Money, Money, Money: Review of All The Money in the World

All the Money in the World

Director: Ridley Scott

By Alex Watson

Before it was even released, All the Money in the World was met with a storm of controversy. After the numerous sex misconduct scandals against original star Kevin Spacey- Ridley Scott chose to cut him from the final release completely. His scenes were quickly reshot for $7.5 million to make the December 22 release date. Veteran Christopher Plummer (ironically Scott's original choice) stepped in only weeks before the movie dropped. The gamble has worked tremendously and Plummer is outstanding as J.Paul Getty and his presence dominates throughout.

In Rome, 1973 teenager John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) is kidnapped by a radical group. They inform the boy's mother Gail Harris (Michelle Williams) that unless a ransom is paid, he will be killed. Lacking the funds she is forced to approach her wealthy former father-in-law J.Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer). Notorious for his penny pinching, Getty refuses to part with a dime and instead sends his negotiator Fletcher Chase (Mark Wahlberg) to secure his grandson's release.

As its title suggests All the Money in the World is a movie where money talks. A real-life Ebeneezer Scrooge, Getty's miser tendencies take centre stage. A man more content checking his stock ticker tape than negotiate his own grandson's release. He even has a phone box installed his lavish home where staff give change for its usage. Getty throughout finds a way to work this horrible scenario to both his financial and personal advantage. "To be a Getty is an extraordinary thing. Its like we're from another planet," says John Paul Getty III in voiceover and this couldn't be more accurate. When he is dumped into the van and taken away, Gail is thrust into every mother's worst nightmare. Family loyalty counts for nothing in this piece and the elder Getty is willing to let his own blood suffer than part with a penny.

Scott knows when to turn up the heat in this picture. The kidnapping of John Paul provides some unbearable tension. At first, his captors think this is a slam-dunk and the money will be quickly dispensed. But when days turn into months, their impatience grows more and more frightening. John Paul is being subjected to some horrific and life-changing violence all of which will have audience members looking away (particularly during the notable ear torture scene). This movie, however, feels weakest whenever Fletcher and Gail are on screen. It feels like it is trying to draw out a dramatic and engaging story but failing due to the lack of chemistry between leads. Part of the issue is that we are never sure what precisely Fletcher is supposed to be doing? We know he is ex-CIA and doesn't carry a gun because "It ruins the lining of your suit." Other than that we just know that he makes deals with people.  Character-wise he is only skin deep and is consigned to a mediocre role in events.

The plight of Gail Harris is what makes All the Money in the World so effective. A former Getty now removed, she finds herself on the outside looking in. Forced to try and make nice with the one man she despises, Gail is trying to remain strong in the face extreme adversity. She brings a strength and courage to this picture when it is badly needed. She knows the clock is always ticking and she is always attempting to make the money appear before her son is cut into small pieces. The side story of captor with a heart Cinquanda (Romain Duris) is also effective. Wanting to get rich quick but disgusted at the increasingly vile methods his comrades use to get money, Cinquanda is only potential ally John Paul has to get out.

A last minute replacement, Christopher Plummer was the perfect gamble as J.Paul Getty. Easily winning every scene he appears in, Plummer plays the old billionaire with such an ice cold chill. Although the cliche of him preferring objects to people is overstated, the film sags whenever the veteran Canadian is not onscreen. Already nominated for numerous awards, it's hard to imagine how Spacey could have better this turn. Michelle Williams is also impressive as the desperate Gail. Forced into a corner and "fighting an empire," Williams gives an honest portrayal of a mother who wants little else than her son back. Mark Wahlberg, unfortunately, is stuck in a meaningless part and Fletcher Chase requires little acting other than looking tough.

All the Money in the World is a picture which chillingly shows how sometimes, money comes second to those we love.

Game Over Man: Review of Alien: Covenant

Alien: Covenant

Director: Ridley Scott

By Alex Watson

Ridley Scott's third outing in the Alien universe gets the franchise back on the right lines. Alien: Covenant isn't a perfect blockbuster by any means, but has a far stronger story and greater thrills than the ill-fated Prometheus. While the script by John Ridley does have the odd fault in logic, it's great to see Sir Ridley finally returning this franchise towards its roots again.

