Given what happened with the production of the film it is amazing that a coherent story came out at all, much less a pretty good one. Following one classic is difficult enough, but following two is nigh on impossible. The furore over the opening that abruptly resolved the fate of certain characters from the previous film is understandable, but the bleak narrative provides a satisfying conclusion to Ripley's character arc, notwithstanding the film that followed. Equally, the religious overtones form an interesting backbone, even more so in the improved workprint release. It is not particularly scary, a standoff between the Alien and Ripley in the midpoint of the film providing the only real moment of tension, and most of the secondary characters are forgettable alien fodder, an accusation that could never be levelled at the previous films. Unsurprisingly, Charles Dance stands out here as the one new character worth exploring and his relationship with Ripley in the film is the most interesting one - it is unfortunate the film dispenses with this once the Alien makes its presence known. The decision to shoot the final action scene from the Alien's POV provides the film with a unique sequence as both prisoners and creature attempt to stalk and lure each other, though this does rob the film of some much needed tension. Not a classic then, but still an interesting entry into the Alien series.