Lt_Coffey_182

(2013-06-16 23:02:06)

Well made Sci-Fi

Alien Nation is a cross over between Sci-Fi and the 'buddy cop' genre.What separates this from the usual buddy film is that instead of thedifference being ethnic/class/gender, it is human (James Caan) andalien (Mandy Patinkin).The clichГѓВ©d beginning with the main character's partner being killed isdone very well with stylish gunplay and set pieces. Caan really shinesin the action scenes and it is great to see him in such a tough guyrole. Caan is a great actor and can do more than macho as he shows inthe scenes involving his daughter when Caan displays remorse, makingthe audience feel more sympathetic towards him. Caan aside, the cast isfairly mediocre, full of average actors except Terrence Stamp who putson a good show as the bad guy.Something I loved about this film is how similar everything is to TheTerminator. This is due to the film being produced by Gale Ann Hurd andthere being other members of the Terminator crew present. LikeTerminator, Alien Nation greatly benefits from the dark, murky feel ofthe environment, giving it an edge over a lot of Sci-Fi films whichsuffer from being too 'shiny'.The film does a great job at exploring racism, giving the impression oftime repeating itself regarding the Western civilisations treatment ofblacks when they were forced in to the country. Caan's conversion fromdespising the "Newcomers" to accepting them is admirable andconvincing. It is not an overnight change and it is done discretely,very convincing.As with a lot of escapism films, you can not take Alien Nation tooseriously so it is best to approach this film with an open mind anddesire to be entertained rather than wishing to be introspective. Avery well made, enjoyable film.

(2013-06-16 08:44:17)

Different take on race relations

Excellent movie, possibly overlooked by many people. The aliens have landed, and thank God they are not the Aliens from LV-426. They come to live here and try to get along. They are smart, they work themselves hard, they are an employer's dream. And, they are not always well liked by the earthlings. We just don't always seem to like these "beings". Outstanding movie about a xenophobic cop and his alien partner investigating a series of violent crimes in the alien areas. It's hard to compare this to a buddy-cop movie, or something like Brother From Another Planet. Either way, this movie is very well done, and is a great film for sci-fi or any other class of film.

Lee Eisenberg

(2013-06-09 16:17:29)

interesting allegory

"Alien Nation" portrays the future, when aliens have come to the Earthand become the second class citizens, so to speak. Then, human Det.Sgt. Matthew Sykes (James Caan) and alien Samuel "George" Francisco(Mandy Patinkin) have to join up to stop alien William Harcourt(Terence Stamp) from taking over. Much of the movie seems kind of silly(namely Sykes' one-liners), but they know how to pull it off withoutletting the movie get ridiculous. I think that my favorite part waswhen Sykes and Francisco learn what each other's names mean. The movieis a little strange, but definitely worth seeing. You might say thatthe aliens replace African-Americans as second class citizens.

Mickey M

(2013-06-08 22:15:56)

More a cop movie than a sci-fi movie

In 1988, a spaceship carrying an enslaved alien race crash-lands in the Mojave Desert. Three years later, the aliens now known as the "Newcomers" (or "Slags" to human racists) have been intergrated into Earth society. The movie is set in Los Angeles, California. "LAPD Police Detective Matthew Sykes" (James Caan) and his partner are patroling the area of "The City of Angels" known as "Slag Town" when they come to a "Newcomer"-owned convenience store that is being robbed by heavily armed "Newcomers", who have a human look-out. The partner is killed by powerful artillary that is loaded into the weapon of one of the "Newcomers". Just before backup arrive on scene, the one who killed "Sykes'" partner gets away. The next day, "Sykes'" captain announces that a "Newcomer" has been promoted to the rank of Detective, and asks for volunteers to show him the ropes. The "Newcomer" is "Sam Francisco" (Mandy Patinkin), one of the officers who came as backup to "Sykes" and his now dead partner. "Sykes" builds up the courage and volunteers to take "Francisco" as a partner. After learning his partner's full name, "Sykes" nicknames his new partner "George". The newly named "George" then informs his new partner that in his native language, "Sykes" is the combination of two words that makeup "sh-t head". "Sykes" decides that the two will go after who killed his deceased partner. After a few leads, the two wind-up at a chemical plant where "Newcomers" are employed because their race has a tolerance for methane gas. The detectives then begin to unravel an alien drug ring which involves well-respected "Newcomer" businessman "William Harcourt" (Terence Stamp). There are a few verbal jokes, many of which "Sykes" and "Francisco" bounce off one another. "Sykes" is a streetwise veteran cop, while "Francisco" would rather follow regulations to the letter. The performances of Caan and Patinkin makes their characters a great "odd couple" on-screen. "Newcomer" makeup is well done and pretty convincing. All "Newcomers" are portrayed in a way that makes you forget they are extraterrestrials until they speak in the "Newcomer" language. The entire movie is well-paced with just enough action to get the story over with the audience. And the story advances quite nicely to get to the resolve of all the subplots. In the end, "Sykes" and "Francisco" not only become closer partners, but close friends. Unfortunately, the writer of the movie forgot that this is science-fiction. Instead you get a typical cop movie where one of the cops is bent on bringing in those responsible for the death of his partner and getting a drug off the streets. Despite that one flaw, the movie is not bad and pretty much deserves it's cult status.

