Well, first let me say this is my first day as a member, but I've enjoyed the site for maybe a year or two. If memory serves, Alien 3 was the first Alien movie I saw as a boy, my dad rented the VHS for me from Kroger when they did had a rental place. So I've always appreciated the film and have a strong defense for it. I believe Alien 3 is the closest film thematically to the original, but that's my opinion. See, I think of Alien 3 (and by extension, Alien: Resurrection) the same way I do The Hangover sequels, they may not be as good as the original, but at least they add a new layer. Then only aspect of Alien 3 that I'm not sure I stand is the Theatrical Cut vs. the Assembly Cut. I appreciate the added dialogue and subplot of catching the Runner, but the Assembly Cut omits the Chestburster coming through Ripley's chest as she falls into the molten lava, and that's my favorite shot. So I probably at least lean closer to the Theatrical Cut. Alien 3 also has been known to have been interfered with by Fox, so I don't see the personal HATE a lot of fans levy toward it. Anyway, that's my bit on Alien 3.