Wow. I can't believe I've waited this long to see this incredible film. Aliens takes virtually everything the original did and ups the ante 100% of the time. The characters are better - Bill Paxton as a macho-man is hilarious, and Hicks is now one of my favorite characters in this genre, along with R.J. MacReady - the aliens are more intense, the story is more palpable, and the dialogue is chock full of one-liners. What's not to love?

It's hard to believe that this same James Cameron created The Abyss, which I find dreadfully dull and flat out bad.

I'm interested to see what one of my favorite directors of all time (David Fincher) does with Alien 3, even if it is hated by most people.

Aliens is now battling The Thing for my favorite sci-fi/horror film. Once I watch it a few more times, then I can rightfully make the claim on which I prefer more.

Note that I watched the Special Edition version of the film, not the Theatrical Cut.