(2013-06-08 06:15:57)

Get That Sour Milk Off Your Breath & Watch This!

The movie with James Caan (that later became a hit TV series) as a detective with a bigot problem. He hates the "Newcomers", known derogatorily as the Slag, who came to Earth as a genetically enhanced race that was used as a slave force. Welcomed by Man and integrated into society, James Caan's character (Matt Sykes) can't stand them. They take away jobs, etc. and even enter into human vices of prostitution and crime. Matt's partner gets killed in a drugstore robbery that is more than what it seems. Matt wants the guys who did this, and so when a request goes out to partner up with a Newcomer policeman, Matt takes him up on the offer. The Slag (sounds like A. E. Van Vogt's Slan... hmmm) have a secret. They were controlled by a powerful narcotic that made them work harder and faster and also made them a horror. A horror that Sam's partner, George Christopher, wants to stop. The rest of the adventure plays out like a cops & robbers tale, complete with high society bad guy, car chases and gun fights. Clearly a statement on racism and immigration, except the aliens in this movie are real aliens, from another world.The comedy and differences between the aliens and humans is interesting and funny. The Slag get drunk on sour milk and to incapacitate one, you hit them under the armpits. The female of the species look great, too!The plot gets a bit weak at times, but overall the originality is king here. The idea of a slave force being run through narcotics was used with good effect later on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine with a race call the Jem Hadar (SP). Alien Nation - The Complete Series

(2013-06-07 22:51:34)

Alien Nation (original movie)

This review is from: Alien Nation (DVD) Alien Nation is classic science fiction now. The story is interesting; dialogue fair (though better than anything in Star Wars); and the acting, while not Oscar-worthy, is solid.

chvylvr80

(2013-06-01 12:15:16)

A decent Sci-Fi/Cop buddy film

Alien Nation takes the timeworn formula of buddy cop movies and puts alittle twist on it. Human and alien fight crime together. This works betterthan it sounds but Alien Nation is not the greatest movie. It's greatestweakness is it's star James Caan. Caan seems ill at ease and embarrassed tobe in this picture. For all his great film roles he is not the greatestactor and pretty much plays the same character in every movie he is in.Mandy Patinkin on the other hand, has fun with and does a great job by hischaracter. The plot, soundtrack, dialogue, and supporting cast are all runof the mill. This film was not worthy of being made into a TV series and thehorrid show of the same name bears this out. Basically Alien Nation is oneof those movies that is just there. It's not bad, but it's not good either.Bottom Line: Unless you have really heard good things and want to check itout, your time may be better spent watching either a better buddy film or abetter Sci-Fi film. Numerous choices abound.

lordzedd-3

(2013-05-31 22:54:31)

Cool

I must admit the whole racist thing again an alien species does get onthe annoying side at times, but this is more then a science fiction,it's a rare Sci-Fi buddy picture. A missed match pair who hate eachother but find a common ground to fight for. I must admit I didn'trecognize Terrence Stamp in this movie, I thought the voice soundedfamiliar but didn't see it under all that make up. The make up effectswere excellent and if that alien ship wasn't real I pat the back ofwhoever created it. ALIEN NATION is a modern classic and everyoneshould see it. It's a buried treasure for younger kids and I think theyshould watch it. I mean teens that were too young in 1988 to watch it.But now are old enough to enough it. That's ALIEN NATION and I'm givingit...9 STARS.

