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BY MAX COLSTON | A group of
scientists aboard a spaceship heading back towards earth intercepts an
SOS signal coming from a desolate planet. Unfortunately, they're obligated
to investigate. After a rough and scary landing, three of the crew members
go to investigate the source of the signal. I think you all know the rest
of the story. If not...GO SEE IT!
The Alien franchise defines the term 'cash cow'. So it was only a matter
of time before someone over at 20th Century Fox would come up with the
bright idea of re-releasing the film that started it all.
EXPECTATIONS
To tell the truth, I had never seen the original Alien or its first follow-up,
James Cameron's Aliens. I don't know why. But I had been unlucky enough
to have to sit through the two catastrophes that are Alien 3 and Alien:
Resurrection. So I went into this film with a clean mind.
What I'd Seen
Surprisingly, not much. I watched the trailer online before I left to
go to the screening, and I'd seen a couple of TV spots. But besides that...nothing
else.
What I'd Heard
I'd heard that the Director's Cut wasn't really that much different than
the original version, that Ridley Scott actually shaved a few seconds
off from scenes that were in the original version and had added in only
a couple of scenes.
What I Wanted
I wanted something that the tagline promised: The Scariest Movie of All
Time.
EXPERIENCE
What Turned Me On
Alien is a very rare type of film. Made with such craft, and unfolds
like a dream. It has been a while since I've been treated to a film like
this. This year I've been force fed more bad movies than I can remember,
and to sit through something like this is very refreshing.
This film contains some of the most gorgeous and horrifying imagery ever
possessed in a horror film. I don't think I've ever been in awe over the
gorgeous setting of a motion picture while at the same time watching a
guy having a monster burst through his chest. That's the kind of director
Ridley Scott is. Legend, Blade Runner, Gladiator...all movies that contain
as much story as imagery.
As I watched in amazement as that obviously fake monster exploded out
of that man's chest and sprinted across the table, I said to myself..."Now
that's what I call filmmaking." Sometimes I wish that those new fancy-schmancy
special effects were never invented. I could give you a list of several
films (Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and The Matrix Reloaded
just to name a couple) that were somewhat ruined by its digital effects.
I personally think films should revert back to the old school way of making
movies. Kill Bill: Volume One, my favorite film of the year so far, is
an example of old school filmmaking. None of it was fake. In that film,
everybody was real. Filmmakers these days are getting too damn lazy.
What Turned Me Off
As I said above, Alien is a rare film that is made with such craft and
beautifully unfolds. I cannot think of a thing that I didn't enjoy about
this film.
Lines Worth Repeating
Ripley: (referring to the Alien) How do we kill it?
Ash: You can't.
Never Saw That Before
There's a number of things I could list. But for those of you who haven't
seen it yet, I won't ruin it for you.
Fidget Factor
You won't even notice the grindings of your teeth falling into your lap.
So you probably will be too glued to the screen to take a peek at your
watch.
AFTERMATH
I left thinking...Whoa. I'm glad I got to experience
that.
I left saying...Where's the nearest video shop? I'm
gonna go rent Aliens.
Expiry Date... I'm skeptical as to how long this film
is going to stay in theaters, so you might want to go see it fast. It
really isn't opening in a lot of theaters and is probably going to be
gone within a month. But lets hope not.
When it comes out on DVD, many cult-followers will probably
buy it, even if they already own it. But please, go to the theaters and
see it. It certainly is a magical experience.
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