Writer/Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn and Bill Paxton
‘A Spectacular Sci-fi Sequel’
Few film franchises about creepy aliens are as celebrated as “Alien”. Created by Ridley Scott in the 1970’s, the franchise forever changed the perceptions of aliens from outer galaxies. Packed with gorgeous visual effects, strong characters and phenomenal acting, the sci-fi series earned a huge fan following. Through the strong feminist character Ripley, the film series build an incredible legacy. It was one of the first ever science fiction movies in history to feature a powerful female character. Ripley became a strong symbol of hope for women facing adversity. In a genre that always pushed women to the sideline, Ripley proved that it was possible for women in sc-if- movies to shine. Through her presence, “Alien” became a worldwide sensation.
I admire Ripley and the way in which she has been portrayed throughout the Alien series. However, the sequel “Aliens” stands out the most. Released in 1986, James Cameron’s movie forever changed the sci-fi genre by its portrayal of a strong feminist character. It’s one of those rare sequels which manages to improve on the first film in every way imaginable. Boasting breathtaking special effects, strong storytelling and powerful performances, it’s one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Sigourney Weaver, capturing the personality of a strong feminist character. Ultimately, what makes the film stand out in a successful franchise is its powerful message about feminism. In the end, it offers engaging entertainment that fans of the science-fiction genre simply won’t be able to resist.
Following events of “Alien”, “Aliens” follows the feminist heroine on an adventure in space where aliens are commonplace. Sigourney Weaver portrays Ripley, the heroic feminist heroine on a journey across space. After her crew is killed in a tragic accident, Ripley shows a strong commitment to fighting aliens. However, Ripley’s life forever changes when she faces accidents placing her life in a situation of grave danger. Trapped in a dilemma, Ripley questions whether it’s possible to fight aliens causing trauma. As all the odds are stacked against her favour, Ripley questions if its possible to survive an alien invasion causing disaster.
James Cameron is drawn to aliens. Before he directed “Aliens”, Cameron was known for his iconic science-fiction film “Terminator”. With “Aliens”, however, Cameron crafted his first alien science-fiction sequel. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to create a sequel to a film about invincible aliens that are powerful, but he succeeded. Through stunning cinematography, Cameron captures a woman’s journey to fight aliens in galaxies. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, the filmmaker expertly uses handheld camera to capture the anxiety of an alien invasion. Handheld cameras demonstrate the dilemma of an alien invasion causing trauma. Handheld camera is a tricky technique to use in sci-fi movies. However, it works tremendously in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Cameron captures spaceships attacked by aliens that are terrifying.
Another admirable aspect of “Aliens” worth discussing is the action. One area where the film improves on its predecessor is the action. Cameron effectively utilizes practical effects to create memorable action sequences involving aliens. For instance, practical effects elevate the alien invasion scene. During this tense scene, Ripley engages in a tense fight among creepy aliens causing tension on spaceships. One appreciates practical effects bringing the aliens to life. Practical effects are tricky techniques. During the 1980’s, most movies used green screen rather than practical effects. However, it works extremely well in this movie. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. James Horner’s music is key to the movie’s success. It enhances the film by building up unbearable tension and suspense. Through amazing action, Cameron captures an alien invasion.
Amidst the thrilling alien invasion action, the movie finds time for character development. Cameron’s screenwriting strength is creating a strong female character through flashbacks. In the science-fiction genre, most movies often portray women as damsels in distress which are doomed to die without success. Thankfully, though, “Aliens” avoids these pitfalls. Cameron effectively uses flashbacks to create a female character with a strong backstory. Throughout the movie, Ripley often recounts memories of her crew that died in spaceship alien tragedies. Through these ingenious flashbacks, Cameron creates a powerful female protagonist whom viewers can easily relate to. In a genre that has often pushed women towards the sidelines, it marks a refreshing departure. Flashbacks are tricky techniques to use in films. Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” suggested flashbacks elevate movies about childhood. However, it worked tremendously in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Cameron celebrates a feminist franchise about aliens today.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Sigourney Weaver delivers one of her finest performances as Ripley. Weaver achieved appreciation by playing the feminist heroine which fought aliens in “Alien”. With “Aliens”, however, she took on her most demanding role. In her second outing, Weaver brings an emotional and vulnerable side to Ripley that audiences haven’t seen in the past before. With riveting expressions, she conveys the angst, fear and determination of a woman embarking on a journey to battle dangerous aliens in a spaceship posing destruction. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actresses currently working in the film industry today.
The supporting cast is excellent and also worthy of appreciation. Bill Paxton is brilliant, capturing the bravery of a spaceship captain putting his life in danger to battle dangerous aliens which cause disaster. Paul Reiser is remarkable, and captures terror of a space passenger whose life in alien invasions faces danger. Lastly, Michael Biehn merits appreciations. As a comical spaceship captain, he brings hilarious humour towards the movie.
Finally, “Aliens” would earn appreciations of everyone for capturing the dangers of aliens. Unlike most movies in the sci-fi genre, the film tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. It tackles strong themes including identity, feminism and survival which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous science-fiction franchise to appreciate it. It delivers a universal message about trauma with which everyone would be able to engage. Therefore, “Aliens” is one of those rare science fiction films everyone would adore.
Fans of the famous alien franchise would definitely appreciate “Aliens” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A spectacular science-fiction sequel, it celebrates a franchise about powerful women battling aliens that are painful.
Nearly 40 years following the creation of an iconic franchise about women putting their lives in danger to battle aliens on spaceships where nobody can hear you scream posing disaster, it’s a powerful reminder of a strong feminist character that forever changed the world through her abilities to overcome obstacles of aliens posing disaster earning a huge fan following for her bravery becoming a feminist icon women could look up to whose timeless movies about extra-terrestrial aliens invading spaceships sci-fi fans will forever treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 