juvenalxx

(2013-05-29 03:14:35)

Lighten Up

Reading the comments on this film, it occurs to me that most of theposts reflect disappointment that it wasn't "Brother from AnotherPlanet" or "Planet of the Apes".Let's be clear. This is the modern equivalent of a B Picture, and assuch it is a very good piece of work. The acting is professional andsatisfying, and in many instances (Caan, Patinkin, the actor who playsCaan's partner) more than that. The plot is efficient, the action welldone, and the elements of social commentary effectively worked into thefabric of the story -- no sledgehammer statements here. The humor isunforced and slyly subversive. Of course the TV series was able to explore this material morecompletely: they had more time and scope! Watch this film and enjoy and revel in the good stuff. To paraphrasewhat Goldwyn once famously (and apocryphally) said, "If you want amessage, call Western Union"

BenP

(2013-05-28 11:54:12)

Blueberry Jello!

Human cop and alien cop go patrolling the streets of L.A. in some clunk oldsmobile for some hardcore alien narcotic that looks like blue jello! How corny is that? Oh yeah, the alien dude thinks that blue jello is like alien crack but heck blue jello is not illegal on planet earth so why are the alien drug dealers all shady underground black market murderers? Alien prefers to get wasted on rotten milk in lieu of blue jello! It's like an alien DARE video propaganda intended to convince alien kids of the evils of blue jello! You have to laugh at the goofiness, this movie is high camp much in the same vein as marijuana, assassin of youth, or reefer madness! You've got to see the alien turn into incredible hulk after he OD's on blue jello! Very funny!

(2013-05-26 16:38:04)

Alien Nation sent promptly in great condition

Alien Nation was sent promptly. It is in excellent condition. Great service!

Mr Parker

(2013-05-26 07:02:33)

James "Blam Blam Blam" Caan, baby!

There's a scene where James Caan shoots this guy with a hand cannon sobig,it would have made Dirty Harry green with envy. If memory serves me, Ithinkit was really the only time the gun was used but boy was it effective! Iremember the theater going berserk when that guy got blasted out thewindow.The rest of the movie was pretty much standard, nothing special, nothingremarkable. I just had to mention that scene. Rating: **1/2 out of*****.

(2013-05-25 11:57:09)

a sci-fi film that`s a cut above the rest in it`s genre

James Caan wasn`t in peak performace here like he was in ROLLERBALL but still he managed to pull of a good performance as a hard nosed cop stuck in a futuristic socitey of unwanted aliens with human qualities. Another highlight is seeing this film in dvd instead the visual graphics and imagrey were much more stunning in this version. The storyline is nothing exceptional a cop goes after his parnter`s killer with the help of an alien cop who he`s forced to work with. Good film to watch but after seeing this film it`s nothing worth remembering.

classicsoncall

(2013-05-24 20:53:15)

"They have landed, ..., and now they are among us".

I remember how fascinated I was with the concepts explored in thispicture back in the day - the idea of curdled milk as refreshing, andsea water corrosive to an alien race. The idea of extra-terrestrialsliving and working among us, assimilating into society whileconfronting a similar type of racism that all 'different' culturesexperience when settling in a new environment. It's what gives focus tothe relationship between detective Matt Sykes (James Caan) and his'Newcomer' partner Sam Francisco (Mandy Patinkin). That's a greatspeech by Sam/George where he laments how humans have failed to live upto the same potential they have offered the aliens. Makes you thinkabout how we really haven't improved all that much as a society overthe past twenty years.Watching the film the other night, I was struck by how much blatantproduct placement went on in the picture - subtle ads for stuff likeTasters Choice Coffee, Smirnoff Vodka, and repeated images of thoseBartles and James guys before they went down in a hail of gunfireduring the convenience store robbery. There was even a marquee forRambo III playing in theaters at the time; I wonder why they offeredfree time to a competitor.I was probably more intrigued by the memory of this picture than thefilm itself; as I watched it the other night I thought that the secondhalf moved rather slowly. I'm having a hard time understanding why thevillain Harcourt (Terence Stamp) went to such great lengths to protecthis investment in Jabluka, when for all intents and purposes, thealiens could get it anywhere. I mean really, today you can buy Tide ina dozen assorted flavors.And speaking of tides, it was rather noble to see George risk his lifeto save a buddy by hanging out over an ocean full of battery acid. Youdon't have to be an alien to know that that was a wild and crazy thingto do. I thought about how all that salt spray should have been hittingGeorge in the face, but then you wouldn't have had the dramatic savefor this buddy movie to end on a high note.

