Although the curse of the sequel is apparent, it is not as bad as early critics depicted. It has it's own nihilistic atmosphere which sets it apart and the roster of British character actors marooned on a distant prison planet provides an interesting backcloth for the ensuing mayhem. By all accounts it was a troubled shoot with the director disowning the version finally released and certainly it compares poorly with Alien and Aliens. The action and shock sequences, for example, needed a better edit. But it remains markedly superior to the following sequel Alien Resurrection, which was appalling. So if you keep your expectations in check Alien3 is worth a look and best enjoyed on it's own merits outside the wider Alien series.
