I truly loved this movie. I normally scoff through questionable plot points and setting silliness, but my suspension of disbelief was at 100% both because Alita is extremely endearing and the entire experience was just so very aesthetically pleasing. Something I was gladly surprised with: the movie spends zero time with existential questions and philosophical discussions about what is to be human and all that jazz, characters have buzz saws for arms and wheels coming out of their butts and they're still treated as people by everyone around them, it simply leaves the viewer to ponder about what that might be like. It sure provided something to think about in the shower.
It's a weird comparison, but Alita reminded me of a Disney princess in the best possible way. She had that kind of sense of wonder and excitement about her, except that instead of singing to birds, she's cheering on blood sports.
This the first movie ever i legit feel bad for seeing for free. Now that i know it need some more sales im going to go buy a ticket tonite and see it again in imax 3d. Definitely need to support it!! This movie is visually stunning and takes you to that world. And Alita and the actress who plays her get you hooked to her character.
Long time film and SF afficiando. Alita was thoroughly excellent from start to finish. There were a few bumps here and there but IMO they added to the charm of the film. I can think of many great films that have the small imperfections that do not Marr the overall quality.
tbh the movie is not hard on the audience 94% audience score on rotten atm infantilized movie critics, who thought that Star Sars Last Jedi was great, while that movie was never subtle nothing was mysterious and the plot and the "themes" were not really connected but shoed in to appear artsy. Meanwhile, Battle Angel sticks surprisingly good to the source. It is really not holding your hand, you see stuff Alita sees and barely more. Story points get done quickly info dumbs get made without repeating information and it seems the Average Joe is not feeling overwhelmed. Dare I say the very opposite that the movie made to appear to the broadest audience (slight reduction in the over the top violence compared to the manga and 90s OVA) demands the watcher to actually watch the movie and not just be tricked via explosions into thinking that something happened. The movie treats the audience like functional humans, who are able to understand a story that is told with limited information, and I love it for that.
Went with my son to see it and we love it! We're not even Manga/Anime fans, really, but as a sci fi adventure the film works perfectly on its own. It's awesome! James Cameron still knows exactly what he's doing (unlike Ridley Scott, I might add, sadly). Agree on the 3D being unnecessary/distracting, so definitely going to see it again in 2D.
I saw it as an interpretation of C. Jung's concept of the Individuation process and the various roles the archetypes play as they assimilate into the conscious psyche. The romance is a setup for the moral dilemma which occurs in the final stages of self-actualization.
Long time fan of the series here, nearly 3 decades, and have all of the manga tankoubon. And yours is the most spot-on review of the movie despite not knowing the source material! You are correct, nothing in the setting really matters compared to growth of the protagonist. The narrative of the world revolves around her, not the other way around.
As I watched the movie more closely on a second viewing, Alita looked more /animated/ notably during moments where she was extremely expressive/emotive. Something looked off. Should I chalk this up to her being a cyborg or animation that isn't quite perfect?
@@jesserochon3103 I'd say both. Its natural for her to look "uncanny"--since she's completely 'plastic' The only organic part of her is her brain. A bit disturbing if you think about it.
Thank you for your answer. I watched the movie again for a 3rd time and I am at complete peace. I'm not sure if my eyes are just getting used her but she looked completely believable this last viewing. I went in with the understanding that she's an artificial organism/cyborg/robot and suddenly nothing looked animated or off. Whether my initial repulsion was due to limitations in CGI FX or intended by the filmmakers because she's a machine, the CGI looks perfect until you assume she's supposed to look identical to humans. An assumption I should not have made as actual humans in the movie take notice of her looking 'different' anyway. My only issue with the movie at this point is pacing. 8/10
Seen it twice now. Feel it is that good. Was surposed to see it with a sibling the second time, but said sibling overslept, so it became a solo viewing for my part. I might try again and get the sibling with me this time.
Even if you don't like some of his films, there's a reason why James Cameron is one of the most successful film makers of all time. The dude is just incredibly talented at making these blockbuster movies.
Loved this movie. It has a lot of heart teamed with great visuals and CGI. Roza Salazar and Christoph Waltz steal the scenes, with Salazar playing the hell out of Alita. Go see this on the big screen. I wasn't disappointed!
Just saw this film tonight. I loved it! Alita is a lovely, likeable and relatable character, kudos to the young lady who played her. Yes, the action sequences were well made, exciting, and clear. I have long complaint about "blurry cam" action scenes (looking at you Transformers movies). I saw the anime a few weeks ago and I think this movie is spot on with portraying the character of Alita. The casting for her and for Ido (her father) was spot on.
