I can't bring myself to hate this movie

Rating: 10/10 (24 April 2003)

I tried and I tried and I tried. I found every fault I possibly could with the plot (who's left behind on the Sulaco?), the effects (nice obvious rear-projection work), the characters (well, now we know where the origin of "Spunkmeyer" came from), and even the name. Even so, I couldn't bring myself to hate it simply because ALIENS remains one of the most engaging and intense films ever created.
There is not the suspense and horror of the first movie, but James Cameron knew that there was no way to top it. So, instead of ruining our expectations of a fright-fest, he delivers one of his typical sci-fi action thrillers. Honestly, this dude pretty much is responsible for such things as Battlefield Earth and Men in Black with the kinds of things he creates.
There is the much-applauded Special Edition, but, other than providing some detail on Ripley's family and the sentry gun scenes, there isn't anything new to offer. In fact, the scenes on the colony (pre-infestation) ruin whatever tension there would have been.
Cameron's directing talent is never great (even in Titanic), though here he is able to tell a good story (convoluted as it is), carry our attention through incredible editing and visuals, and still have some interesting dialogue.
The cinematography and production design is far inferior to ALIEN. However, due to the swiftly changing mood of the movie, we are blessed not to have to see them too much. Some scenes such as the dropship embarking towards the processing plant and the alien battles are interesting to watch.
James Horner is one of the most underappreciated composers of this day and age. His music here, albeit cannibalized from his prior work, still sets an appropriate mood with more than an accational nod towards Jerry Goldsmith's original score. Kudos. The remainder of the sound effects are original and ear-catching at best, dull and repetitive at worst.
All in all, a good ball-bustin' actioneer that should stick with you for a while. 4.5 out of 5. "That's it, man. Game over, man. GAME OVER!"