On A List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Aliens (1986)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
9/03, 5/08, 11/19
5/08:
If you thought Alien was nothing, wait until you see Aliens.
It has more aliens, terrifying moments, and heart-pounding scenes than the original. In short, Aliens encompasses
Alien in every aspect, and the special effects are spectacular. The main difference between the
two is the original has more chemistry and better acting while the second part has quicker pace and is scarier.
Sigourney Weaver became the first major star to be a heroine during the original, but it's Aliens where she makes her
mark as the ultimate female warrior. I like the professional relationship between her character
and Hicks as he shows respect for her opinions and makes them count.
What sets up James Cameron as one of the best directors ever is he's able to harness the power of CGI without going
overboard by allowing it blend with acting and story to deliver a compelling film. Look no further than
The Terminator, The Abyss, and
Titanic.
All in all, everybody knows that sequels suck, but it's not true for Aliens.
11/19:
After seeing Alien and Aliens recently, I have to say the original is better.
The primary reason is the acting is way off. Also, Aliens isn't taut or gritty like the original; it's
too Hollywoodized for my taste. However, there's no question when it comes to suspense. The biggest difference is the sheer
number of aliens.
Fuck Paul Reiser from Mad About Me. I'll never look at him the same way. It's damn stupid to go out there for the
purpose of retrieving an alien specimen. Just leave the concept alone and move on because it's too dangerous.
Sigourney Weaver is marvelous once again, but she should've gotten an Oscar nomination previously but not for this sequel. I
like it when she showed care for the little girl Newt who's played well by Carrie Henn in her only movie role.
All in all, despite the inevitable comparisons, Alien and Aliens are both outstanding films.