We're getting a sequel... I just know it. The viewer reception has been overwhelmingly positive. So was the fan reception. Word of mouth was also pretty strong too. As a fan of Alita of a few decades, I loved the movie. I think it deserves the legacy of a trilogy. I also noticed the passion of cast and crew. You can feel their love for the original content and the fans.
Premature to think that we are getting a sequel, even with > $350 million (as of March 4). If the movie achieves > $450 million I would probably agree because I have seen comments that $170 million (production costs) and $350 million (including marketing costs) are not enough. Another comment I have seen is that China takes a huge cut of the profits. The weak domestic profit (< $100 million) might be problematic as well.
First I'll admit that I'm a massive Alita fanboy, and thus my opinion is more than likely heavily biased. With that said I think it's by far the most faithful manga-to-movie adaptation by far, and I was sitting in the theatre mentally noting all the details they managed to get in there. Half of them were probably only noticeable by fans of the source material, but they were still there, and the attention to detail made the movie so much better in my opinion. Long story short: I loved it, and I really, _really_ hope it gains enough traction to get a sequel.
Saw it with my wife, and we both loved it. She liked it more than me, and was like a kid when we left doing battle posses in the hallway. Definitely recommend it.
I understand this movie and I was VERY satisfied with the ending. If they hadn't pulled the trigger on one thing in the final act it would have impacted the movie negatively for me. Thankfully they did it and it put the movie over the top for me. It's my favorite movie now. Not the best movie *objectively* but still my favorite movie.
@@DVSPress well bad guys dies at the end in 99% of western story but this is eastern story and the manga/source is seinen, i.e. sometimes good guy dies at the end
You really nailed this review, explained very well and properly mentioned why its had short comings, but was still really really good. So people GO WATCH THIS MOVIE, its fking worth it.
Support Alita Battle Angel on Captain Marvel opening weekend. Strong empowered female instead of a man hating feminist. It is a beautiful shot film, great action sequences. Already saw it with my parents, will watch it again with my friends instead of Captain Marvel.
Thanks for the review! The movie feels different than most modern Hollywood movies...its fun with actual stakes (people actually get hurt/killed unlike most marvel movies). I really hope they release an extended edition of this film on bluray. Loved the movie...but could have been about 15 minutes longer to flesh out some of the characters. Also hope we get a sequel.
Good review David. I’ve heard nothing but overall positive things when it’s come to the average person giving their thoughts on the film. There may be things here and there that could’ve been better, but that’s to be expected when one gives a review or some sort of analysis of a film. The fact that critics are giving this film overwhelmingly negative reviews keeps on showing how much the audiences opinions on films are vastly different than the critics opinions on films. Very rarely do the audiences and critics agree in unison nowadays.
I loved this movie! I haven't been so excited about a movie in a while. Everyone go see this one, you won't be disappointed. There is something here for everyone. The only and most likely thing you'll dislike is the cringey love scenes but all the good outweighs the bad.
I don't know how "scene for scene" it was when compared to the original anime, but on it's own merits I liked it very much. I have a love/hate relationship with R. Rodriguez films, this being in the "love" column. She has an innocence about her that not even Rey/Mary Sue of the current SW trilogy has; while on that she did have exploitable flaws & COULD be beaten (unlike a certain SW heroine & even Captain Marvel). It's definitely going into my collection once it hits blu-ray/DVD form. I'll definitely see the sequel if they ever bother with it. To your final comment, expect an extended edition on blu-ray/DVD when it hits. I can almost guarantee it.
Good review! Watching it was a really enjoyable and immersive experience. The world building was very well done and enough care was taken to sufficiently develop key characters. As for the ending, while most people who've seen Alita think that its sole purpose was to set up the sequel, my impression was that it also nicely closed Alita's story arc. It also ensured that the movie ends on a high, rather than a low note. I highly recommend it to anyone who just wants to enjoy a well made movie with a good story.
Good review. Most seem to agree with you that there's too much thrown at the audience too quickly. I don't. For me it was finally a movie that got it right. I prefer movies and comics that have relentless forward momentum. This is my favorite movie in the last three to five years.
Cameron's original script was 186 pages (3 hours in movie length) from what I heard, while Rodriquez wrote a shortened 2 hour version of said script (which was how he got the job as director)
I loved the structure of the movie, the mini-info dumps, seeing the world mostly from Alita's perspective.... I kinda wish I knew less about the setting going in, so the structure could have grabbed me more. I might have quibbled about a bit of dialog, and said midpoint battle, and a few rushed points towards the end, but whatever. Still really enjoyed it. I also loved the setting, and the sets. It was so great to see a city so crowded and lived-in!
