Aliens

Aliens Stats: Internet Movie Database
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The moment Aliens  hit theaters in 1986 it redefined the horror-action-adventure genre, and almost 20 years later, it remains at the head of its class for its intensity, gripping story, archetypal characters and the quality of its creature effects.

I'm sorry that the expression "on the edge of my seat" is so over-used because in this case it's a literal description of my first three viewings of Aliens  in the theater. Unlike the average "horror" and "suspense" movie, the tension in Aliens  isn't faked up with a combination of cheap jump moments and blaring sound effects, but arises from well-paced action and a true sense of peril for sympathetic characters.

Given his writing credit and the quality of his other outings, I think it's fair to say we can thank director James Cameron for the magic in Aliens , without detracting from the contributions of others, particularly Sigourney Weaver, Jenette Goldstein and Carrie Henn.

With Weaver's Ripley, Cameron discovered the power of the Amazon warrior (or perhaps, more accurately, the Mama Bear, since these women are defending cubs), a power he used again in 1991 with Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

We can hardly leave the subject of Amazon women without mentioning Jenette Goldstein's Private J. Vasquez - one of the baddest space marines you could hope to run into. I suppose in real life Vasquez would be a pain to have around, but she is fun to watch. It was also refreshing to see a portrayal of men and women working together not just as peers, but as comrades, particularly evidenced by the bond between Drake and Vasquez.

But it isn't all tough women and their pulse rifles in Aliens . There's also an appealing little girl named Newt, the delightfully watchable character played by Carrie Henn. It must be a real chore to cast the right child actor when so much of the story depends upon him or her. Newt had to be plucky enough to have survived on her own for days, yet vulnerable and likable enough to almost instantly inspire Ripley's absolute devotion. Knowing that Carrie Henn was the child to do it might seem like lightening striking except that Cameron made an equally successful choice casting the then unknown Edward Furlong as the young John Connor in Terminator 2: Judgment Day .

My major beef with that abomination Alien ³ ? They killed off Newt. Unforgivable.

What about the boys in Aliens ? Bill Paxton is memorable and strangely likable as the obnoxious loose cannon, Private Hudson. The eye candy is Michael Biehn as Corporal Hicks - always worthy of a long look.

Finally, Aliens  is a great source of quotes; here are some of my favorites.

Sounds from Aliens

"All right Sweethearts..."	-	Apone's cheery wakeup call.
"Another glorious day in the corps..."	-	Apone's recruiting speech.
"Hey Vasquez..."	-	Hudson ragging on Vasquez.
"We're on an express elevator..."	-	Hudson, during the drop.
"We're in the pipe..."	-	Ferro piloting the dropship.
"Stop yer grinnin'..."	-	Hudson's found the colonists.
"Let's rock!"	-	Vasquez has a close encounter.
"Drake, we are leaving!"	-	Hicks, during the firefight.
"...They can bill me!"	-	Burke tries to convince Ripley not to nuke the site.
"... we just got our asses kicked, pal."	-	Hudson assesses the situation.
"Now what the fuck..."	-	Hudson reacts to the dropship crash.
"Let's move like we've got a purpose..."	-	Hicks takes charge; Newt responds.
"Get away from her..."	-	Ripley's big applause line.