Fifty-seven years after Ellen Ripley’s (Sigourney Weaver) battle with the alien creature in deep space, she awakens from hypersleep aboard a rescue vessel. Ripley is haunted by the trauma of her experience on planet LV-426—now home to a human colony. The settlers, however, haven’t encountered the terrifying creatures Ripley describes, and no one believes her. That is, until all contact with the colony is suddenly lost. Reluctantly, Ripley agrees to return to LV-426, this time accompanied by a squad of space marines who are a bit too enthusiastic about high-fives. The war against the deadly aliens begins once more.
Seven years after the original Alien film’s success, the sequel arrives—and Aliens somehow manages to live up to Ridley Scott’s classic.
I usually dislike sequels where the director, writer, and cast have all been replaced. Unfortunately, Aliens is one of those films. A completely new team has taken the reins, with Sigourney Weaver as the only returning actor. Despite this, Aliens works—and it treats the source material with respect, which is essential for preserving the atmosphere and tension that defined the first film.
Another key to a good sequel is avoiding a carbon copy of the original. That would make the follow-up feel pointless. James Cameron wisely steers the story in a more action-oriented direction—and it works. It’s recommended to watch the Special Edition, which is slightly longer and offers deeper insight into the history of LV-426.
That said, the film isn’t without flaws. Some plot developments are overly convenient and lean heavily into cliché. The characters are also somewhat underdeveloped and fall into broad stereotypes. And the ending, while thrilling, tips into over-the-top territory, straining the film’s sense of realism with its heroic tone.
Still, nearly everything else is top-notch. The direction, acting, score, and especially Stan Winston’s outstanding visual effects are all handled by some of the best in the business. It may not quite match the original, but Aliens is a worthy and unforgettable sequel.
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