Due to the announcement of Alien Covenant, it was only appropriate for this months' Movie Marathon Monday that I review the original Alien series! Spawned in 1979, the franchise went on to have vast success, including crossovers with the much-loved Predator, and a prequel series including Prometheus, with the latest instalment due for release on 19th May.
The Alien Quadrilogy
Alien
Aliens
Alien 3
Alien: Resurrection
Runtime: 7hr 57min
Plot
Throughout all four films, main character Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) is the most worthy adversary to take on the Xenomorph; a terrifying extra-terrestrial creature. The movies, set in space in the distant future, uncover an intelligent, merciless alien, after which comes multiple attempts from humanity to weaponise them - to horrifying effect.
The quadrilogy begins with one of the most acclaimed horror movies of all time, only to end with one of the greatest disappointments in movie history. Despite this, all of the films are entertaining in their own right - the regular change in directors create different styles and tones for each production, meaning no film is a re-hash - and while a couple didn't hit all the right notes (Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection), they are still fun to watch.
High Points
The first ever chest burster; Alien and Aliens consistently fantastic throughout; some iconic moments in Alien 3; multiple plot twists to keep you gripped.
Low Points
Alien: Resurrection as a whole (sorry, not sorry!); Aliens kind of detracting from the virtually impenetrable nature of the Xenomorph.
Fun Fact
The preliminary Xenomorph design sketches were deemed so chilling that they were held up in airport customs until Dan O'Bannon (Alien screenplay writer) went down to the Los Angeles airport and explained they were merely designs for a horror movie.
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