. And boy, is this film intense. Every scene, be it a quick conversation between two characters or a full-blown alien attack, is thrilling, and leaves knots in the viewer's stomach that may be hard to unfold. This may truly be the most exciting science fiction film of all time, a shoot-em-up with heart that never fails to intrigue.

While not as good a film as Alien, Aliens comes pretty darn close, with a brilliant script, a neat plot, great acting, beautiful direction, and a daunting score that all form an exciting, heartfelt movie that ought to be seen by even those most averse to sci-fi thrills and that is definitely a worthy sequel to its classic predecessor.