As a cinephile who has spent countless hours delving into the vast cosmos of film, I must say that Ridley Scott’s masterpiece, Alien, stands out as one of the most impactful and influential films in the realm of science fiction and horror. Having witnessed numerous cinematic endeavors, both brilliant and lackluster, it is with great conviction that I assert Alien holds a unique position among them.
“In space, no one can hear you scream.”
As a die-hard fan, I can attest that the truth from 1979 still resonates in 2024 with Fede Álvarez’s latest addition to the Alien series, titled Alien: Romulus. This terrifying tale continues to haunt both old and new generations. Given the legendary status and recurring nature of the Alien franchise, there’s no need for a lengthy preamble. The stage is set, the risks are clear, and while we may recognize the danger, it never ceases to deliver unexpected scares. I can only offer my condolences for your survival odds.
In tribute to “Alien: Romulus”, The Hollywood Reporter lists the entire Alien series in order of worst to best, as follows:
9. Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)
The movie titled “Requiem,” helmed by Greg and Colin Strause, unfolds in a tranquil Colorado village besieged by a monstrous creature – a Predalien, spawned at the conclusion of the earlier “AvP” film. This fearsome being carries a horde of Xenomorph eggs, which inevitably hatch, causing havoc and pandemonium. A Predator named Wolf is dispatched to Earth with the mission of annihilating the Predalien and its Xenomorph offspring. Meanwhile, a motley crew of humans, played by Steven Pasquale, Johnny Lewis, Kristen Hager, David Paetkau, Ariel Gade, Reiko Aylesworth, and John Ortiz, struggle to flee the town before they meet an untimely demise at the hands of either the aliens or a looming nuclear attack aimed at their homes. In essence, they are fighting for survival against seemingly insurmountable odds.
The human drama is pretty banal, but at least there are allegedly cool Alien v. Predator fights that live up to the title, right? I say “allegedly” because the presentation of the film is shot so dimly that it’s nearly impossible to see what’s happening most of the time, and the trailer makes that all-too evident. There’s a fun concept and some great effects work, as evidenced by BTS photos, buried there somewhere in the dark. Still, until we can, hopefully, see a better presentation on physical media, it isn’t easy to fully judge.
8. Alien Resurrection (1997)
Remarkably, and maybe dishearteningly, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Alien Resurrection marks the furthest point in the Alien series timeline that the franchise has reached. Significantly, it’s also the last film in which Sigourney Weaver participated, having reportedly taken the role for financial reasons (no criticism intended). This makes Resurrection particularly disappointing as an ending note. Set 200 years after the third Alien movie, a Ripley clone (played by Weaver), whose genetic material has been combined with that of the Xenomorph, must team up with a band of mercenaries to prevent a military science vessel carrying Xenomorphs from reaching Earth. On paper, this plot sounds exciting, but the final product feels overly influenced by late ’90s trends, with its black leather fashion designs and nods to Walmart.
The new film’s setting and ambiance differ significantly from the credible environment of the original, resembling more the backdrop for a nu-metal music video from 2001. Unfortunately, the character of Call (Winona Ryder) is primarily used as an object of admiration by other characters, often Johner (Ron Perlman), with frequent sexual comments. Similarly, Ripley, who has made a significant impact on female roles in genre films, also falls victim to rampant sexism, giving the overall production a distasteful feel. However, there are some positive aspects such as an underwater Alien chase and the battle of failed Ripley clones, along with “The Newborn” creature, which stand out in this film that seems disconnected from its predecessors.
6. Alien 3 (1992)
As a passionate Alien franchise fanatic, I can’t help but appreciate the haunting depth of the third and most despairing installment, Alien 3. Unlike director David Fincher who distanced himself from it, this film has left an indelible mark on me. The story unfolds as Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), torn from the safety of cryosleep, crash lands on a desolate prison planet, Fiorina 161. Alas, her beloved crew – Hicks, Newt, and Bishop – are deceased, leaving Ripley to navigate this grim world alone. The prison’s foundry becomes her battleground as she fights for survival among the inmates, led by fellow prisoner and spiritual guide, Dillon (Charles S. Dutton). To make matters even more harrowing, a Xenomorph stowaway from Ripley’s wrecked ship emerges, transforming this new environment into a deadly hunting ground.