I'm glad I saw this one in the theaters. When I walked out I realized how much was left unanswered in the movie. I was rhetorically asking my girlfriend questions that sounded like: Why this? Why that? What was the point of that other thing? But at the same time acknowledging that I loved the movie. I don't know how you can walk out of that movie and not love the character Alita. They left so many questions open but since I loved the character so much it left me satisfied with the movie and really looking forward to the sequel to learn more about that world. Fingers crossed it does well enough for a sequel. Looking forward to your full analysis.
I know right? I loved the movie, and I know it has a lot of flaws, but for some reason the questions and the untold story added to the movie and my enjoyment of the movie. I like that it didn't spoon-fed anything. I have not read the manga or watch the anime.
@@Crocodileofdoom I agree. I particularly liked that the filmakers showed us very little of Zalem. This and other instances of partial information tickles my brain. Splendid warm movie!
Showing very little of Zalem is part of the Manga. It is a mystery that is slowly revealed, and even its residents don't know a fraction of it. If they get a sequel I am REALLY looking forward to Christoph Waltz's performance when Ido finds out about one of those secrets.
@@KevinSmithGeo I think they way they presented it all works well. The movie isn't exclusively from Alita's perspective but in general we don't know much more than she does about her world. I really like that because it feels like we are taking the journey with her. It also worked well because days later I'm still thinking about it and wanting to know more.
Really good review. I normally find myself in the critic camp on movies except when they're made my Disney as critics seem to have a overt bias in favor. High concept action movies normally do not have characters that I can really fall in love with. I did not find myself endeared to the characters in Avatar or the semi comparable Ready Player One, which i found the world to be interesting but the characters extremely bland. Alita is extremely rich imo. I also disagree with complaints that her character is mary sue'ish and also that this movie is another case of "born sexy yesterday". I suppose if anyone reads this i could go into that more. Cheers.
I really liked it. There were some cliché things, but I never really have a problem with that. The visuals definitely stand out and offer this movie its magic. I went to read the manga afterwards and discovered how faithful the movie is to many of the events in the early chapters. That made me like it even more.
As for the cliche parts, the source material (manga) was written in the early nineties, so what was new then is cliche now. That’s why I don’t consider the cliches as a flaw with this movie; they weren’t cliches when the source material was written.
Good points. The big cliche for me, which was actually played with my Rodriguez, was the part where she saves the dog, then the bad guy kills the dog. Straight of out a certain script-manual that infamous in Hollywood as both a bible and a piece of shit.
@@DVSPress Yep. exactly that. Killing/hurting dogs/children makes you a bad duderino instantly. And the love interest being a "bad boy". I was actually convinced they added Hugo as a character, but it turns out he's in the manga too. Not sure if he becomes as much of a love interest as he does in the movie, I haven't come that far yet. But it felt very typical Hollywood to me.
As always David, great, great comments! Talking about 'blur' in action sequences, great point! I was more than a little annoyed by that in the Aquaman, an otherwise very watchable movie.
Spider verse was even worse. Why would they do cartoons and the scenes are so confusing. The end where the 4th dimension portion of the show, it was so so confusing and I could not tell what why and where. And then suddenly you see the black spiderman up on the ceiling. Hated that.
I havent frequent your channel in as often but holy shit you are about the only down to earth honest critque out there. I mean you do have your bias but it's something that you also are upfront about. I like that your channel has grown a lot. You are at 33k I remenber when the channel had but a hundred when I found you. Gratz.
Yukito Kishiro’s series was epic. The movie tried to cram in a lot of big ideas. Instead of a trilogy like Cameron seems to have in mind, this could easily have been made a trilogy of trilogies. There are amazing things in the manga that haven’t even been hinted at yet.
Alita should be considered the biggest surprise of 2019. Thoroughly enjoyable. It felt like I was on a journey of discovery with the character and I found myself caring about what happens to her.
Wow, I also had an Episode 1 vibe from that weird announcer. Maybe the only thing I didnt really like, lol. It was a great movie and was surprised by all the background lore they managed to fit in in 2 hours.
This review is spot on. I feel like I am in a University lecture learning from a professor. Well done. I have watched this movie four times. I like it that the movie doesn't attempt to tell me most things but let me figure it out. Maybe that is why I like it more each time I come back from the theatre.
Alita Battle Angel bring me back to the cinema after 10 years break. And I was feeling like a child again. Magic, real movie magic. Love it. I was back on Alita another 4 times and enjoyed same every time. My favourite movie. AlitaArmy!!!
Well, reading the manga. Alita was actually well trained. Her martial arts were taught by the best and revered in Mars. Alot of it is she recalling her training, she was and is a complete badass. Yes, feminist, when you train and practice you will become badass not this whiny way to get approval.
