James Cameron would be my celebrity dad

Rating: 10/10 (2 October 2000)

I've skirted around the subject of doing a comment for Aliens for two reasons. 1) Because this film is so darn popular, no one would ever read it, and 2) Nothing I can say will do this film justice. It's as simple as this: Aliens IS and always will be the finest example of an action film, a sci-fi film or a horror film anyone on this earth (or the next) will EVER see. At 14 years old (and counting) this cinematic masterpiece is every bit as impressive, scary and mind-blowing as it was when it premiered. The rich personality of every character is just as important to Cameron as making someone get cut in half look realistic, and THAT's what makes this film so good. The Colonial Marines come across as gung-ho idiots alright, but we see them get scared, see paranoia creep over them, see real humanity in a survival situation. And then we see an 8 minute long action-sequence with acid, grenades and copious swearing. Could any other film claim to blend such rich character development with such rich character dismemberment? NO. And that's why Aliens is a one-off, a film that cannot be topped and needn't be topped. From every infinitely quotable line, to every moment that makes you jump, this film does nothing but make the hairs on the back of your neck tingle with excitement. I watch this film lots, and I never tire of any part of it. There, I've done it. I've poured my heart out on to the screen. God Bless Aliens, and all who watch her.