Aliens (1986)

 

The planet from Alien (1979) has been colonized, but contact is lost so a rescue team with impressive firepower is sent to investigate.

Sensible sequel to a sci-fi classic and upping the ante on suspense and action, although there are some silly moments (alien mother riding the elevator).

On re-watching: A step down from the original, more focused on action, but it certainly delivers the goods.

Halliwell*: "Frightening but mechanical sequel with none of the half-assed poetry of the original."

Maltin***1/2: "Intense, exciting sequel directed by Cameron the same way he did THE TERMINATOR - once it gets going there's just no letup! Weaver is sensational in compelling leading role."

 

The Terminator (1984)

Titanic (1997)

Titanic (1997)

Avatar (2009)

A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.

Spellbinding ecological science fiction with great visuals and a simplistic message.

On renewed viewing: great to warch, but the White Saviour plot is still disconcerting.

Maltin***: "Innovative, futuristic fable, set in a rich computer-generated environment and populated with strikingly designed creatures...Thrilling at times, with a cornucopia of wonders to behold. Cameron's parable about imperialism too often resorts to B-movies cliches and goes on too all long, but the visual experience trumps most of its flaws."

Titanic (1997)

On the set: Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet