Aliens (1986)

Introduction

*Aliens* is the second movie in the Alien movie franchise — you would expect it to be a lame remake of the origional (Alien) however it is so much more. It truely stands on its own and watching Alien doesn't add a lot to the movie. It takes place after the events of the first movie and by after I mean several decades. All you need to know about the first movie is that it happened and not much else.

Why It Works

Aliens is great in so many ways. It has impressive visuals — at times even by modern-day standards. It takes its time to build tension before diving into the action. The characters are unique and feel like real people. The sci-fi military elements are truly iconic and are on full display.

Finally, the aliens — when they make their appearance — are awesome. The time they are hidden from the camera only makes them feel more impressive when you finally see them. The movie explores so many tones: cold, unfeeling, lifeless, hopeless, horrifying. All the while, the presence of a little girl in the group raises the stakes even higher. It would be one thing for the aliens to take out the rescue party, but losing the little girl feels like an unimaginable attack on humanity.

You really build resentment for the aliens as the movie goes on. They are persistent for persistence's sake. The species will not die quietly. They need to spread for the sake of it and care about nothing else. The movie feels like a nightmare. But humanity must win — they have to win, if for nothing else than to protect this little girl.

This movie will make you feel something. Whether it's anger, sadness, or simply a sense of awe, it will evoke emotion — and that's why it's a ChrisPick.