Staying frosty

Rating: Null/10 (6 February 2000)

* * * * * (5 out of 5)
Aliens
Directed by : James Cameron, 1986

Intense, action-packed and fresh horror movie that is one of very few sequels regarded on the same plateau as the original.
This because Aliens is surprisingly subtle; in between the whole blood-and-guts routine, director Cameron simply continues the story of Ellen Ripley with an almost angelic feel - Aliens is like picking up a book to read the last half - not at all like watching a sequel.
Cameron can not get enough praise here as he obviously went to great length to recreate the same environment of the 1979 classic, but also to deliver the same feel and sense of endless tired space.
Aliens is an exciting and shock-filled grunts-in-space extravaganza with  first of all  some serious firepower and some major special effects; and in revealing an alien completely (quite a few of them actually) - compared to the one we never really saw in the original - the suspense and danger is still impressively maintained and actually enhanced. An immaculate accomplishment.
The cast is terrific once more. Like in Alien, the characters are intriguing and developed slowly, thus making us familiar with them. There is great dialogue throughout, and the clever, futuristic story will have you on the edge of your seat right until the end credits.
Sigourney Weaver is again at center  she is nothing short of superb (was rightfully nominated for an Academy Award). Her sense of bewilderment and hatred transcends brilliantly.
Other standouts are Michael Biehn as Corporal Hicks and Lance Henriksen as the suspicious android, Bishop. It is a great supporting role for Biehn as the average joe with a heart of gold and a healthy common sense. Young Carrie Henn shines as the estranged little girl Newt. Also; add in Paul Reiser who is simply sensational as `company man' Carter Burke.
Watch those corners, people. And stay frosty.