Alien Movie Review

Taught direction by Ridley Scott, stunning sets and special effects, and an excellent ensemble cast make this a suspenseful roller coaster ride in outer space. In the claustrophobic tradition of The Thing, an intergalactic freighter is invaded by an unstoppable, carnivorous, acid-spewing alien intent on picking off the crew one by one. While the crew desperately seeks a way to destroy the creature, their numbers and patience dwindle. Sigourney Weaver is exceptional as Ripley, the strong-willed survivor who goes toe to toe with the crew and the Alien. Fantastic futuristic visual design and a horrific creature designed by H. R. Giger create a vivid sense of impending doom, enhanced further by the ominous Jerry Goldsmith score. Oscar-winning special effects include the classic alien “birth,” as the creature springs from the chest of its first victim. This scene was said to have movie-goers heading for the bathroom when the film was first released. Successfully followed by Aliens and Alien 3 (with whispers of Alien 4 still to come). Remember, in space no one can hear you scream.

1979 (R) 116m/C Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Yaphet Kotto, Harry Dean Stanton, Ian Holm, John Hurt; D: Ridley Scott; W: Dan O'Bannon; C: Derek Vanlint, Denys Ayling; M: Jerry Goldsmith. Hugos ‘80: Dramatic Presentation; Academy Awards ‘79: Best Visual Effects; Nominations: Academy Awards ‘79: Best Art Direction/Set Decoration. VHS, Beta, LV FOX