What makes a great sequel? Cinema has a long history of taking great films or at least profitable films and attempting to capitalize with another film set after it. Why not? You already have the brand recognition and can hopefully take advantage of the goodwill from the first one. Sounds like a perfect way to make some serious money at the box office. But there are many ways to approach a sequel. You obviously have the sequel which is the same exact film (hello, The Hangover Part II). There are other sequels that feel like lazy cash grabs that have little to do with the original (please never watch Caddyshack II). But the truly great sequels can see the success of the first and then make improvements and grow on it. Maybe the sequel even takes a different genre to approach the story’s progress. What is the perfect example of this growth and adaptation? James Cameron’s Aliens (1986).
Why has Cameron’s legacy become so monumental despite only having a limited filmography?
He is one of the most incredibly talented creators to ever get into film. His ability to force forward technological advancements is incomparable. Just look at the world of Pandora in Avatar. Say what you will about the narrative, the visuals are breathtaking. Titanic may be known for its love story, but the incredible effects and the actual sinking of the ship are top-notch. The world of Terminator exists thanks to Cameron and the technology behind the T-1000 is one of the best in the history of cinema.
Cameron was able to take a claustrophobic and small-scale horror flick in space and turn Aliens (1986) into one of the greatest action films ever which also delivers some scares of its own.
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What makes Aliens (1986) the ultimate sequel?
More-or-less, Cameron can build off everything from the first film and just turn it up to 11. First off, the Xenomorphs. The first film focused on one unstoppable being that the crew of the Nostromo could not takedown. They were just regular blue-collar workers going up against the ultimate killing machine. But then Aliens (1986) takes the narrative to a whole other level. You have hordes of Xenomorphs plus the Queen (one of the greatest cinematic creations of all time). But how do you balance some of the odds? Send in the most dangerous and deadly crew of marines you can find. They will handle it…right? Since it is a horror/action flick, they probably don’t have great odds. Then you have Ripley herself. She is a tough and hard-nosed worker in the first film and in the sequel, we get to see the strong maternal nature she has. This development gives her strength and makes her the perfect rival to the Queen of the Xenomorphs herself. Cameron brings in state-of-the-art technology to really bring this film to life. Adding in that action element to the already effect horror just elevates Aliens (1986) that much more.
But what about Cameron’s actual direction in the film? What kind of flair does he bring to the table?
Cameron has that knack for creating films that are endlessly watchable.
First off, the pacing of this film is efficient like no one else can achieve.
I never feel bored traveling to LV-426 and taking on the dangerous horde of Xenomorphs. There is a certain level of energy and power that he can instill in his films as well. The tone is always so important, especially when you are trying to balance multiple genres and feels. When the scares come, like the sneaky Xenomorph on the copter or the Queen making her surprise appearance on the landing pad, they also feel scary and effective. Then you get the intensity of these action sequences which are perfectly shot to highlight all the action and violence on screen. But it cannot always be so serious, right? Cameron can sprinkle in some natural humor that feels character-driven. You know Bill Paxton will always steal the laughs with his oafish charm as one of the marines.
There is plenty to speak about when it comes to Cameron’s direction and the effects he brings to the big screen, but does his screenplay meet those expectations?
Cameron and company can create a sprawling narrative full of action, horror, strong characters, and even some impressive commentary.
The central themes of corrupt and power-hungry corporations have always been a major part of the Alien franchise.
Paul Reiser’s Burke is the perfect conduit for the audience to see Cameron’s viewpoints on big business (even if he is filthy rich himself). Burke is manipulative and only cares about that bottom line. He is willing to sacrifice the lives of innocent people to make serious money from the ultimate killing machine. Like I mentioned before, the maternal bonds littered throughout the film are meaningful. The relationship between Ripley and Newt is incredibly endearing. Newt is such a strong supporting character to Ripley’s arc. The evolution of the Xenomorphs is genius with the inclusion of the Queen.
But you need a strong collection of characters to fill out your film, right?
Aliens deliver on that tenfold. First off…one of the strongest and most memorable action leads in cinema history leads this franchise.
Ripley is one great character who is so well written and portrayed perfectly in a commanding role.
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Sigourney Weaver earned that Oscar nomination for this film as she is tough and intimidating…just ask the Queen about that one. Michael Biehn is an interesting case as he was in some huge films in the ’80s and ’90s. His role as Hicks is calm, cool, and collected as he becomes the military leader of the survivors. His intensity and budding connection with Ripley make him a fan favorite. In stark contrast to Ian Holm from Alien, Lance Henriksen’s Bishop is a supportive and caring figure who is used to great effect to create tension and doubt. As mentioned earlier, Reiser is perfectly slimy and deceptive as the now prototypical evil corporate man character. And of course, Paxton delivers plenty of energy and laughs with his oafish Hudson performance.
This is certainly a great film…but what makes it iconic? What are those scenes and elements that stick in the mind of cinephiles?
First off, this whole film is unlined by the intense and powerful score of the one and only James Horner. What a talent? Lost way too soon. Horner’s work with Cameron is now legendary thanks to Titanic. The effects and designs are disturbing and iconic as they carry over from the original. The Queen is an incredible example of movie magic as this giant puppet captures the imagination. The most iconic shot of the whole is certainly Ripley’s counter to the might of this Queen. Ripley being revealed in that largest yellow loader is exciting enough…then she says THE line. You know what line I am talking about. This shot encompasses so well why Ripley is such a strong and admirable character.
Are you ready to take on this powerhouse sequel?
Cameron was able to take all of what worked in the first film and turned it up to 11.
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The action is intense and exciting, the cast is pitch-perfect, and the genre hybrid lends itself to seeing a film. This is one of the greatest action films put to screen so make sure to treat yourself and enjoy the Xenomorph-filled ride!