I'm glad you liked this movie. I did too. Unlike Aquaman where I felt like my senses were being assaulted for 2 hours, like you I could follow the action of Alita without ever feeling overwhelmed. If felt crisp and precise. Also the plot was solid and I never got taken out of the movie, again like Aquaman, asking, "How did they get on that plane? How did they get out of the middle of the desert? How did they get on that boat?" This was a truly enjoyable movie that after 2 hrs left me wanting to see more.
After reading some initial reviews on IMDB that said there were some plot problems, I figured I’d wait for the DVD release. However, since you have recommended it as being worth a look I’ve decided to watch it at the cinema afterall. I thought the trailer looked pretty cool. Thanks for the spoiler free review.
I think the main reason of bad reviews is cultural difference. It's a manga adaptation and it's very true to the source. It drags many general manga attributes along with it and people who aren't used to them are confused or just don't like it. Most of the time I see positive review it's from a manga/anime fan, often a person who knows the original manga or the OVA. The less the reviewer is familiar with manga concepts, the more critical they are to the movie. Personally I had a blast. I hope we'll get a sequel and I hope we'll get more of this style.
Thanx for good analysis. Was not planing to see the movie because of the creepy eyes, but all the SJW noise around convinced me to go to the movie (hopefully today after work). I hope the movie will be around during the premier of Cpt. Marvel so that i could go and see it 2nd time with my friend and maybe wife.
The creepy eyes actually worked for me. The character is a cyborg, an artificial construct, who is supposed to look lifelike but not completely real. So the animated face actually made that work pretty well.
My only issue as a fan and i've been harsh on this movie, but yeah, i realised that my only real issue was the characters, how they were adapted so clumsily and light in terms of character depth/presence compare to how they are in the manga, that's my only real issue with it. The movie was good, a light version of the manga that everybody can enjoy, liked it.
I can’t wait for the next chapters! In the mean time I will be going to see this movie again with my two teenage boys who I believe will give it Two 👍🏻👍🏻
Great analysis. I do have the feeling the critics did not like the movie because it didn’t live up to their “sophistication” and/or did not cover the ideas/themes they think should have been in a female-protoganist led film.
Please review Lords of Chaos! I know you're a black metal fan, and I just went to see this film, and I think your insight might be interesting. The last scene was so graphic that one person walked out of the theater, one man fainted, and another threw up. I have mixed feelings on the film, despite the fact I liked it. A very interesting critique of the Norwegian Scene, although lacks some of the spirit, and is a tad bit rushed particularly in the first half. Hopefully I get to hear your opinion! Also totally agree on your assessment of Alita, great film.
@@DVSPress It definitely is more of a criticism of the scene than anything, and its blatantly comedic in order to poke fun at itself. But its almost worth for the murder and suicide scenes alone, which are well done.
minor note, from what I gathered from different interviews, the film was originally shot and made in 3d, which is rare (I think Avatar and Dredd are the only 2 other movies that did this), and the 2d is the simplified alteration.
#AlitaBattleAngel I'm a huge fan! Watched it thrice with the family. I spoke with my wallet. I want a sequel, it is deserving of one. Go out and watch how female empowerment inspires.
Great short wrap.. I suspected that they had done right with (near?) all aspects.. as in selecting a lesser known but still great cast---->just the tictect for such a fresh breath as is this rendition of quite a fresh angled sci-fi take.. She and Ido were exemplary.. summed up near all my feeling's, thanks David
@@DVSPress Ah..ah-hu.. I knew I'd seen him, but where?.. His acting is subtle to the point of passing under the radar.. David he WAS just the ticket. Again, the incompleteness could have been easily overcome through your suggestions plus, where they used material from 4 of the original manga's 9 books, I think 3 would've better fit the trilogy goal (x 3 = 9) along with that additional 15-30min you mentioned they would've been golden.. But it doesn't mean that they can't iron it out up&coming.. We need more of these higher grade types
@@DVSPress Inglourious Batards is a tad more vague in my mind though I recall a pleasnat memory and having just checked see it ranks pretty high, with Ebert giving it a 4 and Waltz winning the Cannes?.. Wow,Good stuff----and Django is of course unforgettable, another Ebert 4.. I'm now REALLY interested to see how Cameron will handle the sequels, of which he apparently has shown a knack for delivering (even exceeding) on expectationsGlad we'll also still get to see Ido again
I get excited clicking Alita review and thumbs up it before even watching full review because 99% of the time it is positive.Rotten tomatoes can eat all the rotten tomatoes in the world and metacritic will always be beta for me after being exposed by Alita battle angel.
