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Tag Archives: Lance Henriksen

Alien 3

24 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 44 Comments

Tags

1990's, Alien 3, Brian Glover, Charles Dance, Charles S. Dutton, Danny Webb, David Fincher, Holt McCallany, Horror, Lance Henriksen, Paul McGann, Pete Postlethwaite, Peter Guinness, Ralph Brown, Science Fiction, Sigourney Weaver

Film Title

Alien 3

Director

David Fincher

Starring

  • Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley
  • Charles S. Dutton as Dillon
  • Charles Dance as Clemens
  • Brian Glover as Superintendent Andrews
  • Ralph Brown as Aaron
  • Paul McGann as Golic
  • Danny Webb as Morse
  • Lance Henriksen as Bishop
  • Pete Postlethwaite as David
  • Holt McCallany as Junior
  • Peter Guinness as Gregor

Coming after the effective Alien and action-packed Aliens, Alien 3 didn’t really stand much of a chance. Add to that studio interference and a troubled production that later saw debut director David Fincher express his dislike of the film, Alien 3 wasn’t received warmly upon release. But with the emergence of The Assembly Cut that restores crucial parts to the story, Alien 3 does still have its effective moments. It may still be flawed, but The Assembly Cut is well worth seeing as an improvement upon the version that hit cinemas.

After surviving the events of Aliens, Ripley is in orbit while in hyper sleep with Hicks, Newt and what is left of the android Bishop. A fire on board the spaceship causes their escape pods to be released, resulting in them crash landing on Fury 161. The planet is a bleak place for male prisoners who have now taken on religion in the hopes of repenting for their sins. Alien 3The Facility is run by Superintendent Andrews, who is helped by his lap dog Aaron. Unfortunately for Ripley, Hicks and Newt perish in the landing which devastates her. Her already grim outlook on things is not helped when she finds evidence that an Alien was in fact on board their ship. Stranded on this hostile planet, Ripley, her hair shorn as a precaution against lice, gains the trust of medical officer Clemens, who has a mysterious past. Andrews however is not too happy about Ripley’s presence among the dangerous prisoners. Matters later become shocking as brutal deaths involving inmates are committed. Ripley soon sees that her old nemesis is back and on another killing spree. At first alienated from the inmates, she later gets assistance from Dillon, the wise leader of the prisoners who believes her story. As bodies continue to mount, it’s only a matter of time before the Alien gets to Ripley. But a shocking revelation that links Ripley with the savage creature casts a different light on the subject and Ripley must decide her ultimate fate.

I think I’ll get the flaws of Alien 3 out of the way first. For starters, it gets a little confusing identifying certain characters because they all look very similar with shaved heads and bar code tattoos at the base of their necks. There is also the matter of the design this time around for the Alien. It is still terrifying to look at, but some dodgy CGI involved with it really detracts from some of the effective scenes of horror. Some of the film does feel disjointed and occasionally Alien 3 leaps from scene to scene without a thought. With those negatives out the way, here are the positives, of which many will be surprised that there are quite a lot in this film. David Fincher, although later disappointed with the film, actually makes a good stab at it. He creates a gloomy and hopeless atmosphere of dread among the prison, with roving camerawork capturing every dark corner and dimly lit corridor to Gothic perfection. Ripley and the AlienHe also directs some very creepy scenes of horror, including the Alien cornering an unarmed Ripley and the prisoners using themselves as bait in a terrifying chase. The killing of Hicks and Newt may have detracted many and I was very sad that they died, but I have to say it was a really ballsy idea. The deaths of the characters further contributes to the feeling of a grim future and outcome as the traumatized Ripley must contend with the loss of those closest while trying to remain alive. Out of all the Alien films, Alien 3 is the one that feels most like a requiem for the characters, most of all Ripley who has endured so much suffering at the hands of the Alien but has managed to fight back every time. Elliot Goldenthal contributes a gloomy score of Latin chanting and doom heavy synths to capture the religious beliefs of the inmates and the savagery that will soon befall many of them.

Sigourney Weaver is once again on powerful form as battle-scarred and hard-edged survivor Ripley, filling her with pain, strength and emotional depth. Ripley and the InmatesRipley has become such a rounded character over the course of the last two films and much of this is down to the incomparable work of the talented Sigourney Weaver, who brings so much to the role and delivers an outstanding performance. Charles S. Dutton is supremely effective as the leader of the prisoners, who inspires them with his speeches but will stand for no one stepping out of line and disobeying orders. Charles Dance is used very well as the informative but slightly mysterious doctor who takes a liking to Ripley, while Brian Glover brings gruff and blustering actions to his role as the superintendent of the prison. Ralph Brown is suitably cast as the assistant to the superintendent, who seems to repeat everything he says and doesn’t know what to do when confronted with a mounting crisis. Paul McGann is frightening as the disturbed prisoner Golic, who develops a fascination with the Alien, while Danny Webb is droll and sarcastic as prisoner Morse. Lance Henriksen is unfortunately underused this time as the battered Bishop and this is a real shame. The same goes for Pete Postlethwaite, Holt McCallany and Peter Guinness who are given barely anything to do as other inmates of the facility.

