A brilliant film that is sadly overlooked

Rating: Null/10 (17 October 1998)

First, I must say that I consider myself a "hardcore Alien fan." I have seen the four movies in the Alien series more than any other. Too often, Alien 3 is criticized very harshly simply because it didn't turn out to be "Aliens 2." This is not an action film, and isn't particularly Sci-fi either. There are no guns, no marines and no exploding ships. This is, however, a masterful drama. Ripley finally has a chance to come to terms with the emotions that have been building up ever since she first encountered the alien. She is isolated, alone and in despair--and that is what this movie centers on. Anyone that went to see this expecting a "feel-good" action movie, went away with a churning stomach. The acting is superb, particularly by Weaver (Ripley), Charles Dutton (Dillon), and Ralph Brown (Aaron). David Fincher creates a beautifully sick setting with the Fiorina 161, and each set is a testament to the wonderful [utilitarian] imagination of the art directors. This movie WILL depress you, but understand this is not a bad thing. The final sacrifice, where Ripley dies to keep a queen alien away from the *true* enemy, the Weylad-Yutani company, is sheer heroism. It inspired the satisfaction in me that Ripley has died for a greater cause--one that she fought for all along: not to destroy one alien, but rather end the inhumanity that Weyland-Yutani has inflicted on hundreds of innocent people. Her death is truly sad, but this kind of raw emotion is what Alien 3 excels at and propels it much further than just sci-fi action. Don't see this movie if you want guns and explosions. Watch it only if you want a truly moving cinematic experience.