Travelling to start a new colony on planet Origae-6, the crew of the USCSS Covenant receives what looks to be a distress signal from another planet. Officer Daniels Branson (Katherine Waterston) is against investigating and insists the mission go on. However, Captain Oram (Billy Crudup) is overly curious about what lies there and the crew isn't keen on going back into hypersleep. When the crew reach the earth-like planet, they meet David (Michael Fassbender), the survivor of Prometheus and immediately his intentions come into question.

Alien: Covenant is given a big opening shake up. Hit by a freak neutrino blast from deep space, android Walter (also Fassbender) is forced to wake the crew early. Demoralised by a death of a beloved crew member, Oram is forced into the Lt. Gorman role and his unpopular decision making is quickly what dooms everyone. What it means to be human is another major subplot touched upon. Opening before the events of Prometheus, David is shown being given a lecture by a young Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) about gods and creation. While playing an 'anaemic' piano rendition of Wagner's 'Entry of the Gods into Valhalla' the creation points out to tell his wannabe god maker "You will die, I will not!" David is the lynchpin throughout Scott's movie, so memorable before and the real lurking threat here. His appearance at first feels like divine intervention, but after we start viewing his 'amateur zoology' our views becomes very skewed.

When the crew the land on the mysterious planet, it seems almost too good to be true. Although it seems habitable, Daniels is quick to notice there are no birds or animals. Soon things get dark and intense and Scott thankfully gives us the return of some many of our beloved creatures such a face huggers and of course, the Xenomorphs! The creatures in this picture play second fiddle to the jump scares and when crew members start having weird objects bursting out their chests- the body count starts to rack up. Although the frequent kills do offer some genuinely creepy moments, there is a lot of other mumbo jumbo that gets in the way. The side plot of David weeding his influence over fellow droid Walter does make for some fine acting moment's- especially his recital of the poem 'Ozymandias' and their flute playing lessons together. The unnecessary diversion into how their kind was not meant to serve and the dreams that affect them only pushes the film away from where it needs to be.

Another issue is the crew themselves, Daniels while affected and suffering from her loss is not a strong enough character for the film to rely on. Likewise with the blundering Oram who seems to continuously worry that is faith will affect his ability to lead this crew. This issue was also present in Prometheus and this crew just feels like a group that is a buffet meal for the aliens. When Scott plays the hits, the plays them well. One claustrophobic sequence sees crew member Karine (Carmen Ejogo) quarantined while a mysterious creature begins to splatter out of her deceased crewmate! While there some good individual moments, it can't beat feeling formulaic. Scott feels like he is desperately trying to recapture the magic of his 1979 classic. Alien: Covenant is a solid entry into this franchise, but not one its fans will fully embrace- despite Mother finally being back!

Katherine Waterston gives it her all as Daniels but she just isn't the strong female character this movie desires. Taking up the torch from Sigourney Weaver is a tough ask- Noomi Rapace also gave unstuck previously. The problem is her character just feels like a blank page and John Ridley didn't seem too bothered about filling it. Out of the all supporting character only Danny McBride's pilot, Tennessee has any kind of likeability. After playing so many memorable jerks in shows like Eastbound and Down and Vice Principals, McBride seems at ease in the role of supporting hero. Once more Michael Fassbender steals the show, only this time he steals it twice. Both Walter and David are Ying and Yang on the persona front. David comes across as the gift that went spectacularly wrong. Through Fassbender, the movie's true villain is born.

Alien: Covenant does give us some joy seeing some of the touches we know and love. Ridley Scott just cannot fully seal the deal.

2015: A Year in Review

It's been another fine year for film on Closer to the Edge which included a Rocky resurrection, Tom Cruise proving he is still top of his game in the action genre and Shakespeare being beautiful. The Fantastic Four boomed yet again and was even slated by its director and Terminator: Genisys taught us to basically ignore everything we learned. Despite these blips it was an otherwise great year, here are the highlights.

