A historical milestone, yes, but also a bore

Rating: 3/10 (1 July 2007)

This film was historically significant for its work with special effects and cinematography. It is not fun to watch, though. I found the film slow-paced and unexciting. It might have been a shock to see an "alien" on screen in 1979, but watching such a movie today is the film equivalent of playing the first Mario games-- it's dated. We see special effects every day now, not only in movies but in advertisements on TV. This movie relies on its special effects, which are admittedly well done, but are not enough to justify rating a movie highly in 2007.
The Alien didn't scare me. More than anything, it grossed me out... but it never induced horror or fright.
I'd suggest this film to the film professors, but not to my friends.