The Bitch is back, but Hicks isn't

Rating: Null/10 (7 July 2001)

This film is certainly the worst of the saga, but it is not a bad film, and I believe it is harshly treated. I watched this movie a day after seeing ALIENS, and after the pleasing ending to ALIENS, was immediately depressed when I expected Michael Biehn's name to appear on screen and didn't. Even more so, when Hicks, along with Newt, are killed off within the first few minutes of the film. The absence of weapons should add to the suspense of the film, after all, the weapons in the 1st film are rarely handled, and still it was a success. The fact that we don't have Vasquez and Drake blasting the walls down, does not mean the film can't be enjoyable.
Some excellent performances from the cast, British actors Brian Glover, Charles Dance, Ralph Brown and the unlucky Paul McGann, his character suffered huge editing and we fail to see what happens to his character in the film. Charles S Dutton gives us the American touch and is VERY good in his role. And of course, the superb Lance Henriksen, makes a welcome appearance as Bishop, and the sight of him softened the blow of having my hero Michael Biehn on the top of K2 at the time of this movie. Henriksen is excellent in this role and to date is the only actor (other than Weaver) to appear in more than 1 Alien film. Don't judge Alien3 so hard, the more you watch it, the more it can be appreciated, and it is as much a part of the Saga as any other of the movies. It is a good film, despite the amazing competition in the Saga, this film is severely under-rated!