Aliens Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Woman who hates space bugs goes back to space to kill more space bugs and becomes a mom in the process.

🍿 Aliens: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Waking Up to a Changed World

57 years after the events of Alien, Ellen Ripley is rescued from deep space. She learns that the planet LV-426, where her crew first encountered the Xenomorph, has been colonized. Her warnings about the alien are met with skepticism, leaving her frustrated and haunted by nightmares. When contact with the colony is lost, Ripley is asked to join a team of Colonial Marines to investigate. Despite her trauma, she agrees, driven by a need to confront her fears and prevent a potential catastrophe.

The Hunt on LV-426

The team arrives on LV-426 and finds the colony deserted, with signs of a fierce struggle. They discover that the colonists have been transformed into hosts for the Xenomorphs. The marines venture deeper into the colony, encountering the aliens and suffering heavy losses in a chaotic and intense firefight. Ripley steps up, using her experience to guide the survivors. They discover a young girl, Newt, who has managed to survive the massacre, forming a strong bond with her and becoming a surrogate mother figure.

Betrayal and Survival

Ripley uncovers a sinister plot by Carter Burke, a Weyland-Yutani representative. He intended to use the colonists as hosts to smuggle Xenomorph embryos back to Earth. Facing betrayal from within, the group must fight not only the aliens but also Burke’s self-serving schemes. As the colony’s reactor threatens to explode, Ripley, Newt, and the remaining marines must find a way to escape the planet and survive the onslaught of Xenomorphs.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ripley (Sigourney Weaver): The sole survivor of the Nostromo, she returns to battle the aliens and protect Newt, facing her fears and trauma.
• Newt (Carrie Henn): The young survivor of the alien attack on the colony, she forms a strong bond with Ripley, representing innocence and vulnerability.
• Corporal Hicks (Michael Biehn): A hardened Marine, he becomes a trusted ally to Ripley, offering his combat skills and developing a respectful relationship.
• Bishop (Lance Henriksen): An android with a strong sense of duty, Bishop aids the team with technical expertise and demonstrates loyalty, earning Ripley’s trust.
• Burke (Paul Reiser): The Weyland-Yutani representative, Burke is driven by corporate greed, endangering the team and ultimately betraying them for profit.
• Private Hudson (Bill Paxton): A boastful but ultimately cowardly Marine, Hudson provides comic relief but succumbs to fear when facing the overwhelming alien threat.
• Private Vasquez (Jenette Goldstein): A tough and capable Marine, Vasquez proves her bravery in combat and stands as a strong female presence alongside Ripley.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ripley: “Get away from her, you bitch!” – Ripley’s defiant declaration to the Alien Queen as she battles to protect Newt in the power loader.
• Hudson: “Game over, man! Game over!” – Hudson’s panicked exclamation after realizing the dire situation they’re in and the lack of rescue prospects, a line which has become a catchphrase.
• Ripley: “I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.” – Ripley’s suggestion after assessing the alien threat, highlighting the drastic measures needed for survival.
• Vasquez: “Let’s rock!” – Vasquez’s enthusiastic and confident declaration before engaging the aliens, showcasing her fearless attitude and readiness for battle.
• Burke: “It’s a business decision.” – Burke’s callous justification of his morally reprehensible actions, revealing his utter disregard for human life in favor of profit.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $85,160,248
• Worldwide Gross: $131,060,248

💥 Aliens Reviews

Personal Review

Aliens is one of those movies that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. I remember seeing it as a kid and being absolutely terrified but also completely thrilled. Sigourney Weaver is amazing as Ripley, and I love how she becomes this fierce protector. The scene where she’s yelling at the Alien Queen, ‘Get away from her, you B****!’ is iconic! It’s a non stop adrenaline rush that I still enjoy watching today.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction action movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong female leads”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful and thrilling stories”
  • “Fans of the Alien franchise”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and gore”
  • “Creature horror and jump scares”
  • “Themes of corporate greed and betrayal”
  • “Some disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Aliens is a superb science fiction thriller, with the first half a slow build of dread that is then unleashed in a furious explosion of violence. The special effects are great, but the real strength of the film is its ability to make us care about the characters, even the tough-as-nails marines.
• Variety: “James Cameron’s Aliens is an intense, action-packed ride. While it differs in tone from Ridley Scott’s original, it’s a worthy successor that delivers thrills and suspense in spades. Sigourney Weaver shines as Ripley, cementing her status as an action icon. The film’s visual effects and creature design are top-notch, creating a truly terrifying cinematic experience.
• Empire Magazine: “Aliens is a rare sequel that surpasses the original. James Cameron masterfully blends action and horror, creating a relentless, pulse-pounding experience. The characters are memorable, the dialogue is sharp, and the action sequences are spectacular. A true masterpiece of the science fiction genre.

