Aliens

Aliens

Director James Cameron stuns us with this amazing sci-fi spectacular.  Aliens is nothing short of an out-of-this world experience.  Cameron shows off his film-making prowess in a heart thumping, visually stimulating, and special effects laden masterpiece.  Really, if you haven’t had a chance to see this classic or just have not had a chance to watch it in a while, I urge you to put this on your summer movie must see (possibly again) list.

With all of that said, this film begins with Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) returning from her previous war and encounter with beings from another planet.  Ripley soon realizes that she has been floating in outer space for nearly six decades.  She tries to explain the details of the mission and how the rest of the crew met their grizzly fate; however, skepticism about her story draws her unadulterated ire.

Ripley is then notified that the planet she just came from had been settled by about 100 people approximately 20 years ago.  Her concern for the colonists is immediate, but she is assured that no reports of extra-terrestrials have been reported.  Unfortunately, soon after the proclamation that all is well in Shangri-La, Ripley is notified that transmission from the colonists has ceased.  She is then approached by Carter Burke (Paul Reiser) to return to the planet as a consultant for the military team that is being deployed.  She initially refuses, but finally relents and agrees to return with a group of tough Marines, which ends up under the direction of Cpl. Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn).

The group arrives to find that mankind has been turned into living incubators for a very unwelcome guest.  One sole-survivor is discovered in the form of 10 year old Newt (Carrie Henn).  Ripley quickly forms a bond with the little orphaned girl and promises to keep her safe.  The little inhabitant turns out to be extremely valuable as she helps the group escape in several different situations.  Ultimately, only a handful of the characters survive the confrontation with the aliens.  But, don’t think it’s over just because the crew make it safely back to their ship.  Cameron still has a little movie magic up his sleeve, which may be the film’s most memorable segment.

This film was way ahead of its time.  The acting and action were unbelievable for a sci-fi thriller.  Although she did not win, Weaver received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.  The film actually won two awards for visual effects and sound editing, which is certainly well deserved.  In all, Aliens was nominated for a total of seven Oscars.

I give Aliens five stars.  The acting was unbelievable, action scenes that never stop; an awesome music score, special effects that still blow my mind, and cinematography that was light years ahead of its time.  If you have never watched this film, you are missing a piece of sci-fi history.  I love this movie and hope you will too!

That’s How Matt Sees It!