“I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.” – Hicks (Michael Biehn) agrees with Ripley (Signourney Weaver) in Aliens as they surviving marines search for the best plan in dealing with the swarming, unstoppable xenomorphs. James Cameron delivers a kick-ass sequel to Ridley Scott’s highly successful Alien (1979) in a rare case of where the franchise gets even better the second time around. Thomas Mariani, Doc Rotten and Christopher G. Moore tackle another gruesome horror film from the 1980s. To make sure this episode is a super special event, Chris Rotten “Son of Rotten” is joining as a guest host.
Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 88 — Aliens (1986)
Following the success of Terminator, director James Cameron heads to outer space, pitting a unit of marines against an army of xenomorphs from Alien (1979). His sequel to the Ridley Scott classic is a critical and financial success propelling the director into the spotlight as one of Hollywood’s top directors. Back for another face to face with the alien monster is Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as Ellen Ripley, the lone survivor of the Nostromo. Paul Reiser is on board as Carter J. Burke, a representative of the Wayland-Yutani Corporation. Lance Henriksen portrays Bishop an android far different than the “glitchy” Ash (played by Ian Home in Alien). Carrie Henn makes a strong impression as the young “Newt” who has survived the alien attacks on LV-426 for 14 days. The marines consist of Michael Biehn (Hicks), Bill Paxton (Hudson), William Hope (Lt. Gorman), Ricco Ross (Frost), Al Matthews (Apone), Jenette Goldstein (Vasquez), Mark Rolston (Drake) and more.
The cast is incredible with great lines. Who can forget “Get away from her, you bitch!” and “That’s it, man. Game over, man. Game over!” But the film also has impressive special effects. Not only are the aliens themselves better portrayed in Aliens but the film also introduces the Alien Queen. The sheer size and stature of the creature is overwhelming and visual treat. The fight between the queen and Ripley (within an exosuit cargo-loader) is one of the most memorable battles in 80’s cinema. Thomas Mariani, Doc Rotten and Christopher G. Moore relive and review the film in all its glory with special guest host Chris Rotten.
We want to hear from you – the coolest, most gruesome fans: leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at thomasmariani@decadesofhorror.com or docrotten@decadesofhorror.com. We also want to be sure to thank Neon Devils for their killer track “Bone Chillin'” which we use for the intro and outro of this show.
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Doc a lifelong fan of horror films, sci-fi flicks and monster movies first discovering Universal Monsters and Planet of the Apes as a young child in the 1970's searching out every issue of Famous Monster of Filmland (and, later, Fangoria). Favorite films include Jaws, The Car, The Birds, The Tingler, Vampire Circus and The Exorcist. Still a huge fan of horror films from the 70s, Doc continues consuming horror films to this day for the site, for the podcasts and for the fun of it all.