Audience Reactions

Ripley’s transformation into a protective mother figure resonates deeply.: The blend of action and horror is perfectly balanced, creating a thrilling experience.

Private Hudson’s comedic relief provides a welcome break from the tension.: The special effects and creature design still hold up remarkably well.

Vasquez’s badass attitude and unwavering bravery are inspiring to viewers.: The strong female characters make this movie stand out.

Overall Consensus: A thrilling and influential sci-fi action masterpiece that elevates the franchise to new heights.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Visual Effects)- 1987
2. Academy Award (Best Sound Effects Editing)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James Cameron filmed the Colonial Marines’ introduction scene last to create a realistic camaraderie among the actors, as they had already spent months filming together.”
• “The exterior shots of the atmosphere processing station were filmed at the now-demolished Acton Lane Power Station in London.”
• “The special effects were achieved using practical methods, prior to digital manipulation becoming common, making the film’s visuals particularly impressive for its time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Aliens?

Aliens is available to stream on platforms such as Disney+ and HBO Max, depending on your region. You can also rent or purchase the film on demand through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Aliens, you might like these similar films:

• Predator (1987): A group of highly skilled soldiers facing a deadly, unseen enemy in a hostile environment.
• Starship Troopers (1997): Focuses on a militaristic future where soldiers battle insect-like aliens, emphasizing action and camaraderie.
• The Thing (1982): Features a group isolated in a remote location battling a shape-shifting alien, with a strong emphasis on suspense and paranoia.
• Edge of Tomorrow (2014): Humans fighting against an overwhelming alien force with advanced technology and desperate tactics, action packed.
• Event Horizon (1997): A rescue crew investigates a spaceship that disappeared and discovers a horrifying, otherworldly presence.

🛒 Aliens Related Products

• Aliens: The Original Screenplay: Read the original vision for Aliens with this digital screenplay. See the story as James Cameron initially conceived it.
• Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps Cooperative Board Game: Lead a team of Colonial Marines through harrowing missions against the Xenomorph horde in this strategic board game for 1-6 players. Experience the terror and adrenaline of Aliens in a cooperative tabletop format.
• Aliens: Colonial Marines – Steelbook Edition – Xbox 360: Fight alongside your friends as a squad of hardened Colonial Marines in this first-person shooter set in the Aliens universe. The Steelbook Edition includes exclusive in-game content and collectible packaging.
• Aliens Movie Poster: Celebrate the cinematic brilliance of ‘Aliens’ with this high-quality poster. Featuring iconic imagery, it captures the essence of this classic science fiction thriller. Perfect for displaying your love for the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Aliens features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ripley’s Rescue” – performed by James Horner
• “Combat Drop” – performed by James Horner
• “Resolution and Hyperspace” – performed by James Horner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Aliens Should Have Ended

Ever wondered what would have happened if Ripley had a little more firepower against the Queen? This animated short provides a hilarious and creative alternate ending to the iconic Aliens scene.

Aliens – Movie Review

Dive into a comprehensive review of Aliens by Chris Stuckmann. He delves into the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and its enduring legacy in the sci-fi horror genre.

An Analysis: Aliens

Prepare for a thought-provoking journey as this video essay analyzes Aliens through a political lens. It sheds light on the film’s exploration of themes like colonialism and corporate greed.

Aliens- Combat Drop Alternate Version

Experience the iconic combat drop from Aliens in a whole new light! This fan-made edit features an unused musical score that adds an extra layer of intensity to the already thrilling sequence.

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