Powerful, tense, action-packed (even humorous) - a true sci-fi classic (however, not a true horror classic; that rests with ALIEN)

Rating: 9/10 (25 December 2006)

A long battle (it seems) has raged between ALIEN fans as to whether Alien or Aliens should take the title as the best Alien film. I have seen every Alien film except the first one and I honestly think that so far, Aliens is a true classic (no offence Alien fans, I'm not trying to be prejudice).
As many of you know, Ripley, having spent 57 years in Hypersleep is found and awoken, but is disgusted to find that no-one believes her story! However, when the planet that she visited in Alien (now colonised by man) once again becomes hunting territory for the big drooling monsters (who subsequently munch on all the residents, save one), Ripley discovers that the only way to conquer her fear is to go back to the planet and confront it head on. With a bunch of foul-mouthed, "badass" marines, who blast everything in site to bits, and the ultra cool android Bishop, Ripley goes back to the planet, loaded with weapons (and later on, maternal passion). Surely all will go to plan...
James Cameron gave many people a chance to show different sides to their reputations if they were veteran actors, or show what they were made of if they were new, and many of the actors featured here (or in Terminator) became some of Cameron's favourites (step forward Michael Biehn {Terminator and Terminator 2 Judgement Day (Special Edition)}, Lance Henrikson {Terminator}, Bill Paxton {Terminator, Titanic} and Jenette Goldstein {Terminator 2 Judgement Day, Titanic}). Some were buffed up {Weaver, Goldstein}, some were slimy (Reiser), some were mellow (Henrikson, Biehn) and some were scene stealer's (Paxton). All in all, brilliant acting, great special effects (for 1986, especially the fight with the Queen) and an Action/Sci-Fi masterpiece. There is only one problem; not scary enough for a horror sequel (I know I haven't seen the first one but I know the plot inside out). Certainly it is tense in some places, but the "horror" is a bit predictable. 9/10 (one mark off for lack of decent horror).