Top Ten Films of 2015

1. Sicario (CAN/USA Dir: Denis Villeneuve): Tension personified from the very opening frame, Denis Villeneuve brought us 2015's most pulsating and heart-stopping thriller. Aided by Roger Deakin's stunning photograph of barren landscapes, Villeneuve sucks his audience into the dark underbelly of the drug cartel world. The lines between law and order are completely blurred and learn that in the place, there is no coming down on the right side. With star turns from Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and a quietly threatening Benecio Del Toro, this picture is deserved of the top slot. Read Review. 
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (AUS/USA Dir: George Miller): After spending years in development hell, the wait for The Road Warrior's return was worth every minute. The tale of there and back again might have some on the fence, but when you look at the sheer adrenaline and pure thrills from each action sequence- they pay for the ticket price alone. Tom Hardy was a worthy replacement for Mel Gibson, but as Furiosa, this was Charlize Theron picture. Will there be a fifth installment for Max? At this point, we all hope so. Read Review
3. It Follows (USA Dir: David Robert Mitchell) Sporting one of cinema's most clever story ideas and an excellent advertising campaign, David Robert Mitchell delivered the best horror film in years. Its premise of a person being infected with an unknown entity through sex and having to pass it on to survive was chilling. Even more so was seeing star Maika Monroe being pursued by a variety of creepy individuals. The fear of the unknown ensured a tense ride was to follow and both Monroe and Mitchell emerged as real stars. This also taught you the think twice about who you hook up with! Read Review 
4. Amy (UK Dir Asif Kapadia): After delivering big with Senna, director Asif Kapadia did it again with his homage to one of music's lost talents. Conducting over 100 hours of interviews with Amy Winehouse's nearest and dearest, he succeeded in giving another portrait of the woman we saw stumbled about. Showing her a young woman who loved her music but was lead astray by those closest to her was heartbreaking. By the film's climax, you will have wished that she had stayed away from mulish father Mitch. Watcher her shambolic final gig in Belgrade is certain to bring a tear. Read Review.
5. Room (CAN/EIRE Dir Lenny Abrahamson): Winner of the big prize at the Toronto Film Festival, this picture ensured that Brie Larson has finally arrived in the big time. Adapting Emma Donaghue's beloved novel was never going to be easy, Lenny Abrahamson however, was the man for the task. Larson along with stunning newcomer Jacob Tremblay stole audience hearts at the mother/son duo. This tale of two people confined to a room was a rendering one, the movie's second half in outside world was a surreal but life changing one. Read Review.
6. Red Army (USA: Dir: Gabe Polsky): Reflecting one of hockey's greatest teams was a brutal yet entertaining one. Slava Fetisov made for a humorous yet pained commentator, the former Soviet skipper loved the game but hated the pressure. Under ruthless and widely loathed coach Viktor Tikhonov, players were constantly pushed to the limit for glory. The scene of watching this team dominate the ice with skills and precision were mesmerizing. Defecting to the USA however, brought a darker cloud over the movie as players had to deal with all whole new hostile society. Read review. 
7. Carol (USA Dir: Todd Haynes): This year's greatest and most forbidden love story, Todd Haynes has given us two award-worthy performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Set against the backdrop of the repressed 1950's this love is full of pained longing and unspoken words. There was more to this picture than two ladies in love and Haynes gave us a realistic impression of what people go through when picking up the pieces in life and having to forge their own identity. Rich in both story and characters, Haynes delivered one of his finest in years. Read Review.
8. Creed (USA Dir Ryan Coogler): Resurrecting the Rocky franchise was one of 2015 most pleasing surprises. Reuniting Fruitvale Station's Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan resulted in a stunning one-two punch. New Creed offspring Donnie has paved the way for an excellent new side project. A hungry and determined presence, he has our attention from the outset and Coogler emerges as a real talent behind the lens during the fight sequences. Sylvester Stallone was the real star and showed us the  Rocky from old and how good he can be out of the ring. Bring on the next episode. Read Review.
9. The Martian (USA Dir: Ridley Scott): Back in the sci-fi saddle again, Ridley Scott delivered his most enjoyable recent effort. Expertly walking the line between drama and comedy, this tale of Matt Damon stranded on Mars never fails to entertain. Character Mark Watney makes a funny yet adaptable lead and his constant use of brains is what keeps things afloat. What could have possibly been Interstellar type heaviness is dealt with the needed light touch thanks to the smart writing of Drew Goddard and a multi-talented cast. Read Review.
10. Wild Tales (ARG Dir: Damian Szifron): Possibly this year's strongest foreign film offering, Damian Szifron's six tales of revenge were a unique mix. An opening sequence to remember as all passengers of a plane to their horror realizes they all know the same man. 'The Bomb' sequence proved the most as Ricardo Darin takes out his frustrations out on a shady towing company. The most offbeat black comedy we will likely see in a long time, it would be fascinating to see Szifron get his hands on a Hollywood picture. Read Review 

Best of The Rest 

11. Macbeth (UK Dir: Justin Kurzel) A barnstorming, violent and hypnotic adaptation, Kurzel breathes new life into Shakespeare. With great lead turns by Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, these two give Macbeth and Lady a wonderful human touch amidst the madness. DP Adam Arkapaw delivers some of 2015 most beautiful cinematography.

