Very rarely do you find a film that is as good if not better than its predecessor. Even more rare is a sequel that delivers upon expectations when made by a different director. Aliens essentially delivered on everything that a science fiction sequel with a higher budget and an established fan base should: more aliens.
Aliens is bigger and badder than the first. Though many sequels will be tempted to draw away from plot, the original had so much set up that could be continued upon. For a start, an iconic movie monster had already been established and a cliffhanger had been left. What happens to Ripley after she is jettisoned into space? Well, she is naturally found in the vast and immeasurable expanse that is space and naturally, the planet that had the alien has now been colonized. And naturally, that monster has spread and established a colony and hive, like killer bees feeding on the colorful flower of mankind.
The second film took more time to develop and look into the characters. While a crew of army marines may have the look of any other action film, the connection that they all share is vital to their survival. The acting isn't there, but the chemistry is. Ripley's relationship with the orphan Newt creates for a mother-daughter relationship without any element of romance from a significant other male character, a nice touch to a film driven by its action.
The first rated-R film that I ever saw, Aliens delivered with action more action than its predecessor while also maximizing the potential of the franchise's original monster. Conclusion: Watch It
Rating: 8.75/10
