Well folks there we have it, The infamous “Alien” franchise reviewed film by film. What’s that? There’s more? Well let me explain.
Now I know you’re wondering, “But what about Alien vs. Predator, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem and even Prometheus?” Well first of all let me ask you, do you really want me to talk about both “AVP” films? If the answers yes then I remind you they aren’t actually part of the “Alien” series, they’re crossovers, spin-offs and if you really want to enjoy them I suggest you read the comics.
Also “Prometheus”, once again I don’t view it as part of the “Alien” franchise, neither does Ridley Scott or James Cameron who came up with the project. It was wrote as a straight up prequel intended to be a fifth instalment to the series, according to Scott, although “Prometheus shares “strands of Alien’s DNA, so to speak, and takes place in the same universe, Prometheus explores its own mythology and ideas.” So there’s my answer to that one.
But enough of that, let’s talk about the quadrilogy, it’s a series of films that I like to return to frequently and never bore of. The whole concept and designs still affect me to this day, I’ve had more nightmares than I’d like to admit over those darn face-huggers, but I know I’m not alone on that one…… Anyone? Plus who doesn’t love seeing Sigourney Weaver playing the kick ass female lead, her character is easily one of the best written and has so much depth, her on screen presence is never dull.
The design of the aliens could only come from the mind of artist H.R. Giger, unfortunately his work would be tainted when he sue 20th Century Fox over his lack of screen credits for the franchise, he was successful. I do agree with him because if it wasn’t for his concept I highly doubt the film would have been as well remembered as they are. So to H.R. Giger I say, “Thank you for the nightmares, you did a successful job”.
As for the future of the “Alien” franchise, well Joss Whedon had written an Earth-set script for “Alien 5” and Sigourney Weaver has remained open to a role in a fifth instalment on the condition that she likes the story. Before 20th Century Fox greenlit Alien vs. Predator, James Cameron had been collaborating on the plot for a fifth Alien film with another writer. However, upon learning of Fox’s plans for a crossover, he ceased work on his concept. Before he saw the film, Cameron had stated that it would “kill the validity of the franchise”, and that “it was Frankenstein Meets Werewolf” – like “Universal just taking their assets and starting to play them off against each other”, Cameron has ruled out any future involvement with the series.
The “Alien” franchise is very entertaining i had a downslide which isn’t unusual for any film series but it’s always fun to see Ripley kicking alien ass! So enjoy them for what each of them are, “Alien”: mindblowing, “Aliens”: A great sequel, “Alien³”: dark and “Alien Resurrection”: entertaining.
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