Despite facing production hurdles and creative input from others, Fincher’s film retains his distinctive visual flair, showcasing the gritty, consistently wet and smoky atmosphere that characterized his dark style in the ’90s. The theatrical release is satisfactory, but it’s the Assembly Cut that convincingly argues for the necessity of Alien 3. This version emphasizes character development and underscores the film’s religious undertones, which are significant as Ripley navigates a depiction of hell, replete with labyrinthine structures reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno. Unlike its predecessor Aliens, or the original Alien, Alien 3 may not be as action-oriented, and it might not possess the same meticulous finesse and rhythm. However, Alien 3 offers much value — notably, Weaver’s most powerful and emotionally charged performance in the series.
5. Alien: Covenant (2017)
Ridley Scott’s upcoming movie, titled “Alien: Covenant“, is moving towards a plot more similar to the original “Alien” film after initial plans for the sequel, “Paradise“, focused on Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and android David (Michael Fassbender) exploring the homeworld of the Engineers. However, due to studio and audience interest in the Xenomorphs, the focus has returned to these terrifying creatures. While “
Upon arrival on an uncharted planet that may become their new dwelling, the crew, headed by Daniels (Katherine Waterston), swiftly find their new environment is far from ideal. The movie Covenant is a violent spectacle, as many of its characters, played by Billy Crudup, Demian Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Callie Hernandez and Danny McBride, suffer grisly fates. However, the real terror arises from the deeper questions the film poses, setting up David as a character reminiscent of Lucifer, who has seized control and altered the cosmic equilibrium.
4. Alien: Romulus (2024)
Fede Alvarez’s latest addition to the Alien series is set between the original Alien and Aliens films, focusing on a team of young colonists who are forced into servitude by Weyland-Yutani. Their plan is to flee off-world by stealing cryopods from an abandoned science station for their nine-year journey to a distant planet beyond Weyland-Yutani’s control. However, they soon discover that the space station isn’t deserted, and facehuggers and Xenomorphs quickly become a threat. Despite some nostalgic nods and occasional flaws due to digital/puppeteering techniques that bring back a deceased actor in a minor role, creating an unrealistic effect, Romulus seems to have its own concepts and themes. Given Alvarez’s background in horror, it’s no surprise that the film is filled with graphic violence, disturbing visuals, and scenes that will make you uncomfortable upon leaving the theater.
The idea of a workforce that can be discarded and replaced, facilitated by reproduction, AI, and forced evolution, seems particularly relevant now and is significantly connected to Alvarez’s upbringing in Uruguay. Moreover, the film’s narrative echoes the mythical aspect of Alien, as envisioned by Dan O’Bannon, while also incorporating themes presented in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, where Ridley Scott served as a producer. In terms of visual impact, backed by impressive sound design, set design, and special effects, Alien: Romulus boasts some of the most thrilling sequences ever produced within the franchise, earning a resounding “yes!” from this spectator during its climactic moments.
3. Prometheus (2012)
The prequel to Scott’s movie Alien offers a fragmented explanation regarding the enigma of the Space Jockey – the massive, seated figure found in the original Alien film. However, rather than delving deeply into expository solutions for this mystery, Ridley Scott instead chooses to raise further questions with his answers. This results in Prometheus being one of Scott’s most intriguing films, filled with endless fascination and debate.
In pursuit of uncovering our species’ roots, archaeologists Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Rapace) and her spouse, Dr. Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green), unveil a cosmic map that they suspect will guide humanity towards our creators. Embarking on an expedition funded by the enigmatic industrialist Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) and overseen by his daughter Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), this team, alongside android David (Michael Fassbender) and captain Janek (Idris Elba), voyage to LV-223’s moon in search of humanity’s origins. There, they stumble upon an ancient structure containing vats brimming with a mysterious black substance. While some may argue that the scientists’ actions throughout this movie, such as Millburn (Rafe Spall) and Fifield (Sean Harris), are ill-advised due to their persistent curiosity, it is essential to remember that history is replete with instances of experts making questionable decisions. The film doesn’t seek to conceal humanity’s shortcomings but instead highlights them as a crucial element to the plot, emphasizing the idea that humans were an unintentional mistake. This notion resonates strongly with David, who seeks to manipulate the black goo to redesign our DNA in pursuit of perfection.
Prometheus explores the themes of questioning faith, particularly Shaw’s religious beliefs, which are challenged by her experiences. Additionally, it delves into the concept of unchecked creation and human arrogance, as exemplified by Weyland through his creation of the android David and his pursuit of immortality on an alien planet. What truly sets Prometheus apart is that while it takes place in the universe of Alien, it transcends this setting to become something far greater, seeking not just to serve as a prequel but to expand the cosmos and explore the potential existence of divine beings among the stars.
