I don’t think there’s a pair of related movies out there as tonally different as Alien and Aliens. The first film is a tense thriller, an extra-terrestrial horror that has managed to maintain its charm for decades now. And then there’s Aliens, a sequel which swapped the stalker suspense for a high dose of action that was pitch perfect for its era. And that’s when the series got weird.
Now don’t get me wrong, but I freakin’ loved Alien 3. It’s a magnificent blend of the previous two films, but it also attracted its own fair share of criticism along the way. It’s a polarising movie, the product of studio infighting that reflected on the final flick. And then there’s Alien: Resurrection which makes no frikkin’ sense at all. I mean, that damn Newborn Xenomorph was originally meant to have nightmare fuel levels of monster genetalia across a pair of chromosomes. Go Google it.
Years later, and a proper sequel is on the way. Not a prequel like Prometheus, but a follow-up that has Neill “Elysium” Blomkamp attached. When it eventually starts filming, will be a mystery, But wasn’t isn’t wrapped in secrets, is when exactly this sequel will take place as it looks like it’ll be pulling a Superman Returns and only considering the first two films to be canon. That’s according to Ripley herself, as Sigourney Weaver explained to Entertainment Weekly:
It’s just as if, you know, the path forks and one direction goes off to [Alien 3] and [Alien: Resurrection] and another direction goes off to Neill’s movie.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Aliens, in case you feel like being reminded that you’re old AF right now. To celebrate, Comic-Con will hold a reunion party with the cast of Aliens, and release a special anniversary Blu-Ray edition that includes theatrical and a director’s cut of Aliens. And also commentary, extended scenes, deleted scenes and collectible art cards.
Last Updated: July 7, 2016
Darren Peach
July 7, 2016 at 19:05
Sorry, I have to respectfully disagree. Alien 3 was a terrible attempt but as I understand it, The level of studio interference had more to do with that than David Fincher lacking the credentials to make a good film. But having said all that, following the likes of Ridley Scott and James Cameron was a tall order. After Chappie, I sincerely hope that Neil Blomkamp can redeem himself and become part of the next generation of greats and be seen as their equal. JJ Abrams and Christopher Nolan are definitely part of that elite ilk of film makers.
Admiral Chief Maximum Effort
July 8, 2016 at 07:37
Chappie has been on my watchlist for ages, should I not consider watching it?
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
July 8, 2016 at 07:39
Only if you like Die Antwoord… I don’t
Captain JJ off track
July 8, 2016 at 07:45
What you said
Admiral Chief Maximum Effort
July 8, 2016 at 08:19
Thanks Hammer
[deletes movie]
You saved me from a lot!
Darren Peach
July 8, 2016 at 22:15
Hey. Chappie is pretty much Jar Jar Binks in robot drag. Plus……Die Antwoord…….
Captain JJ off track
July 8, 2016 at 07:44
Chappie was a true low point.
And Nolan lost some respect from me after The Dark Knight Rises, which, although cinematically impressive, was utterly weak.
Captain JJ off track
July 8, 2016 at 07:44
No. Erasing Alien 3 I must disagree with.
miaau
July 8, 2016 at 08:04
Right, so is pulling a Superman Returns a good thing? What a kak movie.
I hope he DOES not pull a superman returns.
And Alllien Resurrection was stupid, but had some humour along the way to make it sort of watchable.
Original Heretic
July 8, 2016 at 08:04
I need to watch Alien and Aliens again. Loved those movies. Alien 3 was good, but yeah, I also don’t think I was nearly on par with the first two.
And I honestly though that the only redeeming aspect of Alien: Rez was Ron Perlman’s awesome performance!
miaau
July 8, 2016 at 08:05
I thought Aliens was much better than Alien, but yes, I too am now suddenly thinking of a re-watch.
“Alien: Rez was Ron Perlman’s awesome performance!” it was pretty damn good. He does provide in such movies level of credibility. somehow.
Original Heretic
July 8, 2016 at 08:08
The guy is amazing. I so wish they finally get their asses into gear and do Hellboy 3 before he needs a wheelchair to move around.
And when he gets killed in a movie, it’s always spectacular.
Jac7
July 8, 2016 at 09:11
One thing I can say about all the Alien movies is that they are all unique in their own way. And, for the longest time, Alien 3 was my favourite film. I don’t know, I liked the whole redemption thing. It wasn’t a conventional sequel, which is so rare now-a-days. It killed off main characters in a very unceremonious way and introduced us to others who were downright creepy, scary and real. Alien 3 turned out quite great for a film that had a lot of studio interference.
GooseZA
July 8, 2016 at 09:11
Alien 3 was great. Resurrection can go.
The Order of the Banana
July 8, 2016 at 12:04
Thank you based Neil! I believe in your directorial powers.
Christian
July 8, 2016 at 15:59
Nah. I disagree. Aliens and Alien 3 & Alien Resurrection are my favorite movies. Shouldn’t erase Alien 3 & Alien Resurrection but Alien 3 & Alien Resurrection is good movie. I want see Ripley 8 clone & Winona Ryder as Call MUST return to Alien 5. Ellen Ripley and Ripley 8 clone & Winona Ryder as Call are my favorite characters but I love Ripley 8 clone as hybrid alien & human is great character. These fans disrespect. Ripley 8 clone is my favorite one best character. I don’t care what haters said. #WeWantRipley8Clone #Ripley8Clone #Alien5 #WinonaRyder