Alien (1979)

It feels like I've waited a decade to finally see Alien. I kept hearing how Ripley is one of the most badass female characters ever, how it's super scary despite its antiquated special effects, how it's got some killer twists, etc. And I totally heard correctly. The first in the long-running sci-fi series, Alien takes place on a futuristic commercial space ship manned by seven people. They receive an unintelligible signal from a nearby planet, but the investigating team finds only an abandoned ship and a host of alien eggs, one of which attacks Kane (John Hurt) by implanting itself onto his face.

Despite Officer Ripley's (Sigourney Weaver) concern about quarantine procedures, he is allowed back on the ship in the hope that Science Officer Ash (Ian Holm) can remove the creature safely. Turns out the alien has settled deep into Kane's body and it would kill him to remove it. Soon enough the alien busts out and is running around the ship, growing larger insanely quickly, snatching up humans in its path, and leaving a trail of blood. As more of the crew is picked off, Ripley takes matters into her own hands and stops at nothing to destroy it.

This movie is pretty damn awesome. It starts off slowly with lots of dialogue and long scenes, but escalates faster and faster until I was on the edge of my seat and freaking out at every turn. The set is detailed and sinister, aiding along the tightly-paced screenplay. The effects are impressive, considering the time period, and darkness and framing are used very well to create the desired terrifying atmosphere. Plus, there are some really great unexpected twists, making this much more than "a bunch of people are trapped in a place being chased by a monster".

The main thing that bothers me in Alien is how stupid everyone who isn't Ripley is. She's like, "Hey guys, we should definitely quarantine Kane because who knows how everyone could be affected. We don't want to bring some deadly disease or malicious alien back to earth." And everyone else is like, "No, we don't really feel like listening to reason." Then she has a good plan to stop it, and everyone else just doesn't listen to how logical she is being. Ugh. It was just so frustrating. But it felt good to know that Ripley would emerge as the hero, since she is so incredibly badass and smart. I was so won over by Sigourney Weaver, who has slowly been working her way into my favorite actresses list, that now I pretty much think she is the best person ever. I'm glad she got the role despite the fact that it was originally written for a man.

This movie is rad. Everyone should see it. I'll be doing a marathon of the rest of the series next time I'm home.

4.5/5