When Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) hit theaters, it was like
the answer to Steve Spielberg’s Jaws (1975). What’s more terrifying than what’s
below in the depths of the water? Not knowing what’s out in space is a
similarly scary concept. While the violence depicted on screen are by no means
the same or as intense as today’s films, the dread and downright unnerving
thought of an Xenomorph being a real thing would make anyone shake in their
boots. At the same time, it was probably considered many times from both angles
whether a sequel could be made or not. The more surprising thing looking back
at the decision made then, was to take a chance on a director named James Cameron.
Although he had come up with the idea of The Terminator (1984), which was very
successful, he also directed Piranha II: The Spawning (1982) which was not well
received.
The story for this sequel is after several years in hyper
sleep from the original events of Alien (1979), Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)
is recued and awakened by Burke (Paul Reiser). There she learns that despite
her accounts of what happened to her and the crew she was with; no one believes
her. Until she’s informed by Burke and Lt. Gorman (William Hope) that there’s
been a distress call on the same planet Ripley and her crew were on. Hoping it’s
not another Xenomorph, she joins a small group of space marines to find out.
There she meets Corporal Hicks (Michael Biehn), robot Bishop (Lance Henriksen),
Pt. Hudson (Bill Paxton), Pt. Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein), Sgt. Apone (Al Matthews)
and some others who will help her with this. In terms of writing, the title
sticks to exactly what it says. Alien (1979) was only about one, Aliens (1986)
has more than one, but there’s obviously more to it than that.
When the team lands and performs their search, they also
discovery Newt (Carrie Henn) a lone survivor left on the planet. Co-written by
Cameron but also David Giler (Fun with Dick and Jane (1977)) and Walter Hill
(48 Hrs. (1982)), this sequel shows just how ignorance from the top can lead to
déjà vu. However, this doesn’t mean the story is the same. If anything, Ripley does
develop as a character here, as does her foe the Xenomorph. This is important
if a sequel is to outshine its predecessor as so many people say this film
does. The characters themselves are interesting to watch. Sigourney Weaver as
Ripley changing as time goes on, shows how her character is growing. Carrie
Henn as the orphan child is sweet and innocent despite the odds she’s pit
against. Surprisingly, she did not go on to have much of an acting career. Paul
Reiser known for his roles Beverly Hills Cop (1984) franchise plays exactly
what his corporate job role is supposed to be.
Michael Biehn who was in Cameron’s The Terminator (1984)
plays a good match to Weaver’s role. William Hope would go on to play in Clive
Barker’s Hellraiser II: Hellbound (1988) and weirdly later on Edward from
Thomas & Friends. The late Bill Paxton as Hudson is the talkative goofy
soldier who can’t keep his mouth shut. Jenette Goldstein plays a convincing
Latina soldier. She was also the foster mother in Cameron’s Terminator 2:
Judgement Day (1991). Finally, Lance Henriksen is one of the cooler characters because
he plays a robot and is the character that helps Ripley learn a lesson. Visually,
this film is just a significantly impressive as to its original. Knowing
Cameron and how meticulous he is with how he wants things to look, nothing
looks fake or cheap even with miniatures being used. The science fiction
mechanical equipment, vehicles and layouts are all cool looking.
The same goes for the Xenomorphs which look the same and
more refined from before. Credit also to Adrian Biddle as the camerawork is
great to look at too. As their first cinematography credit, it’s a high mark to
start on. Biddle also shot for Judge Dredd (1995), The Mummy (1999) and The
Mummy Returns (2001). One thing though that sort of remains the same that
horror fans may not like is that the gore still isn’t really there. That too is
about as the equal to that of the original. Lastly, the composer for this entry
was the late James Horner, another Cameron collaborator. Having worked in the
genre already with the Star Trek series, it turned about being a decent fit. Reason
being that although Jerry Goldsmith scored the first, Horner makes his score
very similar to that, recycling some of Goldsmith’s cues while adding other
parts like drums for the marine characters. Horner who also doesn’t score too
many horror films also does a good job at laying on that as well.
The violence aspect of this sequel is probably the
only thing that might let horror fans down. Other than that, the music despite
being composed by someone else, feels very much like an extension of the
original, as does the camerawork and special effects. Acting is commendable too.
Points Earned --> 8:10
