STILL one of the best films in the genre.

Rating: 8/10 (20 April 2020)

'Alien' has to be one of the most remarkable alien films ever made - if not the most. Every film of this genre since 1979 was bound to be compared to 'Alien' (just like every shark film since 'Jaws' is being compared to that masterpiece).
The character introductions are so good - and natural - it's been copied in numerous movies since, but never as believable. Here you have seven astronauts who's been together for a while, and that comes across very effectively. The crew members are working together without annoying feuds between them - which became so cliched in later films, and we immediately get a sense of professionalism. I buy every single character, and the casting is also perfect. There are no comic relief characters, and in fact, only the required amount of characters. There are no characters 'just for the kill'.
In a sense, I suppose once could view this as a pre-80s slasher film, but certainly with a lot more substance. 'Alien' has an awesome production design, with spectacular sets. The creature effects are also incredibly realistic. This film still looks so good it's hard to believe it was made over four decades ago. It certainly stood the test of time! 'Alien' revolutionized the sci-fi genre.
'Alien' is just perfect on every level. The acting is very believable. The suspense is nail-biting. The action is fantastic. The premise is solid and the script great.