To celebrate AccessReel’s screening of the special edition of James Cameron’s 1986 sci-fi action classic ALIENS, we are making a list and checking it twice, possibly thrice to remind you why we love this old flick. This is the very first AccessReel member screening.
ALIENS is one of the greatest sequels of all time. Possibly because the story telling is a complete gear change from the original movie, Ridley Scott’s ALIEN. The first film is a dark, suspenseful horror tale; Cameron’s is a scary, thrill ride. The two films are completely different in approach and mood, but one thing they do share is great casting.
Which brings us to Paul Reiser. Writer, stand up comedian and all-round nice guy, Reiser came to prominence in the Barry Levinson indie hit flick DINER (1982). He followed this with other roles but did not get widely noticed again until the sickly sweet television sitcom MY TWO DADS (1987-1990). Then television rom-com MAD ABOUT YOU (1992-1999) shot him into the showbiz stratosphere. His back catalogue of work has convinced us of his eternal likeability. He’s a less neurotic Woody Allen. A nicer version of Billy Crystal. .
Except in ALIENS. Here he plays Carter Burke. He works for the Wayland-Yutari company who rescues the comatose Ellen Ripley played by Sigourney Weaver. Reiser’s portrayal of Burke is subtle indeed. What is his agenda? What will he do next? Reiser keeps us guessing. He is the cool, collected company man who has great human resource skills. You can feel business psych units kick in whenever he speaks. Whatever his real opinion is, he will always toe the corporate line.
Carter Burke is he one Reiser’s best and least typical roles.
There may be something else about ALIENS that you really like. Why not let us know in the comments section? And then hit the banner at the top of the site or this link and buy a ticket to our screening on Wednesday 8th December at Event Cinemas Innaloo. Members $9. Non-Members $14. Membership is free.
