review by Silent J
Aliens 1986
Watched May 02, 2012
Silent J’s review:
This has been considered as one of the greatest sequels ever made, and with good reason. Sigourney Weaver gives a terrific performance. The cast is amazing. This film finds a perfect blend between science fiction, drama, horror, and action. The film manages to do something that is a rarity in horror films...have likable characters. The characters in this film are so great and likable, you care about them and don't want them to die. That can't be said for many horror films, especially with people who go into a horror film looking for the best kill and anticipating stupid characters to die. The special effects look amazing and are a huge step up from the last film. Has great suspenseful atmosphere and a slow build that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Aliens without a doubt, is a bigger, stronger, scarier, and better installment than the previous film. It has stiff competition (Godfather II, Toy Story 2, Empire Strikes Back, Terminator 2, etc) but this is easily one of the best sequels ever made. Everything that a sequel should be.
You make some excellent points SilentJoe. Alien and Aliens are two of my favorite films. It is possible Aliens might just be the best sequel ever made! (Godfather 2 is great!) I have trouble chosing between the two. I agree with your statement that Weaver was outstanding in the sequel, and that the effects were better. I am a film nut who always seems to like the originals the best. This one is close. It's a good review.
Ok, so I am a newbie to this whole "Alien" franchise. I just watched the first installment the other night and was blown away by it. It is so dark, moody, and has such a slow burn that it generates an amazing amount of terror.
Having watched that I was so excited to pop in the sequel. However, I was really let down once it started rolling. Maybe it is my lack of nostalgic attachment to the series, but I found many scenes in this film almost laughable. You state that the marines are likable, but I could not wait for them to die. They are obviously meant to be so brutish and dim compared to the tame but brave Ripley and every time Hudson opened his mouth I prayed that it was the last time he was able to do so.
I agree that the visuals are amazing. Especially the final scene in the Queen's lair.
Aside from Ripley and the Creatures, I felt that the two films had very little in common. One was an intimate and absolutely terrifying sci-fi horror film, while the other is a nearly comical balls to the wall action film.
I am not saying you are wrong, I guess I am just wondering why everyone states that this film is superior to the original.
Ok, so I am a newbie to this whole "Alien" franchise. I just watched the first installment the other night and was blown away by it. It is so dark, moody, and has such a slow burn that it generates an amazing amount of terror.
Having watched that I was so excited to pop in the sequel. However, I was really let down once it started rolling. Maybe it is my lack of nostalgic attachment to the series, but I found many scenes in this film almost laughable. You state that the marines are likable, but I could not wait for them to die. They are obviously meant to be so brutish and dim compared to the tame but brave Ripley and every time Hudson opened his mouth I prayed that it was the last time he was able to do so.
I agree that the visuals are amazing. Especially the final scene in the Queen's lair.
Aside from Ripley and the Creatures, I felt that the two films had very little in common. One was an intimate and absolutely terrifying sci-fi horror film, while the other is a nearly comical balls to the wall action film.
I am not saying you are wrong, I guess I am just wondering why everyone states that this film is superior to the original.
Ok, so I am a newbie to this whole "Alien" franchise. I just watched the first installment the other night and was blown away by it. It is so dark, moody, and has such a slow burn that it generates an amazing amount of terror.
Having watched that I was so excited to pop in the sequel. However, I was really let down once it started rolling. Maybe it is my lack of nostalgic attachment to the series, but I found many scenes in this film almost laughable. You state that the marines are likable, but I could not wait for them to die. They are obviously meant to be so brutish and dim compared to the tame but brave Ripley and every time Hudson opened his mouth I prayed that it was the last time he was able to do so.
I agree that the visuals are amazing. Especially the final scene in the Queen's lair.
Aside from Ripley and the Creatures, I felt that the two films had very little in common. One was an intimate and absolutely terrifying sci-fi horror film, while the other is a nearly comical balls to the wall action film.
I am not saying you are wrong, I guess I am just wondering why everyone states that this film is superior to the original.
whoa. Sorry, I don't know why it posted 3 times. I'll try to delete the other two
I can see Iove this film just as much as you do. Its very hard for me to even consider which one is better then the other. Same as with trying to compare Prometheus with these two films. It's just an amazing world filled with awesome sci fi and cool characters. I noticed you didn't mention the other two sequels. Are you like me and consider them a total let down?
I did'nt mention the other two because at the time of writing this, I had'nt seen them. When I finally did see them later, I thought they were letdowns but I understand it's hard to follow up two near perfect films and you just hope the third would be just as good. Everyone hoped Godfather 3 would be just as incredible as the last two and we all know how that turned out.
Haha, very well put.
I might have to agree with you SilentJoe about this being a more effective film then the first one. I liked the cast of supporting characters more then in the first. Just worked better I thought.
Why thank you for agreeing. Let's agree to agree, I guess?