Not as bad as some would have you believe.

Rating: Null/10 (27 August 2006)

It's well known that Alien 3 got unfavourable reviews when it was first released, and also well documented that their were numerous problems during production, but I think the movies unpopularity and Luke warm reception is in part due to the first two movies. Yes, you heard me right, in part due the first two movies.
Alien is commonly considered a classic, and the sequel Aliens is probably one of the greatest sequels in movie history. Now, how on earth can you top both these movies, particularly when the movie going public after being treated to such a stupendous sequel expect something of similar quality. The answer in short is....you can't. Now, I wonder how Alien 3 would have been treated if it had been the first movie in the series. Probably a lot better in my opinion. Oh, I'll grant you it's a long way from being a classic movie, but nowhere near as bad as some people make out.
Let's try a little experiment, get someone who's never seen any of the Alien movies, and get them to watch Alien 3 and comment on it, or you yourself refrain from watching any of the movies in the series for a few months, then watch Alien 3 again, perhaps try the Special Edition version. You might be pleasantly surprised, and may even reassess your opinion.
PS View the 4th one in the series, that'll make anything look good!!!