A tragically underappreciated second sequel, “Alien 3” was doomed from the start thanks to a combination of raised expectations following the crowd-pleasing “Aliens,” and relentless studio interference from a business entity intent on micromanaging its IPO. Nevertheless, the work that first-time director David Fincher managed to shoot (which would later be spliced into an assembled cut in 2003 that enhances the storyline’s strengths and its audacious take on the continuing Ripley saga) is visually arresting, as well as blessed with an ominous, portentous score and an excellent performance by Sigourney Weaver.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
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