Every bit as good as the first - but for different reasons

Rating: 10/10 (31 December 2003)

As you may recall, Alien was taut, oppressive, mysterious, etc. While Aliens has some of that it wisely tries not to compete with Alien. It is its own thing. Action - and lots of it - in this fest. Some movies have lots of action but are low on actual thrills. No doubt about it, Aliens is definitely a keeper in any library.
All of the characters are interesting. Not a dog in the lot. The acting is fun and convincing. Even the child was great. Everyone is introduced through situations that make them all very memorable without being mediocre.
The pacing moves along quickly and is practically never dull - at least I was never bored. This is another one of those movies that keeps piling it on. Just when the situation can't get any worse or more thrilling - it does.

The special effects are top-notch and convincing. The Aliens are also interesting characters as well - not just random murderers. In other words you get more acquainted with the little darlings. Their expanded role allows for them to compound on the interest that may have been generated by viewing the first installment.
Background pretty much stayed in the background. It helped when it was needed otherwise it mostly stayed out of the way.
The overall story was really very good too. It didn't sound stale and in fact, was almost completely plausible. That's a good thing for SF to do.
Although I didn't do it I think it is entirely possible to watch this movie by itself without having seen the first one and do just fine. The dialogue alone leading up to the eventual reconfrontation with the aliens pretty much explains it - but does it in a way that is fun to review.

Most everything about this movie - as a sequel- was smart. I gave Alien a 10 for its reasons and I give Aliens a 10 for its own reasons. Two excellent movies.