Robert Rodriguez should have made it hours longer, with a toilet/popcorn pause in the middle. That would have been awesome, and in the true spirit of grindhouse cinema. And the movie is good enough to have carried that. I loved it.
I went into this blind, having never read the manga. I loved it and I'm happy I went to see it, but my one concern (and it's a big concern) is that it's trying to cram so many plot points and story arcs into one movie. I enjoyed everything they were *trying* to accomplish, it's just that none of the 10 or so stories presented had any room to breathe because it's right onto the next plot point. This would have worked as a 2 season long arc in a television show or a film trilogy. As is, it's really struggling as one 2 hour movie just overflowing with exposition and plot. And the weirdest thing, by the end of the movie I'm still left feeling that I don't really know that much about the world they're in. This type of story is very atmospheric. The world they live in is just as interesting as the characters themselves and that, too, could have used A LOT more exposition even though we were already jam-packed with exposition. I wish they'd have truncated much of the plots they'd have kept and outright dropped most of the story arcs in favor of shortening up the actual plot, saving the rest for subsequent films (if there are/were any) and allowing the world and all the elements chosen to breathe and expand. I would have been happy only going so far as her first battle with Grewishka in the hunter bar.
I was wondering if you see streaming as the future like companies do. I'm a little conflicted because I know most people would consider getting 4, even then it's too many, streams at a time. I mean they could always flip-flop between the streaming services. But would corporations be satisfied with that? While the value for the entertainment isn't much to a certain demographic. To many does make it add up.
Goes to prove that paid critics are mostly dumb by just forcing what they expect and what to see from a film.And there was a large group of critics that have a bad vendetta against James cameron after he said that superhero movies are getting tiresome because of unrelatable family relationships and full of humongous super powers for mass destruction that often gets too repitative. He didntsay he didnt like it but it was just too saturated and getting tiresome. Alita is his fresh remedy about this.
There was no Yes or Gamma Ray music, 0/10 :| I kid, I kid, but as a fan of the source material, I thought it was pretty good despite the concessions they seemed to make for the Hollywood/marketing system. (Seriously, though, with the change the made to create a singular antagonist, how cool would it have been to close the credits on Dethrone Tyranny?)
@@DVSPress cool recommend, I quite enjoy music that causes me to double check that the video is at normal speed :D My comments were based on the fact that Kishiro specifically referenced a lot of music in the manga, with some of the prominent ones being Borghesia, Gamma Ray, and Big Generator by Yes.
@@DVSPress Well, I am now, but I had to be introduced through the manga. My accumulation of these new experiences through manga is why I'm a strong advocate against removing such references, or making sure to maintain them in further iterations of the work.
Familiarity with the manga makes a huge difference. I watched it, thought it was good but pretty cringy in parts, then red the manga (first series), then watched it again. Somehow the cringe was completely gone the second time and I enjoyed it a lot more.
I think its because they didn't make it as violent as the source material. It toned down a complex story into something easier to digest--in order to fit a 2 hour movie. Makes sense, but it still mitigates the sense of danger and atmosphere of the original. PG13 says it all. Should of just made it NC 17, and take the dark and violent stuff to the next level. That would be extremely compelling, given how creepy the eyes turned out on first impression. It would also keep the movie closer to the original.
"The fall" and the corrupted world Zalem (Salem) Angel fallen from the sky Better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven (Paradise Lost) Nephilim cyborg demons Nova (Lucifer, the morning star) rules the world, commands using rhetoric and false promises set those who follow him can ascend to be like God and live in heaven. All he takes is your brain (soul) The angels of Mars overthrowing the demonic order save for one city - pandemonium
@@DVSPress thats very perceptive, i did not notice any of that, probably because i was watching the movie with a big smile on my face that i was actually seeing a battle angel movie
I truly loved this movie. I normally scoff through questionable plot points and setting silliness, but my suspension of disbelief was at 100% both because Alita is extremely endearing and the entire experience was just so very aesthetically pleasing.
Something I was gladly surprised with: the movie spends zero time with existential questions and philosophical discussions about what is to be human and all that jazz, characters have buzz saws for arms and wheels coming out of their butts and they're still treated as people by everyone around them, it simply leaves the viewer to ponder about what that might be like. It sure provided something to think about in the shower.
It's a weird comparison, but Alita reminded me of a Disney princess in the best possible way. She had that kind of sense of wonder and excitement about her, except that instead of singing to birds, she's cheering on blood sports.
Yes, that's how I felt 😆
This the first movie ever i legit feel bad for seeing for free. Now that i know it need some more sales im going to go buy a ticket tonite and see it again in imax 3d. Definitely need to support it!! This movie is visually stunning and takes you to that world. And Alita and the actress who plays her get you hooked to her character.
