Not as good as "Aliens"

Rating: 8/10 (20 April 2000)

It has been ten years since I saw "Alien" last -- I'm much more familiar with the sequel which I watch at least two times a year. What I remember thinking the first time I saw this film, back in the 80s, is that it was boring. Well, that was a little unfair, but I was just thirteen or something like that and sitting through a movie like this wasn't exactly what I enjoyed. I enjoy "Alien" more now, but even though I don't find it boring anymore, I can't help but feel that it is nothing compared to James Cameron's "Aliens". For instance, "Alien" is not nearly as suspenseful as Cameron's film, the action sequences are lamer (can't blame Scott for that, though, since his film is seven years older than Cameron's), and generally much more happens in the sequel. I also feel that the chemistry between the actors in "Aliens" are better than in this film. Naturally, though, "Alien" is much better than David Fincher's third instalment in the series (and he went on to make "Fight Club", wow!) and also way better than the fourth instalment. In short: it is a good film, but as far as the series go, this is definitely one of those rare cases where the sequel is actually better than the first film!