I’ve Been Watching The Alien Movies For The First Time, And I Didn’t Think James Cameron’s Aliens Could Possibly Hold Up To The First. I Was Wrong For 4 Key Reasons

I've Been Watching The Alien Movies For The First Time, And I Didn't Think James Cameron's Aliens Could Possibly Hold Up To The First. I Was Wrong For 4 Key Reasons

As a self-proclaimed cinephile who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, I must say that watching “Aliens” for the very first time was quite an experience. It’s not every day you stumble upon a sequel that outshines its predecessor, but James Cameron managed to pull it off with finesse.


As a gamer, let me confess, it feels like I’ve woken up from a long space hibernation when I discovered just how amazing James Cameron’s Aliens truly is. This 1986 masterpiece has consistently ranked among the best horror and sci-fi films of all time, but even with such high expectations, it still managed to leave me spellbound. The imminent launch of Alien: Romulus finally prompted me to hit play.

To put it simply: Sequels from Hollywood often fail to meet expectations, particularly for blockbusters released in the ’80s. However, there are exceptions like “Back to the Future Part II,” the “Star Wars” series, and “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” These sequels have notable aspects worth discussing. On the flip side, movies such as “Jaws 2” and “Halloween II” didn’t live up to their original counterparts. I initially doubted that “Aliens” could be as good as its predecessor, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out it surpassed my expectations.

I've Been Watching The Alien Movies For The First Time, And I Didn't Think James Cameron's Aliens Could Possibly Hold Up To The First. I Was Wrong For 4 Key Reasons

Aliens Drops Ripley Into A War Movie, And It’s A Blast 

Instead of assuming the second “Alien” film would continue the final girl trope from the first movie, I was taken aback to discover that James Cameron’s sequel takes a new approach by focusing on another Xenomorph invasion while I watched it via my Hulu subscription. Unlike Sigourney Weaver’s character Ellen Ripley being placed in the same predicament twice, she is found awakening after 57 years within her escape shuttle and among a group of Colonial Marines. While the original “Alien” had elements of science fiction, survival horror, and slasher genres, “Aliens” leans more towards an action-packed war movie style, as Ripley joins forces with these Marines on a mission to eradicate hordes of Xenomorphs that have infiltrated their colony.

As a long-time fan of science fiction and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the genre, I found “Aliens” to be a captivating follow-up to Ridley Scott’s original film. Having grown up with the first “Alien” movie, it was fascinating to see how Ellen Ripley had evolved as a character after the harrowing events of that film and how the new crew of marines grappled with battling the deadly extraterrestrials.

I've Been Watching The Alien Movies For The First Time, And I Didn't Think James Cameron's Aliens Could Possibly Hold Up To The First. I Was Wrong For 4 Key Reasons

Ellen Ripley Is In Good Hands With James Cameron 

In the same line of thought, it was refreshing to observe that Ripley continued to embody her tough, iconic female character in the movie Aliens. Regrettably, this is not a common trait even in today’s big-budget productions. Given my past experiences with women-led films, this was one of the aspects that gave me pause before watching Aliens. I’ve seen cases where a filmmaker has treated a female-led movie well, but the sequel diminished her character. Fortunately, Ripley was under the guidance of writer and director James Cameron, who has a strong track record of creating compelling female characters. The contrast between how Scott and Cameron handled Ripley is evident when you compare Alien 3, which leans heavily on male-gazey elements, with their work.

In a more conversational style, here’s how I’d rephrase the given text:

I've Been Watching The Alien Movies For The First Time, And I Didn't Think James Cameron's Aliens Could Possibly Hold Up To The First. I Was Wrong For 4 Key Reasons

The Alien Franchise Is Better For The Inclusion On Newt 

In the film “Aliens”, I was deeply moved by the introduction of the character Newt. This new figure significantly enhances the franchise as Newt’s presence provides Ripley with a fellow survivor to help her cope with her trauma. By caring for Newt and safeguarding her, Ripley discovers renewed resolve, finding another purpose in forming a significant bond with another character. After the tragic loss of her entire crew in “Alien”, it’s understandable that Ripley might struggle to connect with newcomers, as they may all be at risk. However, she can direct her attention towards Newt’s survival and welfare, which becomes her primary concern.

I’m glad both Ripley and Newt aren’t portrayed as superhuman action figures. Instead, they come across as genuine individuals, leaning on each other to stay alive. The addition of Newt adds a layer of humanity to Ripley that wasn’t fully developed in the original Alien, which is one reason I’m delighted this sequel was made.

I've Been Watching The Alien Movies For The First Time, And I Didn't Think James Cameron's Aliens Could Possibly Hold Up To The First. I Was Wrong For 4 Key Reasons

And I’m Amazed Aliens Doesn’t Look As Old As It Is

Upon revisiting the film “Alien“, I was amazed at how it didn’t seem like a 1970s production. The extensive use of practical effects, a script and set design that feel timeless, gave it a sense of modernity. This sensation persists in “Aliens“, which is no surprise given it’s James Cameron. The practical sets and effects are particularly striking when viewing the movie. I swear it looks as good, if not better, than many science fiction and horror films from this decade. Interestingly, an FX artist from “Aliens” is involved in the production of “Alien: Romulus“; that’s a testament to its visual impact!

As a dedicated gamer, my admiration for the Alien films has grown deeper with each viewing. On days when I crave suspense and terror, I’d pick Alien. But on those days when I’m in the mood for action and combat, Aliens is the perfect choice. And let me tell you, there are times when I just can’t resist a double-header of both! It’s the same thrill I get with other top-notch movies that have sequels as awesome as their originals.

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2024-08-17 18:38