Guide Note:

Aliens is the 1986 sequel to the 1979 movie, Alien. It follows the main character Ripley as she continues to battle the dangerous aliens known as "Xenomorphs." Aliens grossed $10,052,042 opening weekend.

After surviving in hibernation for 57 years Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, is rescued. She is haunted by nightmares of her previous alien encounters. Ripley joins a new expedition to explore the mystery planet that contained the aliens. She learns that during her 57 year hibernation a colony of people from earth was established on the planet and that contact with them has been lost. It is discovered that the aliens have killed all of the colony accept one little girl. An all out battle rages to save themselves from the aliens.

Fast Facts

1. Release Date: July 18, 1986
2. Directed By: James Cameron
3. Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser and Bill Paxton
4. Running Time: 2 Hours 17 Minutes
5. MPAA Rating: R
6. Domestic Box Office: $85,160,248
7. Awards: 2 Academy Awards

I don't know how else to describe this: The movie made me feel bad. It filled me with feelings of unease and disquiet and anxiety. I walked outside and I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was drained. I'm not sure "Aliens" is what we mean by entertainment. Yet I have to be accurate about this movie: It is a superb example of filmmaking craft. — Roger Ebert