Genre Guesstimation – Alien (1979)

The idea behind this feature (Genre Guesstimation) is for me to watch a bunch of new movies (or ones that I haven’t seen many times) from the chosen monthly GG genre in order to expand my knowledge of movies within that particular genre.

This month’s Genre was chosen by Sherise of the Girl Who Loved to Review and she chose Movies from the 1970’s as the Genre for September.  If you want to still submit a movie, the deadline is 25 September. Just send it to me at 70s@movierob.net

Let’s see if I felt that this movie would be worthy of being in the company of my others favorite movies in the genre of Movies of the 1970’s…

“There is an explanation for this, you know.” – Ash

Number of Times Seen – Between 5-10 times (cable in the 80’s, video, 11 Feb 2011 and 16 Sep 2015)

Brief Synopsis – After a cargo ship travels to a distant planet on a rescue mission, the crew soon finds out that they have inadvertently let another life form on board

My Take on it – This is a movie that I’ve seen numerous times, but never connected enough to it like its immediate sequel.

The movie is a borderline horror/thriller that does a great job showing us great expanse shots of space and a new alien world while also keeping us on the edge of our seats throughout.

I believe that I have enjoyed this movie more every time I watch it because I can appreciate what is being said and done more thru each new viewing.

I use to only like this movie, but after rewatching it now, it now ranks as my second favorite (after Aliens (1986) of course) 🙂

They have an unbelievably talented cast here led by Tom Skerritt and Sigourney Weaver who are both excellent here.  The rest of the crew is played by Yaphet Kotto, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm and Veronica Cartwright.

This is definitely a movie that I wish I could have seen in the theater because it seems like it made especially for that kind of viewing.

There is so much that one can speculate about what is really happening and that elevates the level of suspense throughout.

…and of course who can forget John Hurt’s most famous scene.

Bottom Line – Great sci-fi suspense film that gets better and better every time you watch it. Excellent cast led by Skerritt and Weaver.  Part of the thrills here are the unknown and unexplained.  Probably amazing watching in the theater. Highly Recommended

Genre Grandeur Worthy? – Most definitely. While not the best in the series, this is truly groundbreaking cinema at it’s best.

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia –  In the wide shots of the Space Jockey prop, Ridley Scott used his two sons to make the prop seem bigger. (From IMDB)

Rating – Oscar Worthy

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