Worthy Sequel To Original

Rating: Null/10 (3 March 2000)

Aliens(1986) is not only one of the best films of the 1980's, but also a terrific sequel(a rarity) to Ridley Scott's Alien(1979). Its interesting to know that David Cronenberg rejected the offer to do this film for it was his feature film debut Shivers(1975) that played a major influence on the Alien series(He would instead direct a more personal film called Dead Ringers-1988). Aliens(1986) comes on the heels of The Terminator(1984), James Cameron's breakthrough motion picture. It has exciting scenes of action and chilling scenes of horror. This is my favorite of the Alien series because it has characters to care about, terrific set designs, and a effective mixture of action, science fiction, and horror.
What also makes it my favorite is the emotional relationship between Sigourney Weaver as Ripley and Newt, and their treatment of each other. It is easy to sympathize with the Commando Unit because of their inability to deal with the aliens. Aliens(1986) explores the fears of Ripley of what might happen to her. The designs of the creatures were as good as usual. Aliens not only deals with the fear of the unknown, but also with facing up to fear.
The direction of James Cameron is first rate as well as the acting. This is another movie where James Cameron comes up with a breathtaking climax as in his other films...I.E., The Terminator(1984), Terminator 2:Judgement Day(1991), and True Lies(1994). I recommand the Special Edition of Aliens for the following reasons. First, it shows how the colony was infected with the alien virus. Second, it is more detailed in explaining the mother-daughter relationship with Ripley and Newt(I also suggest watching Aliens in widescreen format).