Movie Review: “Alita: Battle Angel” is worth watching for the breathtaking world building alone

Movie Review: “Alita: Battle Angel” (PG-13)

Based on the manga comic book series “Gunnm,” aka “Battle Angel Alita,” this epic sci-fi adventure was directed by Robert Rodriguez, although it should be duly noted that this has been a pet project of the legendary James Cameron for quite sometime. In fact, at one point, Cameron was going to make this film himself until opting to put years of his life into “Avatar” movies instead. Ultimately, he brought Rodriguez on board who in turn took what was initially a much thicker screenplay and adapted it into a more manageable length. Ironically, the end result is a film that feels like it could have used a little more development, but the world building is so breathtaking and the action sequences are so well conceived that “Alita: Battle Angel” is still well worth seeing.

In “Alita: Battle Angel,” cyborg Alita (Rosa Salazar) is resurrected by parts collector Dr. Ido (Christoph Waltz) after years of deactivation. Upon awakening, this childlike artificial life form struggles to remember who she is and where she comes from, but a run-in with robotic hostiles in the slums of a futuristic city aid in jogging her jumbled memory. As Alita slowly begins to come to grips with her identity in a dark and cynical world, a bond with Dr. Ido and an affectionate connection with newfound human friend Hugo (Keean Johnson) open her eyes to humanity.

While it might sound like a backhanded compliment to call “Alita: Battle Angel” Rodriguez’s best film since his 2005 big-screen adaptation of Frank Miller’s “Sin City,” it really isn’t, particularly given my love for “Planet Terror.” That said, this is certainly Rodriguez working on the largest canvas of his career. “Alita: Battle Angel” probably cost 20 times more to produce than the rest of his films combined. And in terms of sheer showmanship, the man behind the inspiring low-budget indie “El Mariachi” was clearly up to the challenge. Again, truly remarkable world building going on here. From the use of CG to the production design to the practical effects work, you will see every cent of the budget right up there on the screen.

In terms of performances, a very wide-eyed Rosa Salazar proves to be quite the striking heroine, bringing toughness, physicality, and heart to the proceedings. Furthermore, her chemistry with Johnson makes the quickly developing love story between Alita and Hugo work more than it probably would have otherwise. Waltz also does nice work as the mysterious Dr. Ido. While the first half of the picture flirts with the idea that this man might have a bit of a hidden agenda, it’s his fatherly demeanor that’s most worth noting.

A stunning Jennifer Connelly is solid as a scientist with ties to Ido who finds herself questioning whether she’s playing for the right side. Oscar winner Meherashala Ali (“Moonlight”) doesn’t fare quite as well as Vector, one of the film’s primary antagonists. It isn’t for a lack of effort, though. As written here, Vector simply isn’t a character of much depth, which is disappointing because those who’ve seen Ali’s emotionally charged work in both “Moonlight” and “Green Book” recognize that he’s an actor of range. He just isn’t given an ample opportunity to show that range in this particular movie.

“Alita: Battle Angel” is often a case of style over substance But this is pretty spectacular style! From the numerous chase sequences to a hyperkinetic “Rollerball” inspired sporting event called Motorball, if you’re coming for the action, you’re likely to go home happy. What’s more, Rodriguez’s fanboy spirit flows throughout this movie, paying homage to the likes of Cameron’s own “The Terminator” films, “Aliens,” and “The Abyss” as well as further winks at unforgettable sci-fi movies like “Robocop,” “A.I.,” and “Total Recall.” It’s also pretty clear that this source material was one of many sci-fi properties to inspire Neill Blomkamp’s misguided but visually striking “Elysium.”

“Alita: Battle Angel” certainly isn’t without it’s cheesy moments, most notably when the film attempts to get overly dramatic. Furthermore, this epic sci-fi flick doesn’t quite stick the landing. This despite the inclusion of a cameo by a pretty well known actor whose appearance bears an eerie resemblance to James Cameron, of all people. These flaws aside, “Alita: Battle Angel” is a fun time at the movies and you’d be well advised to see it in 3-D on the biggest screen possible, because visually speaking, it’s a dazzler!

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