The crew of a mining ship deep in space must face a unspeakable terror .

In Brief
The mining ship 'Nostromo' are on there return journey with millions of tons of ore for earth. They are in a state of suspended animation as the journey takes a very long time but are woken up by the ships computer , 'Mother', that has detected a distress beacon and must investigate to see if they can be of any help. They land on an uncharted, inhospitable planet and a soon discover an alien ship that had crash landed a long time ago. With interpretation they investigate further only to find some large eggs in the bowels of the ship. One of these eggs bursts open and the creature inside attaches its self too the crew member Kane's (John Hurt) face and paralyses him. On returning to the ship Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the second in command on finding out Kane's condition refuses entry fearing contamination but Ash (Ian Holm) the ships medic lets them in anyway. Dallas (Tom Skerritt) the captain authorises its removal even thought it risks Kane's life but they are unable as the creature defends itself and almost cripples the ship in the process. They decide to place him back in suspended animation and let the company take care of him on there arrival back to earth. They are unaware of the danger they are in as the creature is using its host as an incubator for a much more dangerous alien which soon places them in a life and death struggle.

1st Time Around
This is one of my all time favourite films and was a landmark in film making that has spawned a whole series of sequels and spin offs and for good reason. The story is told in a matter of fact and mature way with the technology of the time a by product rather than a feature. The ship and its crew are completely believable as is the Alien who is seriously scary. The ship is city size which gives them plenty of tunnels and dark places to explore and for the alien to hide and provides an excellent and original backdrop. The tension at times can be cut with a knife and as the film build so does the fear factor, enhanced by the dark and menacing sound track as the Alien goes on the rampage. The effects in the film are very good and feel as if they belong there rather being added. All the cast put in brilliant performances and look genuinely scared to death. If you scare easily watch with the lights on as it will have you squirming by the end. A classic in every respect.

2nd time around
Endlessly watchable. With quality acting and a palpable tension this film will go down as one of the greats. Not for the faint hearted though.

10/10