12. Crimson Peak (USA Dir Guillermo Del Toro): Mexican maestro Guillermo Del Toro delivered his strongest American offering yet. Suitably creepy along with being hauntingly lovely, Mia Wasikowska had her hands full with any number of vengeful spirits. Let's not forget the weird brother and sister combo of Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain either.

13. Goodnight Mommy (AT Dir: Veronica Franz & Severin Fiala): Any person who has ever considered having children may want to reconsider. The eerie ambiance of the lakeside house is disturbing from the get-go as two twins believe their heavily bandaged mother (Susanne Wurst) is an imposter. A growing malice takes over in the movie's second half and things take a nasty turn. 

14. Ex Machina (UK Dir: Alex Garland): Writer Alex Garland showed his directing credentials and gave us a thought provoking film on what is means to be human. Three-way tug of war between Domnhall Gleason and reclusive inventor Oscar Isaac for the affection of lady AI Ava was scintillating. With a star turn from Alicia Vikander, this movie proved a rare beast. 

15. Brooklyn (EIRE/CAN Dir: John Crowley): All movie tipping its hat to anyone who has ever moved to a strange new land, Crowley's film was a delight. Saoirse Ronan shone brightly as an Irish girl lost in homesickness in 1950's New York. Fitting into a new society is never easy, but sometimes life teaches us strangers are the best cure.

Male Star of 2015: Michael Fassbender

By far this year's stand-out figure, Fassbender has captured the screen with force in each of his efforts. Bold and stubborn in Steve Jobs, mysterious in Slow West and a mad wonder as Macbeth. Fassbender is now officially among the finest talents of today.

Female Star of 2015: Alicia Vikander

The Swedish beauty has been an effortlessly gracefully presence in each of her movies in 2015. An ambiguous but lovely robot in Ex Machina, a butt kicking vixen in The Man From UNCLE and now Oscar-tipped for the Danish Girl. This may have been a career year, but Vikander hasn't even got started.

Best Director: David Robert Mitchell: It Follows

Directing this year's most original work, Mitchell delivered a movie with such raw scares that it made walking down the road impossible. Showing a real eye for the fears of real people along with the spookiness of the unknown, Mitchell is a director with an exciting future ahead. 

Scene of the Year: Macbeth: Battle Scene

Justin Kurzel showed that battle sequences as almost be as entrancing as they can be savage. Cutting in and out of this slo-mo scene is simply glorious and the power of Adam Arkapaw's work is brought forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puV69CWPfP8

Last Days of Mars: Review of The Martian

The Martian

Director: Ridley Scott

By Alex Watson

As it stands The Martian might just be Ridley Scott's most exciting and enjoyable movie of the 21st century. This tale of an astronaut defying the odds to survive on a planet not known for accommodating human is a riveting experience. After some awkward earlier efforts such as Prometheus and The Counselor, Scott shows that he definitely still one of the top directors around. The winning ingredient to this whole mix though is the cracking script by Drew Goddard which successfully meshes a wicked sense of humor a gradually increasing panic. 

Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is an astronaut stranded on Mars after being assumed dead when he disappeared during a colossal storm. Knowing that a rescue mission is years away, he must use every bit of intellect he can muster and attempt to survive. Back home NASA and its director Teddy Sanders (Jeff Daniels) face a logistical nightmare. How do you bring back a man from such a far distance without a heavy risk? While Watney begins his impossible scenario, his crew led by Melissa Lewis (Jessica Chastain) are still plagued by guilt leaving him behind. 

Almost borrowing moments from Duncan Jones' excellent film Moon, The Martian is mainly our lead character having solo conversations. Watney is a likable and mesmeric lead who even in the face of insurmountable odds is still able to crack a smile while he "sciences the shit" out of this planet. When left for dead when a deathly storm hits, instead of just giving up he miraculously discover he can survive by growing potatoes by using the body waste of his abandoned crew. Against the beautiful and enticing red dust of mars, Watney is able to capture our sympathies, fears and hopes during his diary entries. All the while mocking the disco music collection left by Lewis. 

Back on earth is where the real panic sets in and as Sanders debates with Mars Director Vincent Kapoor (Chiwetel Ejiofor) on the pros and cons are attempting a rescue. This segment is where Goddard's script really shines and despite being very technically heavy there is a fun and exciting against the clock feel. For each bit of progress, there is always a major downfall waiting round the corner (note: always do inspection tests for probe flights). Although Hermes director Mitch (Sean Bean) passionately and vehemently argues for his crew, you get the sense that NASA is more concerned about the PR risk about a failed rescue than the cost of the actual mission.  

When The Martian moves into the closing stages, it provides a adrenaline injection that has been sorely lacking in Scott's recent efforts. Figuring out the precise way to make sure that Watney is not missed by his crew members may be like having a maths and physics lesson crammed into one but it is also damn entertaining. Fatigued by years spent on Mars, we can feel the fierce desire by this man to just get home. Although we hold out hope things will ok, there is still the small factor of the lives of his crew mates? If even one minor thing goes wrong it could mean that six lives not one perish in the depths of space. 

Matt Damon has proven the perfect choice to handle this star vehicle almost unaided and he gives a masterclass in holding on. Watney unlike his other crew mates is a trained botanist and is able to use brains that no one back in Houston is able to use. Damon shows that he is worthy of a nomination come Oscar time. Jessica Chastain is also excellent in her reduced role and gives an excellent demonstration of repressed grief. Lewis is firm but fair leader but not one who believes in going by the book. Jeff Daniels shows just why he is one of the more reliable actors around with a fine turn as conflicted NASA director Teddy Sanders. 

The Martian might be a long and at times might feel like your head has taken a panel beating. For pure thrills and great story this is one of the best experiences you will have in 2015. For anyone attempting space travel in future this is a survival guide to pay attention to.

Movie Plot Concepts Better Than Finished Film

In Time 

Andrew Niccol's futuristic thriller could have been a great re-doing of Logan's Run had it played its cards right. The concept that in years beyond that time literally is money was one that kept the story moving. But the whole idea that one ages past 25 was a little difficult to swallow, could you believe Olivia Wilde was Justin Timberlake's mum? The main catalyst was the flawed transition for a story of survival to being almost a crime thriller. After an engaging first act we were left with a deflated after effect. It was a shame because on the original idea alone, Niccol could have had a winning horse.

Equilibrium

Setting a story in a world (no Don LaFontaine pun intended) where a totalitarian governments rules supreme and humanity is forced to pacify all emotion was an intriguing one. The game changer here was the unfortunate wayward direction from Kurt Wimmer. Its introduction of the fictional karate/gun shooting style 'Gun Kata' made for thrilling and off beat viewing. These sole moments breathed life into what a movie on life support throughout. Tragically what started as a wonderful and thought provoking concept descended into a mindless action movie. Still it makes an interesting double bill alongside The Matrix though.

Hancock

What could have been one of the more memorable superhero comedies was somewhat hashed by director Peter Berg.  Will Smith gave us a few laughs as drunken hero, Hancock but its confusion over its formula style led to mixed result. Berg seemed to be on the fence about whether this was a comedy or a drama? This indecision meant that many laughs were lost in a haze and its never quite got to grips with itself. Originally intended to be stretched over two installments, the decision was made instead to mash it together in one movie. The great late movie twist is revealed too early and lost any effective touch it could have brought.

Prometheus 

The principle issue with this movie's build up was that it was expected by many Alien fans to be another series installment. When it was revealed as a whole new concept, this led to cries of despair. Despite have a potentially great build up to finding out about the Xenomorph's origins, a poor script and some blurred lines of story let the side down. Ridley Scott attempted his best to bring a positive spin on what is a visual effects masterclass. But no amount of sparkle and a fine Michael Fassbender android turn could mask the fans disbelief.

