Alita: Battle Angel

A tarted-up lot of nothing that’s nice to look at. The visuals are unsurprisingly superb, Rodríguez’s direction is surprisingly solid and focused, and the robotic/computer generated main character is very likeable. I wouldn’t have a problem with it overall, if, somewhere in the middle, I hadn’t realised that the film not only wasn’t moving towards the central clash, but that it would also elegantly avoid it. To be continued, basically. (08/02/2019)

This fast-paced action sci-fi fairy-tale with heart is held together by Alita, who is surprisingly the most vivid of the characters. Super cute! The nice daddy Waltz was also fine. Other character would benefit from more screen time, as that would give the movie more complexity, which it slightly lacks. And I’m not talking only about deepening the character of super MILF Connelly and similarly important characters, but also about some space for funny supporting types like the cowboy Fahey. He definitely had more space in the screenplay. Anyhow, the movie is a roller-coaster ride alternating emotions with spectacular action, and the fights leading to the transition of a fragile girl into the ultimate fighter will take your breath away. I was completely satisfied and am willing to watch it again in Atmos or IMAX. The Japanese are going to love this. (08/02/2019)

Robert Rodriguez is back after a long hiatus and unexpectedly at full strength, aided by James Cameron as writer. Alita is a visual juggernaut much like last year's Ready Player One and I have to say that even though I initially approached the film as an outsider, I was very pleased with the end result and left the cinema satisfied as I haven't been in a long time. The film is set in the 26th century, so it's Cyberpunk, with a very likeable lead, a solid as usual Christoph Waltz, with good pace, uncompromising action , and I roared through the cinema with happiness and emotion at the grand finale. The diverse villains, the music and most importantly the rollercoaster pace made you wish it had an extra half hour. I didn't mind at all that Rodriguez stayed away from violence, and story-wise it could have also been stronger, but I was so blown away by everything that I didn’t feel like thinking about it like, when Megan Fox strips in front of you, so staring open-mouthed is richly enough. This is one of the best adaptations of Japanese Manga I've ever seen, and it will shake Japan to its foundations. Seen at IMAX with massage seats and eight scoops of ice cream and bliss. Serve the trilogy immediately without hesitation. 85% (11/02/2019)

A surprisingly dynamic and compact film peppered with sci-fi flourishes and clear action from a trash director who took a break from his typically familiar garage movies. You can see the typical B-movie feeling of a dirty city and all those strange robo-human creatures, but at the same time there is Cameron's supervision, especially during the key parts of the main story, or when the camera pans over the city in the sky, or the wild car track. I wish all those wannabe sci-fi/cyberpunk creations of recent years, led by Ghost in the Shell, looked this lush and fresh. (23/07/2019)

Alita is a pretty good movie. Nice effects, nicely shot, great action. Alita isn't a whiny girl and to some extent the heroes are appealing. The Dolby Atmos worked well for it. It was just a little too shallow for my taste; it basically didn't give you the space to like anyone. Those who know the source material might like it. If they can get over the inevitable loss of information. A better 3 stars. (10/02/2019)