Long time film and SF afficiando. Alita was thoroughly excellent from start to finish. There were a few bumps here and there but IMO they added to the charm of the film. I can think of many great films that have the small imperfections that do not Marr the overall quality.
tbh
the movie is not hard on the audience 94% audience score on rotten atm
infantilized movie critics, who thought that Star Sars Last Jedi was great, while that movie was never subtle nothing was mysterious and the plot and the "themes" were not really connected but shoed in to appear artsy.
Meanwhile, Battle Angel sticks surprisingly good to the source. It is really not holding your hand, you see stuff Alita sees and barely more. Story points get done quickly info dumbs get made without repeating information and it seems the Average Joe is not feeling overwhelmed. Dare I say the very opposite that the movie made to appear to the broadest audience (slight reduction in the over the top violence compared to the manga and 90s OVA) demands the watcher to actually watch the movie and not just be tricked via explosions into thinking that something happened.
The movie treats the audience like functional humans, who are able to understand a story that is told with limited information, and I love it for that.
GutsherrAkrobat I couldn’t have said it better! Right on point!
Went with my son to see it and we love it! We're not even Manga/Anime fans, really, but as a sci fi adventure the film works perfectly on its own. It's awesome! James Cameron still knows exactly what he's doing (unlike Ridley Scott, I might add, sadly). Agree on the 3D being unnecessary/distracting, so definitely going to see it again in 2D.
Alita: Battle Angel is actually a very good movie. I rate it about 9/10 in my book. I cant wait to see the part 2 of this movie.
If it uses classic archetypes rather than subvert them, then critics hate it. They want post-modern trash. I thought it was a fantastic movie!
It's actually post-modern in the sense that it combines aesthetics, but thematically it is quite romantic.
I saw it as an interpretation of C. Jung's concept of the Individuation process and the various roles the archetypes play as they assimilate into the conscious psyche. The romance is a setup for the moral dilemma which occurs in the final stages of self-actualization.
Long time fan of the series here, nearly 3 decades, and have all of the manga tankoubon.
And yours is the most spot-on review of the movie despite not knowing the source material!
You are correct, nothing in the setting really matters compared to growth of the protagonist.
The narrative of the world revolves around her, not the other way around.
As I watched the movie more closely on a second viewing, Alita looked more /animated/ notably during moments where she was extremely expressive/emotive. Something looked off. Should I chalk this up to her being a cyborg or animation that isn't quite perfect?
@@jesserochon3103
I'd say both. Its natural for her to look "uncanny"--since she's completely 'plastic'
The only organic part of her is her brain. A bit disturbing if you think about it.
Thank you for your answer. I watched the movie again for a 3rd time and I am at complete peace. I'm not sure if my eyes are just getting used her but she looked completely believable this last viewing. I went in with the understanding that she's an artificial organism/cyborg/robot and suddenly nothing looked animated or off. Whether my initial repulsion was due to limitations in CGI FX or intended by the filmmakers because she's a machine, the CGI looks perfect until you assume she's supposed to look identical to humans. An assumption I should not have made as actual humans in the movie take notice of her looking 'different' anyway.
My only issue with the movie at this point is pacing. 8/10
Seen it twice now. Feel it is that good.
Was surposed to see it with a sibling the
second time, but said sibling overslept,
so it became a solo viewing for my part.
I might try again and get the sibling with me this
time.
Even if you don't like some of his films, there's a reason why James Cameron is one of the most successful film makers of all time. The dude is just incredibly talented at making these blockbuster movies.
Loved this movie. It has a lot of heart teamed with great visuals and CGI. Roza Salazar and Christoph Waltz steal the scenes, with Salazar playing the hell out of Alita. Go see this on the big screen. I wasn't disappointed!
Just saw this film tonight. I loved it! Alita is a lovely, likeable and relatable character, kudos to the young lady who played her. Yes, the action sequences were well made, exciting, and clear. I have long complaint about "blurry cam" action scenes (looking at you Transformers movies). I saw the anime a few weeks ago and I think this movie is spot on with portraying the character of Alita. The casting for her and for Ido (her father) was spot on.
We're getting a sequel... I just know it. The viewer reception has been overwhelmingly positive. So was the fan reception. Word of mouth was also pretty strong too.
As a fan of Alita of a few decades, I loved the movie. I think it deserves the legacy of a trilogy.
I also noticed the passion of cast and crew. You can feel their love for the original content and the fans.
