Aliens (Director's Cut) (1986)

It’s a common belief among film fans that the sequel is never as good as the original film. However, it’s unlikely that director James Cameron set out on this film with any expectations that it would be inferior to Ridley Scott’s earlier “Alien” (the fact that it isn’t just called “Alien 2" is a sign this isn’t a typical sequel) as despite that film’s pedigree this manages to both stand on it’s own and also be one of the most effective sci-fi thrillers of all time.

As the title of the film shows, this time there’s not just one alien on the rampage but instead there’s a whole horde of xenomorphs out to kill Sigourney Weaver and her companions. While Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) was travelling back towards Earth, after the original encounter with an alien ship, unsuspecting colonists have moved in to colonise the alien-infested planet. After Ripley reveal the existence of the aliens, a squad of expert mercenaries is despatched to the colony world - with which contact has been lost.

On arrival they find only one human alive - a young girl called Newt (Carrie Henn) - and it soon becomes apparent they have more than one alien to worry about this time. After an initial disastrous contact they know they have to fight - but despite being well armed they’re running out of time and the aliens are an implacable foe.

The most commanding presence in any Alien film will always be the xenomorphs themselves - fast and deadly they are one of the most intimidating species of monster in the history sci-fi film. Ranged against them are action movie veterans Michael Biehn and Lance Henriksen (playing android Hudson) as well as Paul Reiser’s untrustworthy company representative. The tension is palpable and anyone easily susceptible to being frightened during a movie will probably be terrified while watching this.

The actors are convincing as a group of tough-as-nails mercenaries although it’s unfortunate how much the plot relies on human characters being stupid. There is more characterisation than in a typical action movie and the strained relationships between them make the movie even more compelling.

The direction is perfectly suited to the genre - never letting the sense of menace slip away and although this is an action movie first and a sci-fi movie second the futuristic visuals are well portrayed.

In summary this is an excellent example of the action sci-fi genre and a film by which all later entries into the genre can be judged. The fact that it is principally an action movie with little real depth stops it from becoming one of the great sci-fi movies but it’s still a good piece of cinema.

Rating : 8 / 10

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All content ©2003 William Marnoch.

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