Alien (1979)
97 %
Reviews Counted: 71 Fresh: 69 Rotten:2 Average Rating: 8.6/10
Consensus:
A modern classic, Alien blends science fiction, horror and bleak poetry into a seamless whole.
Runtime: 2 hrs 9 mins
Synopsis: Director Ridley Scott's breakthough film, an immensely successful blend of horror and science fiction, is a classic in both genres and spawned a host of sequels and imitators. Starring Sigourney Weaver as warrant officer Ellen Ripley, ALIEN focuses on the crew of the space cargo ship... [More]
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton
Director: Ridley Scott
Screenwriter: Dan O'Bannon
Story: Dan O'Bannon
Producer: Gordon Carroll, David Giler, Walter Hill
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Screenwriter: Dan O'Bannon
Story: Dan O'Bannon
Producer: Gordon Carroll, David Giler, Walter Hill
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
Comment
The limited strengths of its staple sci-fi horrors always derived from either the offhand organic/ Freudian resonances of its design or the purely (brilliantly) manipulative editing and pacing of its above-average shock quota.
08/16/07
An old-fashioned scary movie set in a highly realistic sci-fi future, made all the more believable by expert technical craftmanship.
06/04/07
Top Critic
There's nothing terribly complex or original about the movie, but it is distinguished by its clever and innovative use of B-movie staples in a hi-tech setting.
06/04/07
An empty-headed horror movie with nothing to recommend it beyond the disco-inspired art direction and some handsome, if gimmicky, cinematography.
06/04/07
Top Critic
This scary feature breathed new life into the horror genre, launching a length film franchise and introducing to audiences a major actress, Sigourney Weaver, in a tough role typically allotted to men.
03/15/07
A movie masterpiece. And on the big screen, the chestburster scene just kills.
12/30/06
The limited strengths of its staple sci-fi horrors always derived from either the offhand organic/ Freudian resonances of its design or the purely (brilliantly) manipulative editing and pacing of its above-average shock quota.
02/09/06
Top Critic
These things no longer surprise or tantalize us as they once did. In a very short time, science-fiction films have developed their own jargon that's now become a part of the grammar.
05/09/05
Top Critic
Top Critic
...a movie so good, so involving and so jolting that it not only takes is place among the great science fiction films of our time, but also the great thrillers.
07/24/04
Ripley, the protagonist of Alien, has more in common with our Puritan ancestors than with us.
05/16/04
Top Critic
Hoo ha! Twenty-four years later, Alien still kicks some serious butt.
01/27/04
Related Forums
Congratulations to Alien!
by: Metafact 7/3/07
by: Metafact 7/3/07
Trailers & Clips
News
Ridley Scott on Blade Runner: The Final Cut: The RT Interview
posted by Tim Ryan December 18, 2007
With the DVD release of Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Ridley Scott has once again revisited his masterpiece, subtly...
posted by Tim Ryan December 18, 2007
With the DVD release of Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Ridley Scott has once again revisited his masterpiece, subtly...
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem -- See What A "Predalien" Looks Like!
posted by Jeff Giles October 26, 2007
According to USA Today, when you cross an Alien with a Predator, the result is "either a bad joke or a box-office hit."...
posted by Jeff Giles October 26, 2007
According to USA Today, when you cross an Alien with a Predator, the result is "either a bad joke or a box-office hit."...
"Alien vs. Predator 2" is a "Horror Movie"
posted by Scott Weinberg May 30, 2007
It's been a while since we've done anything on "Alien vs. Predator 2," so let's talk about that one for a few...
posted by Scott Weinberg May 30, 2007
It's been a while since we've done anything on "Alien vs. Predator 2," so let's talk about that one for a few...
"Incredible Hulk" Screenwriter Discusses the Norton Signing
posted by Scott Weinberg April 17, 2007
When it comes to adapting comic books, there are several "go-to" screenwriters -- and Zak Penn is...
posted by Scott Weinberg April 17, 2007
When it comes to adapting comic books, there are several "go-to" screenwriters -- and Zak Penn is...
IGN RSS Feeds