The Men Who Stare At Goats 

When the trailer for Grant Heslov's comedy first debuted, it looked a sure fire hit. His idea of a journalist (Ewan McGregor) following a former psychic spy (George Clooney) and learning the secrets of his life less ordinary seemed a ready-made idea. Disappointingly what followed was a rather drab and flat finished product that failed to live up to the hype. Heslov's movie has some great individual moments and a stunning supporting cast. Despite this it failed to cross over into the critically acclaimed section.

Alex's TIFF 2015 Picks

Soon the 40th annual, Toronto Film Festival will be upon us and again I am proud to be volunteering for this fine event This year I will be taking up residence at the Bell Lightbox Theatre, but I am hoping to provide as many live reviews as I can during the festival.

Here are my picks for this year's festival 

Demolition

Dir: Jean-Marc Vallee  

Chosen as the opening night film for the festival, this one for French-Canadian director, Jean-Marc Vallee already has awards potential about it. When successful investment banker Davis (Jake Gyllenhaal) loses his wife in a car crash, his world begins to fall apart. With an actor like Gyllenhaal abroad, you know this story will be a hard hitting one. Also with support from the likes of Chris Cooper and Naomi Watts- this could be a festival highlight. Closer to the Edge's Best Director of 2014, Vallee is on a fine run of form and it looks like it will continue here!

The Martain  

Dir: Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott again returns to the sci-fi genre and has brought with him one of the finest casts of 2015! Astronaut Mark Whatney (Matt Damon) is left behind and presumed dead after a disastrous mission to Mars. With limited supplies and little chance of survival, his only choice is to beam a signal back to earth. A cast also including Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor and surprisingly Kristen Wiig, Sir Ridley promises one of the big rides of this year.

Freeheld 

Dir: Peter Sollett

Promising to be one the festival's rollarcoaster emotional rides, this effort from director Peter Sollett looks interesting. When New Jersey police detective Laurel (Julianne Moore) is diagnosed with cancer, she and her domestic partner Stacie struggle to secure her benefits to pay her for treatment.  Featuring a pair a great pairing of Julianne Moore and Ellen Page, this is one story that is likely to capture our hearts.

Legend 

Dir: Brian Helgeland

Tom Hardy is always has a fierce presence on screen, so just imagine the effect having him play two characters at once! Based on the story on notorious London mobsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray (Both Tom Hardy) this film recounts the terror they beset upon the criminal underworld in the 1950s and 60s. Expect things to get heated and for Tom Hardy to be likely excellent twice over. The Krays were a formidable force, expect the film to follow suit!  

Black Mass

Dir: Scott Cooper

In what could be one of the performances of 2015, Johnny Depp is infamous Boston mobster Whitey Bulger. Documenting his rise to becoming the most famous criminal in US history, director Scott Cooper has surrounded this film with a fine cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, Joel Egerton and Kevin Bacon. Depp looks like he could be providing us with a career best turn here, expect Toronto audiences to go wild.

Top 4 Alien Series Moments

Chestburster Sequence (Alien)

This scene from Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror masterpiece is without doubt not only the most iconic scene in the franchise, but undoubtedly still the most shocking! As you watch the birth of the Xenomorph from Kane's (John Hurt) chest- you can still feel the winds of change. What would follow next would form the basis of this memorable series.


Brett Looks For Jones (Alien)

When Brett (Harry Dean Stanton) does looking for the ships cat Jones, what follows prove to be master class in both sound, design and pure frights. As we descend into one of the ships engines rooms, all we can hear is the dripping of water and clanging of chains. But the wide open space just builds tension like water rising in dam. However its watching the camera cut away to the cat's face when the moment hits that really stays with us!

Knife Trick (Aliens)

This scene from James Cameron's equally glorious second installment is a great example of comedic touch. What starts as way to amuse the hard living Colonial Marines turns into something very unexpected. As Android Bishop (Lance Henriksen) slides his hand over cocky soldier Hudson (Bill Paxton) his resulting reaction is one of gradual wide eyed shock. It was moments like this that make Aliens such a unique sequel!



Power Loader

At what first appears to be a meaningless device in this film, becomes something else entirely at the climax. When the dreaded Alien Queen resurfaces intent on avenging her dead children- hope seems lost! Cue Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) emerging in what has become one of the franchises most iconic moments. All together now... "GET AWAY FROM HER YOU BITCH!!"