Flawed it may be, but Alien 3, primarily the Assembly Cut, certainly has its merits in terms of atmosphere and main performance from Sigourney Weaver.

 

 

 

 

Aliens

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 59 Comments

Tags

1980's, Action, Al Matthews, Aliens, Bill Paxton, Carrie Henn, Horror, James Cameron, Jenette Goldstein, Lance Henriksen, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Science Fiction, Sigourney Weaver, William Hope

Film Title

Aliens

Director

James Cameron

Starring

  • Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley
  • Michael Biehn as Corporal Hicks
  • Paul Reiser as Burke
  • Carrie Henn as Newt
  • Bill Paxton as Private Hudson
  • Jenette Goldstein as Private Vasquez
  • Lance Henriksen as Bishop
  • William Hope as Lieutenant Gorman
  • Al Matthews as Sergeant Apone

Coming seven years after the horror masterpiece that was Alien, Aliens is a different kind of beast. Whereas the first film was a slow-builder of tension and atmosphere, Aliens is a more action-packed and breakneck film. Saying that is a very effective sequel and its very interesting watching the change in direction and the impressive work once again from Sigourney Weaver. One note before the review begins, I will be reviewing the Director’s extended cut version of this film, not the theatrical edit.

After successfully battling the Alien and destroying her ship in the last movie, Ripley is found floating in her escape pod through space in hyper sleep. Although she originally thought her rescue ship would be picked up soon, 57 years have actually gone by. She is picked up by her employers Weyland-Yutani who ask her questions about why she blew up the ship and doubt her story about battling the Alien. Burke, the slimy financier of the corporation seems to believe her, but Ripley has a tough time getting her point across. Aliens PosterAlso she learns that her daughter back on Earth died while she was in hyper sleep which devastates Ripley. In another horrifying revelation, she learns that the planet that she landed on, named LV-426 has been colonized. Traumatized by her encounter with the Alien, Ripley is soon taken seriously when communications with the colony are mysteriously wiped out. Knowing that Ripley is the only person to face the creature, Burke persuades her to join a team of marines on a mission to the planet. The marines are led by the inexperienced Lieutenant Gorman and among those in the squad are the level-headed Corporal Hicks, joker Private Hudson and tough cookie Private Vasquez. Also joining the party is Burke and Bishop, an android who encounters hostility from Ripley after her experience with Ash in the last movie. Ripley predicts that the mission is doomed and sure enough upon landing on the planet she is proved right. She isn’t just facing one alien this time, there is a multitude of the vicious creatures to contend with. Along the way, Ripley rescues a traumatized young girl nicknamed Newt, who becomes something of a surrogate daughter for her. As terror increases and the body count rises, Ripley must protect herself and the other from the threat of the Alien, including the fearsome Queen that spawns the eggs for the creatures.

The change in direction of Aliens is an interesting thing as the action is brought into the forefront. James Cameron’s assured direction and skill at shooting explosive set pieces is on full display here. If Alien was the lone battle in a floating spaceship, Aliens is the war zone of conflict and bloodshed. While the action and the horror are amazing to behold and crafted with care, Aliens never scrimps on the story beneath it. Ripley and NewtMost primarily Ripley’s personal and emotional journey this time around, as her maternal instincts brought on by the presence of Newt give her the steely strength and fire she needs to take down the Alien. When she faces the Queen Alien, it isn’t just a battle of human vs animal, it’s a battle of mothers as well. James Horner provides the electrifying score of military drums, slithering strings and menacing brass. Visuals in Aliens are outstanding with the dark interiors of ships and buildings becoming menacing and soaked with blood as the group of aliens attack all who enter and created a cocoon like environment to store their hosts.

Sigourney Weaver is once again on fine form as Ripley, showcasing strength, sadness and grit as she battles to protect herself and those around her. Ripley AliensAliens is the film in which Ripley really comes into her own as an iconic character, as we witness her take on the creatures with intelligence and resourcefulness. It is one outstanding performance by Sigourney Weaver that really adds to the impact of the film. Michael Biehn makes for a likable character in the form of Corporal Hicks, who knows how to handle an extreme situation like the one the group finds themselves in. Paul Reiser imbues Burke with a slimy and avaricious quality as he attempts to bring the creature back to the corrupt company in increasingly nefarious ways, with little regard for the people who die in the process. With her wide eyes and wispy voice, Carrie Henn is excellent as the traumatized Newt, who comes to see the determined Ripley as her mother figure. Bill Paxton brings a dash of humour to the role of Hudson, whose loud actions and panicked behaviour do nothing to quell the anxiety building around the group. Jenette Goldstein nails the tough chick part of Vasquez with feisty energy and aggression. Lance Henriksen makes an impression as the sophisticated and intelligent android Bishop, while William Hope as the inexperienced and fear-stricken Lieutenant Gorman and Al Matthews as the chain-smoking Sergeant  Apone have memorable parts.

