No matter how you look at it, Ridley Scott's Alien is a masterpiece. Overflowing with incredible suspense, terror, and atmosphere, the film is a phenomenal achievement in every way. What should've been another B-movie immediately transcends its humble origins to become something absolutely remarkable.

Sigourney Weaver leads a brilliant cast, all of whom deliver perfect performances. Each somehow manages to make their character feel completely convincing. These aren't actors anymore; these are real people with complex histories and motivations. You can clearly see their relationships to each other, and they make the horror in front of your eyes all the more real.

The simple story draws you in immediately. The initial pacing is a little slow, but it gives you a sense of stillness before all hell breaks loose, and when the blood starts to fly, the movie doesn't let up, shocking you with the most terrifying monsters you've ever seen on the big screen. Designed by H.R. Giger, these grotesque creations are guaranteed to stalk you in your nightmares.

Goldsmith's amazing score lulls you into a constant state of unease so the silence of the movie is all the more unsettling. The Nostromo itself becomes a character in the movie, filled with dark shadows and long hallways where anything could be hiding. Sigourney's performance only grows more intense as the film moves along until you're biting your nails at the end.

I can't recommend this film enough.

Even among the greatest sci-fi films, Alien stands on its own. Essentially, a haunted house story in space, the movie ratches up the tension from the very beginning, expertly building to the breathtaking finale. Ridley Scott's eye for detail is unbelievable, and combined with the lavish production design, the result is nothing short of stunning. This is a picture that demands to be seen again and again.

A disturbing sense of isolation runs throughout the film. Onboard this massive ship, the crew has nowhere to go, and by the time they realize the severity of the situation, they're in over their heads. You can't help but watch as the horror unfolds. My eyes were glued to the screen the entire time.

The effects in this movie are spectacular. The planet where the Alien is found looks utterly terrifying, and each stage of the creature is perfectly realized. Ridley Scott knew exactly what he was doing. He only shows just enough of the monster to make you jump. The rest feeds on your imagination.