improbable but captivating

Rating: 6/10 (3 December 2005)

I just bought the Special VHS edition from 1997(?). I've never seen it on the big screen, but I wonder if that treatment would clarify some of the murky alien planet shots. The back cover of the box offers a doctored up still from the alien spaceship, so that you see the set detail, but all the while in the movie, you can't help but wonder "what IS that thing, or where are they?" The best visuals are in establishing exterior or interior shots that resemble 2001 (truely dumb movie) or the original Star Wars (think Millenneum Falcon).
I'm a science fiction fan, and not a horror fan. This movie has more horror than science fiction with it's improbable plot and characters that are, simply, "monster chow." Are modern corporations in the habit of taking stupendous risks with multi-billion dollar equipment for the sake of curiosity? Couldn't they have just sent a probe? establish a communication link? ignore the transmission and bring their precious cargo and the Nostromo home? Plus, I noticed an awful lot of foreshadowing in the first two acts of the movie. Gee, who is going to "buy it first?" Is Ash a bad guy?--I dunno. . .
However, the cast is terrific, and they do their best. Not only that, but I'm not really disappointed with this movie; I just think it could've been better. The android subplot is really cool. Maybe this movie was a risky experiment, but it is a valuable film.
Aliens is more exciting, and has better characters and dialog (except Newt--horrible child actor!), and I haven't really bothered with the other two--maybe about 12 minutes viewing time for both combined. Alien is not easy to watch, but impossible to ignore, that's for sure.