2. Aliens (1986)
In his sequel to Scott’s original masterpiece, James Cameron elevated the stakes significantly. The film, brimming with extravagance, was confidently directed and filled with numerous crowd-pleasing scenes that make it difficult not to be enamored – despite the fact that the subtle, chilling, and tranquil elegance of Scott and Dan O’Bannon is often drowned out by a barrage of gunfire, explosions, and repetitive military jargon.
Over half a century following the occurrences depicted in the movie “Alien”, Ripley is awakened from suspended animation by her company, Weyland-Yutani Corporation. They demand that she joins a team of marines, a Weyland-Yutani representative named Carter Burke (Paul Reiser), and the android Bishop (Lance Henriksen) to revisit LV-426 – the planet where her crew found the eggs in the previous film, now serving as a colony for terraforming. Upon reaching their destination, Ripley and the marines soon realize that the colony has been overrun by Xenomorphs, which were first introduced in this sequel as insectoid creatures with drones and a Queen. Although the drones can be destroyed more easily than the monster from the original film, their relentless swarms make them formidable adversaries. The release of “Aliens” significantly boosted the popularity of these terrifying creatures.
In the midst of gun battles and puddles of acidic blood, Cameron skillfully deepens Ripley’s character, making her someone worth investing in. She not only forms a surrogate family with a young orphan named Newt (Carrie Henn) and develops a budding romance with Corporal Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn). Bill Paxton adds to the central cast with his memorable lines as Private Hudson. As Ripley takes on the role of an action hero, battling the Alien Queen in her iconic fight scene, she not only fights for the lives of her newfound companions but also for the fate of the universe, trying to destroy the Xenomorphs forever. Aliens is a marvel due to Stan Winston Studio’s practical effects, based on H.R. Giger’s original designs, a testament to Cameron’s abilities as a blockbuster director, and one of the greatest sequels ever made.
1. Alien (1979)
The series has become increasingly louder, bolder, more introspective, and messier. Despite the impressive and less-than-impressive qualities shown in subsequent sequels, no film in the franchise has equaled the perfection of Alien. It’s been noted that Alien is essentially a space horror film, complete with all the eerie sounds, drips, and dimly lit corridors one would expect. However, this description doesn’t fully capture the greatness of Alien. For the Nostromo isn’t just a haunted house, but an exceptionally well-designed spacecraft that has graced our movie screens.
One of the aspects of Scott’s direction that arguably isn’t referenced enough is his history as a fine artist and a diligent storyboard artist. There’s not a single space wasted in the Nostromo, nothing that doesn’t contribute to the sense of horror, the Xenomorph’s ability to hide, or the crew’s constant sense of paranoia. The Nostromo is all tight spaces and low ceilings, which only adds to the impossibility of escape and the uncanny nature of the alien’s movements (portrayed by Bolaji Badejo), large as it is. And although we’ve gotten comfortable with the idea of auteurs, Alien is one of the best showcases of filmmaking as a group effort, as the film would not be the masterpiece it is without Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett’s and their interest in mythology, or without artist H.R. Giger’s biomechanical designs, which still feel on another level in terms of originality.
Indeed, the cast played a pivotal role in this groundbreaking production, with fresh face Sigourney Weaver taking the lead. Accompanying her were seasoned and renowned actors such as Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton, Veronica Cartwright, and Yaphet Kotto. Each brought their unique talents to portray the working-class crew, who sought merely to return home and collect their paychecks, rather than embark on an exploration. The film delved into themes that Ridley Scott would frequently revisit in his career, including the ominous implications of corporations, the complexities of human interaction with artificial intelligence, and the value of community over individualism – all delivered with a sense of urgency that has fueled Scott’s extensive body of work. Alien not only reshaped the horror and science-fiction genres but left lasting impacts on both, for which they will always be grateful.
Read More
- BODEN PREDICTION. BODEN cryptocurrency
- GHST PREDICTION. GHST cryptocurrency
- BETA PREDICTION. BETA cryptocurrency
- STRD PREDICTION. STRD cryptocurrency
- Mango Markets Exploiter Found Guilty Of Fraud And Manipulation
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- MATIC PREDICTION. MATIC cryptocurrency
- LOOKS PREDICTION. LOOKS cryptocurrency
- BRN/USD
- TNSR PREDICTION. TNSR cryptocurrency
2024-08-22 22:55