31 years ago, when it was announced that there would be a sequel to the classic, Alien, one would wonder how it could possibly top Ridley Scott’s masterpiece. A film that not only works as a sci-fi film but a true horror film that provides us with one of the most iconic monsters in cinema history, the xenomorph. While the trailer and promotional materials for Aliens claimed that this film would frighten you as few movies have, what it didn’t tell you is that it would be one of the finest action films of all time with a definitive heroine and action star performance by Sigourney Weaver as Ripley. Sorry, Linda Hamilton, Sarah Conner takes a back seat here.
The first glaring change from Alien and Aliens is the man in the director’s chair. Ridley Scott is out and James Cameron is in for the 1986 sequel. Cameron was brought in not only as a fan of the original but as a hot director after the success of his 1984 film, The Terminator.
Unlike the original which was mostly self-contained on the Nostromo and uses horror elements in regards to the xenomorph hunting the crew, Cameron takes Aliens in a different direction as his intent is more terror than horror which was not only effective but a complete change of pace from Alien. A rare instance where a sequel deviates from the formula of its predecessor and finds an effective pace that not only propels the story but creates a masterpiece in its own right as Aliens surpasses Alien.
Aliens kicks off 57 years later as Ripley, the last survivor of the Nostromo, was discovered after putting herself into hibernation by a salvage ship. A new expedition is sent back to the mystery planet and while Ripley feels the only logical solution is to destroy them, she learns that a human colony has been established on the planet by a greedy corporation and its representative Burke (Paul Reiser). When contact is lost with the colony, all hell breaks loose and must be stopped by a crew that are made up of a mixed bag of technicians and military personnel, who each add their personal touch to the film.
Not only are questions answered from Alien but we are given more back story to not only Ripley but enough about the band of misfits throughout that make you not only care about Ripley but the rest of the characters. Once the film does that, it completely hooks its audience.
Cameron’s use of Sigourney Weaver in the film is sensational. From being forced to take charge in Alien to the subtle transition to bad ass leading the charge in Aliens, Weaver brings to life one of the most endearing female characters in action film history. From early on the film where Apone asks Ripley if there’s even “anything you can do” and Ripley smiles while commandeering a cargo loader saying the iconic “Get away from her you bitch” to the alien queen in the film’s battle finale, Weaver turns in a performance that should be viewed by all young females looking for a bad ass female role model.
Not only does Weaver provide the kick-ass side of Ripley, she also provides the motherly side as her relationship with Newt is a joy to watch. From the moment she meets her, she not only takes a liking to her but makes sure she is safe until the very end. The chemistry between the two is a testament to not only Weaver’s performance but Carrie Henn who knocks it out of the park as Newt. She is sweet, charming, and at times full of spunk. A performance that leads to receiving a Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor. Despite the praise, however, Henn decided to not pursue acting and became a teacher.
The production design and visual effects in the film were a large contributing factor to the success of the film. All the xenomorphs are impressive but the Queen is simply breathtaking to look at. The final battle between Ripley and the Queen is the perfect example of the effectiveness of the design and effect in the film.
Like the change in director for the first, Jerry Goldsmith is out and James Horner is in as the composer of the film and the film does not suffer as Goldsmith sets a specific horror tone, Horner set the tone with some of the most used pieces in not just film, but TV, commercials, and even in World Wrestling Entertainment.
Aliens was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Score, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction/Set Decoration and Best Actress for Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ripley. It won two awards for Sound Effects Editing and Visual Effects. Aliens joined the list of greatest sequels of all time and while in space no one can hear you scream, on earth everyone can appreciate the greatness that is Aliens.
Reel Talk gives Aliens 4 reels