Premature to think that we are getting a sequel, even with > $350 million (as of March 4). If the movie achieves > $450 million I would probably agree because I have seen comments that $170 million (production costs) and $350 million (including marketing costs) are not enough. Another comment I have seen is that China takes a huge cut of the profits. The weak domestic profit (< $100 million) might be problematic as well.
First I'll admit that I'm a massive Alita fanboy, and thus my opinion is more than likely heavily biased. With that said I think it's by far the most faithful manga-to-movie adaptation by far, and I was sitting in the theatre mentally noting all the details they managed to get in there. Half of them were probably only noticeable by fans of the source material, but they were still there, and the attention to detail made the movie so much better in my opinion. Long story short: I loved it, and I really, _really_ hope it gains enough traction to get a sequel.
This is the best in-depth & honest spoiler-free Alita review I've seen. 10/10 for this review.
Thanks!
honestly wasn't really keen to watch this, but after hearing your thoughts I might just check it out.
It's an excellent movie that gets better with repeat viewings. The tall tale sign of a classic.
Go see it in 3D IMAX. You will be amazed!!! 👍
if you keep in mind this is a comic movie and not high art you will have a fucking blast
Definitely check it out 👍 You won't regret it.
It also gets better if you're familiar with the original manga.
Alita Battle Angel is awesome!
Saw it on the weekend and really liked it. Gave this jaded oldster chills. Love it. I didn't mind the exposition, possibly because I am used to anime.
It was great! extended edition is would be nice indeed
Saw it with my wife, and we both loved it. She liked it more than me, and was like a kid when we left doing battle posses in the hallway. Definitely recommend it.
I understand this movie and I was VERY satisfied with the ending. If they hadn't pulled the trigger on one thing in the final act it would have impacted the movie negatively for me. Thankfully they did it and it put the movie over the top for me. It's my favorite movie now. Not the best movie *objectively* but still my favorite movie.
Oddly, people are saying there is no ending. I find that a confusing position, considering the bad guy dies at the end.
@@DVSPress well bad guys dies at the end in 99% of western story but this is eastern story and the manga/source is seinen, i.e. sometimes good guy dies at the end
@@DVSPress In this world no one dies, until you can prove that at least 50% of their brain was destroyed :p
Amazing movie. Loved it. It is different from any american sci-fi or superhero movie I've ever seen, and I love that.
Daniel Pinilla cuz it’s based on Japanese anime
@@509Gman 'f course :P
Watch it yesterday ..
And guess what? I am going today again . I love this movie
You really nailed this review, explained very well and properly mentioned why its had short comings, but was still really really good.
So people GO WATCH THIS MOVIE, its fking worth it.
Support Alita Battle Angel on Captain Marvel opening weekend. Strong empowered female instead of a man hating feminist. It is a beautiful shot film, great action sequences. Already saw it with my parents, will watch it again with my friends instead of Captain Marvel.
Totally agree with you, I'm going to see it again on the 8th.
Thanks for the review! The movie feels different than most modern Hollywood movies...its fun with actual stakes (people actually get hurt/killed unlike most marvel movies). I really hope they release an extended edition of this film on bluray. Loved the movie...but could have been about 15 minutes longer to flesh out some of the characters. Also hope we get a sequel.
Good review David. I’ve heard nothing but overall positive things when it’s come to the average person giving their thoughts on the film. There may be things here and there that could’ve been better, but that’s to be expected when one gives a review or some sort of analysis of a film. The fact that critics are giving this film overwhelmingly negative reviews keeps on showing how much the audiences opinions on films are vastly different than the critics opinions on films. Very rarely do the audiences and critics agree in unison nowadays.
I loved this movie! I haven't been so excited about a movie in a while. Everyone go see this one, you won't be disappointed. There is something here for everyone. The only and most likely thing you'll dislike is the cringey love scenes but all the good outweighs the bad.
Guys, go see the movie. Period. You won't regret spending your money for it.
Saw it in a standard theater and didnt know it had a 3d version. Looking back, I can see where it would have been effective. I loved it as it was.
I don't know how "scene for scene" it was when compared to the original anime, but on it's own merits I liked it very much. I have a love/hate relationship with R. Rodriguez films, this being in the "love" column. She has an innocence about her that not even Rey/Mary Sue of the current SW trilogy has; while on that she did have exploitable flaws & COULD be beaten (unlike a certain SW heroine & even Captain Marvel).
It's definitely going into my collection once it hits blu-ray/DVD form. I'll definitely see the sequel if they ever bother with it.
To your final comment, expect an extended edition on blu-ray/DVD when it hits. I can almost guarantee it.
Seen it 7 times, It is going to be 8 tomorrow! Such a fantastic movie!!
It was a solid movie for sure
This is probably the most insightful take on the movie.
