Aliens

If you're a reader of my Retro Reviews, where I review older films or ones I may have missed in theaters in the last couple years, you'll remember that I was absolutely smitten with the original film in this series, Alien. It was an insanely well crafted sci-fi horror film with genre-defining characters and a genre-defining monster. The tension was palpable and the terror was real and effective. In short, I loved it (go read the review!). 

Upon the time of me posting this, I'll have likely had this review written for a while now as I almost immediately sought out to watch the sequel Aliens based on my initial interest and the high recommendations from many readers in my comments section. I didn't necessarily want to post one Alien review right after the other, so I've kept this one in my pocket for a little while. 

As many of my astute readers informed me in their comments, Aliens really is a different sequel than its predecessor. Whereas the original is more of a slow burn and belongs pretty much strictly to the horror sci-fi genre, the sequel, directed by the masterful James Cameron (who's apparently the king of sequels) is an expert blend of sci-fi, drama, horror, and action. To me, what's so astounding about this film is how well it works despite several changed factors. In the history of cinema, this was arguably the first (or at least the biggest) attempt at making all these genres work together. Then you factor in that the director, Ridley Scott, who was a large part of the first film's greatness, changed. And the director who came in decided, "Ya know what? I don't want a horror movie, I want an action movie!". These days, when that happens, it usually spells bad news for a film franchise and often enough, those negative notions prove correct. But even despite all these changes, Aliens works superbly as a compelling film that is easily equal to its predecessor in terms of both greatness and influence on many films that would come after it. 

Ha! Oh Alien! Classic "Look Behind You!" scenario.

"Are you an alien?"
"No Ripley. I'm a little girl."

Aliens plot picks up after the first film where a team seeks to go back to the planet from the original, for research purposes, and Ripley (Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as one of the best female protagonists ever) is convinced, rather against her will, to go as a consultant. Despite the outcome of the first film, no one quite believes her about these creatures that she has described to them. If I were to voice my biggest complaint about the film, it would be that this time spent, deciding and planning to travel to the planet, is a bit slow and overlong. Given the overall length of the film of 137 minutes, this area could have used some expediting. Aside from Ripley's nightmares, not much crucial development happens in this section other than a plot development that shall remain unspoiled. Eventually the troupe of Ripley, soldiers, businessmen, and a cyborg make it to the planet and for a short time, the film is reminiscent of the first. Before they encounter the monsters, the environment is haunting and eerie, but eventually the aliens strike and death and fighting ensue. 

This action is both well filmed and intense, with Cameron making it obvious that there are hundreds of the creatures. The violence is both gory and fascinating, using almost all practical effects, many of which still hold up very well today. Between alien stabbings, acid blood, machine guns tearing apart creatures, and a nasty cyborg halving, there's plenty of blood and carnage to satisfy fans. Furthermore, the action is logical and strings together well. While I think there was about one too many "something goes wrong" scenarios by the time it's all said and done, each new one presents unique scenes and challenges that help to structure this iconic film. From a firefight in the lower bowels of a building, Ripley and Newt being trapped, Newt getting lost, and an awesome mech-filled final battle, each one is fun, exciting, and memorable. 

Oh you sneaky Alien! Always behind people

This slick combination of action and horror (but mostly action) is complimented by a core story outfitted with iconic characters and some well developed human drama. Sigourney Weaver once again proves that Ripley is her role and she is one of the best heroines in the history of film. Her relationship that she builds with the young girl, Newt, it touching and has a lot of context behind it related to the plot development I mentioned earlier. It's a strong relationship that anchors the film and really makes us care for the characters. All of the additional soldiers, including a young, skinny, loud mouthed Bill Paxton, are fun, but also have distinct personalities. As a whole, the cast is impressive and those two main roles really elevate Aliens from being a great sci-fi film, to an iconic one. 

Seeing as how Cameron is at the helm, it really shouldn't be a surprise that the film is technically outstanding. The alien monsters themselves are terrifying...truly one of the most well designed and horrific creatures in movie history. Any special effects that do occur were most likely revolutionary during their time and hold up remarkably well even decades later. The cinematography is fantastic, and the editing, while not as crisp as a film like this would be today, is still strong, really only suffering during very hectic action sequences. The original score is not as iconic as the film unfortunately, but still strong, and the sound effects are superb throughout. 

"Mamma says shut yo mouth!"

I've yet to venture out and see the third and fourth films (though I've been warned they are of significantly less quality), but at this point I plan on doing so regardless. The Alien franchise has become one of my favorites and it's a prime example of a classic film followed up by an equally as classic sequel. The rarity in which this happens across all mediums makes the series instantly special and impressive, thus sealing it's place as one of the best 1-2 combos in Hollywood's storied history. 

CONS:

• Slightly sluggish first fourth/third of film
• Some choppy editing during really hectic action sequences
• Original score could have been better
• One too many things goes wrong

PROS:

• An expert blend of sci-fi, horror, human drama, and action. Each one has its time to shine and each is very well done
• Great cast of characters. Ripley and Newt have a special bond/relationship that anchors the emotional core of the film
• Sigourney Weaver owns the role of Ripley and is the best female protagonist of all time
• Really fun, logical action that is intense and very gory at times
• Great atmosphere, helped greatly by the film's awesome technical aspects. Great cinematography, sound, sound editing, and visual effects
• Practical effects for the win
• Mech-suit for the win
• The monster, the "alien", is one of cinema's most horrifying creatures. Captivating and dangerous
• It has some moments of humor
• An iconic film with many iconic scenes throughout. Highly memorable and influential   

Retro Rath's Review Score:

10/10 -- Instant Classic