A masterpiece in science fiction...

Rating: 9/10 (5 August 2014)

Aliens is simply a masterpiece. Every aspect of this film is meticulously crafted to create a single, mesmerising production that will stay with you long after you watch it.
Sigourney Weaver steps back up to the plate as Ellen Ripley, the only survivor of the events of Alien. Weaver's performance is incredible and her iron-willed, determined presence means that in many ways Ripley becomes the film's main anchor. Carrie Henn keeps up with Weaver in playing "Newt", and the difficulty of her role as a traumatised child is credit to the performance she gives. The supporting cast remain on the ball throughout, though it has to be said that Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton and Lance Henriksen put in a particularly terrific shift. Fans of the original will easily see that James Cameron took a more action- orientated direction, as opposed to the pure horror aspect of Alien. Cameron's guidance throughout is that of a pure talent, especially during the careful build up to the movie's climax. The pace is superb, and while it isn't saturated with action, the scenes that do contain it pack an almighty punch. Similarly, the sets are splendid and really have become synonymous with science fiction; the darkness of the corridors and the claustrophobic, stuffy rooms add to the sheer desperation and struggle that defines the film's second half. The music is hauntingly gorgeous, and the special effects don't disappoint. Even the props used were magical, as some of the film's most memorable scenes come from the heart-stopping motion trackers. Literally, my only problem with Aliens is the final ten/fifteen minutes. It doesn't ruin the film at all, but it just seemed a little silly and unbelievable (seriously though, it's only minor).
Aliens is very hard to fault because it's just that good. The cast make their characters both likable and memorable, the sets are superb and the plot is solid (helped by the immaculate script). You don't need to have seen the original, but many prefer the sequel anyway, which arguably cements this picture as a masterpiece in science fiction... and cinema in general.