"Dirty Dozen" in space, with added spots of sensitivity...

Rating: 10/10 (8 March 2001)

A different feel to its predecessor, but no less effective.
(SPOILERS)
Weaver is again impressive as Ripley, she convincingly portrays a woman who is scarred by her experiences but willing to relive them for the sake of humanity. The little girl, Newt, represents the hope we have for the human race and I think that's why a lot of purists were outraged at her not returning for pt 3. Probably my favourite scene in the movie is where Ripley tries to placate Hudson by telling him that Newt managed to survive against the aliens. His whiny "So why'nt you put her in charge? and her smart little salute is perfectly played.
This relationship between Newt and Ripley is where the film gets the sensitivity I mentioned from. Aside from that, it's pretty much action all the way, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I believe Cameron is the greatest living action director (Yes, Tarantino and Woo included. but I said ACTION remember? I didn't say he was altogether a better director than Quentin) and he has fun with the possibilities the film raises. The Marines are all likeable, even to the point where you might LIKE to dislike the Hudson character. Biehn basically does the same role as the earlier "Terminator" (You tell me that Hicks and Kyle Reese aren't the same character!) No time for character development here, we got showdowns to stage! Macho one-liners are present for the testosterone fueled amongst you, and the females in the audience will probably be there because of their fondness for the original.
The most important thing is: hardly anyone will come away disappointed. This is a sequel that doesn't desecrate the original, but instead just wisely does everything on a bigger scale. A classic that deserves to sit proudly alongside "Alien".