obiwan-27

(2013-05-20 05:16:23)

Not too bad

Curiously enough, this movie is far inferior to the excellent televisionseries it inspired, something you don't see very often. However, ALIENNATION the film is enjoyable in its own right if you are not opposed tobuddy cop movies. That's basically what this is, a buddy cop movie withsome scifi stuff thrown in. The acting by Caan and Patinkin (a greatactor)is good stuff, and probably saves the film from being below average. That,along with the original storyline and fairly well-crafted Newcomer/humansociety, holds the film up well enough in order for me to give it a 7. Notas good as the TV show, but not too bad either.

(2013-05-19 20:50:18)

Solid Picture- The Start of Something Great

Alien Nation is one of those films that really defies the system of classification that we have in play to cover most motion picture genres. In summaries and reviews it would be easy to pick out staple concepts such as alien invasion, advanced technology and genetically altered slave trading to peg it as definitive science fiction. However, actually watching the film reveals a cop drama that has more in common with pictures such as Lethal Weapon, Rush Hour and perhaps even a bit Coneheads. Surprisingly Alien Nation is in fact a buddy-cop story with themes of racism, bigotry, and alienation (sorry for the pun but its true) working behind a fairly straightforward action/ comedy setup. Yes this idea would come back to contemporary culture in the form of Neill Blomkamp's District 9 (2009), but 21-years earlier when Alien Nation hit theaters; it was Farscape's Rockne S. O'Bannon credited with coming up with the original concept. James Cameron is rumored to have given early drafts of the script his signature treatment as well (though he remains uncredited in the final cut).Set in 1991 (then 3-years in the future), Alien Nation tells of a massive alien slave-ship, quarantined for three years before (reluctantly) being allowed to deposit its cargo of some 300,000 beings to be accepted as citizens of Earth. To many humans (including lead character Los Angeles cop Matt Sykes played by James Caan), these "Newcomers" are little more than unwelcome burdens on society.Sykes's own bigotry reaches fever pitch when Newcomer gang members take the life of his long-time partner. Ironically, in effort to gain footing in the Newcomer criminal underground, Sykes is forced to take on Sam "George" Francisco (Mandy Patinkin), a Newcomer detective in the LAPD as his new partner.No ordinary extraterrestrials, these Newcomers though, as they get drunk on sour milk, have two hearts and bald, spotted heads. They're of superior intelligence and strength but contact with saltwater is lethal to them. Finally, and as the detectives discover while trying to solve the case of the Sykes' late partner, what we use as laundry detergent is in fact a powerful narcotic when ingested by a Newcomer. Just like one would expect with we foolish humans, it doesn't take long for a criminal empire based around trafficking the substance to solidify.Pacing in the film is nice and brisk and with a 90-minute runtime, manages never to bog down with unnecessary subplots or techno babble to try and justify its inclusion in the science fiction ranks.In all the film offers a pretty fresh take on a well-established formula and though not quite "classic" in its scope or sheer presence, it is rife with something few motion pictures achieve: potential. And in a very rare moment of studio exec astuteness, a superior weekly television series from mastermind Kenneth Johnson and five more made-for-tv movies followed this motion picture. Johnson's influence on the property is simply immeasurable in terms of turning this above average flick into a genuine slice of American science fiction entertainment.Finally, I was able to pick up this DVD as part of 20th Century Fox Double Feature dual-pack (with the impeccable 1980's classic sci-fi film Enemy Mine) for under $10. Should you encounter a similar deal in your travels, don't hesitate in making the investment.

