Movie Marathon Monday: The Alien Quadrilogy

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

Image Source

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.

Why watch it?

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.

Monthly Movie Merch

Here is my round-up of this months best movie merchandise..

..the Trainspotting T2 Soundtrack (£9.99), out 27th January & available to pre-order at HMV. Featuring artists from Iggy Pop to Blondie, great for anyone who loves a good throwback - though perhaps not as iconic as the original Trainspotting soundtrack.

..this Justice League & Power Rangers #1 comic (£18.99), available from Amazon. With both a Justice League and a Power Rangers movie out in the coming months, this comic will make for an interesting read for anyone who can’t wait to see their heroes on-screen.

..Rogue One, still currently in cinemas, merchandise is still everywhere to be seen.. My top pick - these fun travel mugs (£10.99) from one of my favourite online retailers, Truffle Shuffle; practical and kinda cool.

..Who’s excited about the release of Logan in March?! This guy right here! Everyone loves a sLogan tee (I’ll try harder!), and this one, available for £17.77 (Red Bubble) in sizes S-XXXL is pretty epic!

..Only a few months away from the latest instalment in the Alien series (reviews coming soon, I promise), and the suspense is already killing me! Begin the hype, get excited, and have some fun with this Alien vs. Colonial Marines Army Builder set, £7.99 from Forbidden Planet.

..And finally.. This Assassins Creed ‘Aguilar’ Pop Figure (£9.99 from Geek Shack) for all of you lovers of the franchise; game and movie alike. People are still going crazy for Pops, so this fun little figure adds to the collection quite nicely - if you haven’t already got it!