Game over man!

Rating: 8/10 (16 September 2001)

The best thing about the Alien franchise is that the producers used a different director for each film, it really allows the film it's own individual signature. First up Ridley Scott made the slick and beautiful ghost movie Alien (1979); later David Fincher would deliver the dark and downbeat Alien 3 (1992), followed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet's twisted mutant Alien Resurrection (1997). So where does that leave Aliens (1986), well much like the other films it perfectly represents the director's style and career.
Aliens is a dark, damp, atmospheric action movie, possibly one of the best action movies ever made. The characters are totally believable (even if Bill Paxton's Hudson is unbelievably annoying) and the mother daughter relationship between Ripley (Weaver) and Newt helps crank the tension of the final reel right up to 11. But the reason this IS one of the best sequels ever is because it gives us what a sequel should, the character we love in a new and interesting situation. Cameron's style also helps, along with cinematographer Adrian Biddle; they create a tense and gloomy blue-lit labyrinth full of danger.
Even if it does loose points for the annoyingness of Hudson, and the fact that I don't think the director's cut is all that good (it adds too much making the film seem strained) this is a top notch action thriller and a noble sequel to Ridley Scott's classic.
8/10