Aliens

Now, here’s something unique in the history of horror sci-fi movies: a sequel as good as the original. Writer-Director James Cameron wisely decided not to just give us another “haunted house in space”. Instead, he picks things up where they left off, with Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in the escape pod. She’s found by a salvage team some 57 years after her encounter with the alien. Brought back to Earth, no one believes her story.

Then the colony that’s been established on the planet goes silent. So, a team of Colonial Marines is dispatched to check things out, and Ripley goes along as an advisor. Paul Reiser tags along as Cater Burke, representative for “The Company”, the shadowy corporation in charge of all space commerce.

The squad of marines is both male and female, but there are no members of the “weaker sex” among them. These are all rough and tough soldiers, and there are plenty of stereotypes: the all-knowing sergeant, the green lieutenant, etc. Yet, each is strong and distinct. Special praise to Jenette Goldstein (Vasquez), Bill Paxton (Hudson- a whining clown, yet also a kick-ass soldier when needed), and Michael Biehn (Hicks- a quiet, thoughtful grunt, yet one glance from him speaks volumes).

Landing on the planet, the chills rise as they search the empty science facility, and find only little Rebecca “Newt” Jordan (Carrie Henn); practically a feral child, hiding in the ventilation system. Cameron keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as he slowly cranks up the terror, and it’s a sheer delight.

Ripley holds her own with the soldiers while being tormented by nightmares. Then she’s able to mother Newt and face the biggest “mother” anyone has ever had to do battle with.