(2013-05-17 05:53:22)

Good, but why only this one?

I used to be a big fan of Alien Nation, so I was of course thrilled when I found out the movie is on DVD now. I love the whole concept, and I can't think of any other series that has such interesting, likeable aliens that actually live together with humans instead of trying to eat them or lay eggs in their chests. Don't get me wrong, I love regular sci-fi, too, but it's just refreshing to see a different take on the genre and a more modern day setting instead of the far future stuff that's usually the norm. The only problem is, I'm pretty disappointed that the TV movies and the series aren't also available; in my opinion the later films were largely superior to the original one. I'm glad to be getting this, but it's a shame I can't buy any of the others I'd prefer to have.

(2013-05-17 03:45:05)

The one that started it all

This is the original theatrical movie of Alien Nation. If you saw the TV series, this is NOT the pilot!The movie starts out with Matt Sykes (Caan) and his partner Tuggle (Brown) in a shootout. "Tuggs" gets killed by an alien criminal... shot right through a car!All the characters are a little different in tone and attitude than the series, and overall, it is a little darker, and more clearly about racism. The characters are compelling, and the look a little more stiff. Most of the story is recycled in the TV pilot, but many of the details change. Mandy Patinkin is considerably more stilted as George than Erik Pierpoint is in the TV series; Eric has a very different take on the character.Stands on its own quite well.

(2013-05-16 07:47:35)

Very watchable, funny, and provocative.

This review is from: Alien Nation (DVD) This is a very watchable movie that succeeds because of: a) bravo performances by James Caan (as always) and Mandy Patinkin; b) a solid storyline; and c) the fact that the movie does not try to take itself too seriously even as it makes some social and political points. In effect, this movie is racial politics wrapped in equal parts science fiction and a satirical cop thriller. The amazing thing is, it works--this movie is a brisk and enjoyable viewing experience. The storyline never drags and always entertains. The social commentary, while pervasive, never intrudes on the storyline.The basic premise of the film is that a huge spaceship full of alien "Newcomers" lands in the California desert. They have high IQs, average over 6 1/2 feet in height, get drunk on sour milk, cannot eat cooked meat, and have a variety of other odd characteristics as well. Their goal, and the government's goal, is to assimilate the Newcomers into American society as quickly as possible. James Caan plays a police detective who is assigned the first Newcomer detective partner: Detective Sam Francisco (Patinkin)and they are investigating a murder involving the Newcomer community. The chemistry between Caan and Patinkin is excellent, and both turn in fine performances. Lots of interesting and downright hilarious things happen along the way, which makes this film downright entertaining even as it gives a certain amount of lighthearted social commentary about the challenges that the most recent people "off the boat" can expect to face when entering American society.The movie succeeds in its most important goal: it entertains. This is good lighthearted entertainment with a frosting of social commentary that avoids being PC. The movie works.

FlashCallahan

(2013-05-15 23:19:06)

'looks like any other slag....'

Caan stars as Sykes, a cop who having seen his partner he has known foryears get blown away, gets over him very quickly and takes on a'newcomer' as his partner.the thing is about this newcomer, it's the club singer from Dick Traceywith some really bad make-up on.together, they must foil a drugs ring led by General Zod and RudyardKipling, come to terms with a little diverting sub-plot about race,creed, and the effects it has on society, and of course, realise thatat this point in his career, Caan would do almost anything to back intothe movies after his little 'problem'.it starts off really well. your typical cop-buddy movie, with all yourclichГѓВ©s thrown in from way back since cop movies begun.Sykes hates all newcomers, obviously some sort of xenophobe as hehasn't even left his country, but he teams up with Francisco, not justto get revenge for his partner, but maybe because he wants to get'one-up' on these aliens, as they are more intelligent than humans.there are some humorous moments and a lot of effort has been put intothe story and the script, it's just too short for it's own good. Wenever get to feel the struggle Sykes goes through, apart from himputting a tape in his pocket, and wearing the same clothes all thetime. His relationship with Francisco, evolves too quickly and they becomefriends too soon, so it makes you care less about what is going on inthe film.Stamp is on villain duties, as every English actor at the time played avillain, he is throwaway and not very interesting. the effects are bad, and all in all, it does fail on many levels.