Tense, action-packed and thrilling, Aliens is a refreshing sequel with cool direction and a powerful turn from Sigourney Weaver.

Scream 3

10 Monday Nov 2014

Posted by vinnieh in Movie Reviews

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

2000's, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Deon Richmond, Emily Mortimer, Horror, Jenny McCarthy, Lance Henriksen, Liev Schreiber, Matt Keeslar, Neve Campbell, Parker Posey, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Foley, Scream 3, Wes Craven

Film Title

Scream 3

Director

Wes Craven

Starring

  • Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott
  • Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers
  • David Arquette as Dewey Riley
  • Parker Posey as Jennifer Jolie
  • Scott Foley as Roman Bridger
  • Patrick Dempsey as Mark Kincaid
  • Lance Henriksen as John Milton
  • Matt Keeslar as Tom Prinze
  • Jenny McCarthy as Sarah Darling
  • Emily Mortimer as Angelina Tyler
  • Deon Richmond as Tyson Fox
  • Liev Schreiber as Cotton Weary

The third entry into the original Scream Trilogy, Scream 3 doesn’t meet the standards set by the first Scream and second film. Yet it does wrap the series up with some witty humour and genuine scares. Scream 3 may be the weakest of the bunch as it falls into the trap of many horror clichés that the other films so greatly lampooned, but it does have some merits that make it enjoyable including the acting and suspense.

In the opening scenes, we see Cotton Weary has now become a major celebrity with his own talk show. As he is driving home one night after filming a cameo in the latest ‘Stab’ movie, he is contacted by none other than Ghostface who proceeds to kill his girlfriend. When Cotton arrives, he is beaten by Ghostface, who asks where Sidney Prescott is. Scream 3 posterRefusing to answer, Cotton is stabbed to death. Sidney, since the events of Scream 2 has isolated herself in the Californian mountains under tight security, hoping to escape the nightmares of her past encounters with Ghostface. Meanwhile, reporter Gale Weathers is drawn into the investigation of Cotton’s death after a photograph of Sidney’s mother is found near his body. It seems the killer has his own agenda by targeting the stars of the latest ‘Stab’ movie in the order in which the die in the script and an interest in drawing Sidney out of her cocoon with some revelations about her late mother. Reuniting with Dewey, Gale begins to investigate the relevance of Maureen Prescott’s pictures with the added help of Jennifer Jolie, the flighty actress playing Gale Weathers in the ‘Stab’ flick. As the body count begins to pile up, Sidney realises she must break out of her isolation and once more face off with Ghostface in order to rid herself of the pain he has caused her. Sidney Prescott Scream 3Yet as we are told via Randy’s video message, with this being a trilogy all bets are off and the usual rules of the horror movie have now been turned upside down.

As I previously mentioned, Scream 3 does not match the heights of the film before it. Part of this is due to the script, which for the first time isn’t written by Kevin Williamson. Whereas he managed to balance the horror and the humour, this one features too much comedy in it and the film suffers as a result. The descent into horror conventions is also a downside as the characters in the past two movies where self-aware of these and mocked them. At least we have Wes Craven’s direction which helps to create many suspenseful moments including a haunting scene in which the isolated Sidney dreams of her mother dressed in ghostly white, who warns that everything she touches dies. Adding to the suspense of the picture is once again the gothic score of morose chanting and slithering drums.

For all of its flaws, at least we have the talented principal cast to fall back on. Neve Campbell once again brings strength and underlying vulnerability to the role of Sidney, who realises that to exorcise her nightmares she must do battle with Ghostface. We see the growth of Sidney in this film and how she can now capably defend herself when threatened with her mind as well as her fists. Courteney Cox shows how Gale has softened but still can’t resist getting her hands on the latest news scoop. She has excellent chemistry with David Arquette as Dewey as the two quietly resume their romance whilst overcoming obstacles. Out of the newer cast, Parker Posey steals the show as Jennifer Jolie, who believes she is better than the real Gale Weathers and has interesting ways of getting into character. She is funny and fawning with her over the top remarks and highly strung personality that really give the film a jolt of much-needed humour. The rest of the supporting cast, which includes Patrick Dempsey, Jenny McCarthy and Emily Mortimer are unfortunately lumbered with uninteresting roles and are purely there to be the victims of Ghostface. Even Liev Schreiber who played Cotton so well in Scream 2 is murdered within 10 minutes of the film starting.

So all in all, Scream 3 doesn’t make as much of an impact as the first two movies. But saying that it does have some effective scares and performances that manage to wrap up the trilogy in a good but not great way.

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