Impressed and subscribing.
Great review. Watched twice and still cant get enough.
hearing what people are saying about the film make me want to go and see it.
Please do! This movie needs support.
Good review! Watching it was a really enjoyable and immersive experience. The world building was very well done and enough care was taken to sufficiently develop key characters. As for the ending, while most people who've seen Alita think that its sole purpose was to set up the sequel, my impression was that it also nicely closed Alita's story arc. It also ensured that the movie ends on a high, rather than a low note. I highly recommend it to anyone who just wants to enjoy a well made movie with a good story.
Took the family and we all enjoyed it immensely. I agree that this world needs more time!
Good review. Most seem to agree with you that there's too much thrown at the audience too quickly. I don't. For me it was finally a movie that got it right. I prefer movies and comics that have relentless forward momentum. This is my favorite movie in the last three to five years.
Relentless momentum? Totally agree.
So the critics hate it and the general audience enjoyed it. That's a perfect score! Maybe Ill go and see it.
Fair point, but I will watch it again tomorrow.
Cameron's original script was 186 pages (3 hours in movie length) from what I heard, while Rodriquez wrote a shortened 2 hour version of said script (which was how he got the job as director)
I loved the structure of the movie, the mini-info dumps, seeing the world mostly from Alita's perspective.... I kinda wish I knew less about the setting going in, so the structure could have grabbed me more. I might have quibbled about a bit of dialog, and said midpoint battle, and a few rushed points towards the end, but whatever. Still really enjoyed it.
I also loved the setting, and the sets. It was so great to see a city so crowded and lived-in!
I'm glad I saw this one in the theaters. When I walked out I realized how much was left unanswered in the movie. I was rhetorically asking my girlfriend questions that sounded like: Why this? Why that? What was the point of that other thing? But at the same time acknowledging that I loved the movie. I don't know how you can walk out of that movie and not love the character Alita. They left so many questions open but since I loved the character so much it left me satisfied with the movie and really looking forward to the sequel to learn more about that world. Fingers crossed it does well enough for a sequel.
Looking forward to your full analysis.
I know right? I loved the movie, and I know it has a lot of flaws, but for some reason the questions and the untold story added to the movie and my enjoyment of the movie. I like that it didn't spoon-fed anything. I have not read the manga or watch the anime.
@@Crocodileofdoom I agree. I particularly liked that the filmakers showed us very little of Zalem. This and other instances of partial information tickles my brain. Splendid warm movie!
@@marek_petrovsky Exactly!!!!
Showing very little of Zalem is part of the Manga. It is a mystery that is slowly revealed, and even its residents don't know a fraction of it. If they get a sequel I am REALLY looking forward to Christoph Waltz's performance when Ido finds out about one of those secrets.
@@KevinSmithGeo I think they way they presented it all works well. The movie isn't exclusively from Alita's perspective but in general we don't know much more than she does about her world. I really like that because it feels like we are taking the journey with her. It also worked well because days later I'm still thinking about it and wanting to know more.
Really good review. I normally find myself in the critic camp on movies except when they're made my Disney as critics seem to have a overt bias in favor. High concept action movies normally do not have characters that I can really fall in love with. I did not find myself endeared to the characters in Avatar or the semi comparable Ready Player One, which i found the world to be interesting but the characters extremely bland. Alita is extremely rich imo. I also disagree with complaints that her character is mary sue'ish and also that this movie is another case of "born sexy yesterday". I suppose if anyone reads this i could go into that more. Cheers.
I was completely blown away by it, I LOVED alita I'm gonna go watch it again today :-)
Hype for that director/producer cut tho!
If there is one, I would love to see it.
I really liked it. There were some cliché things, but I never really have a problem with that. The visuals definitely stand out and offer this movie its magic. I went to read the manga afterwards and discovered how faithful the movie is to many of the events in the early chapters. That made me like it even more.
As for the cliche parts, the source material (manga) was written in the early nineties, so what was new then is cliche now. That’s why I don’t consider the cliches as a flaw with this movie; they weren’t cliches when the source material was written.
Good points. The big cliche for me, which was actually played with my Rodriguez, was the part where she saves the dog, then the bad guy kills the dog.
Straight of out a certain script-manual that infamous in Hollywood as both a bible and a piece of shit.
David Stewart What “script-manual” is that? Sorry, I’m not too familiar with film lingo.
Save the Cat
@@DVSPress Yep. exactly that. Killing/hurting dogs/children makes you a bad duderino instantly. And the love interest being a "bad boy". I was actually convinced they added Hugo as a character, but it turns out he's in the manga too. Not sure if he becomes as much of a love interest as he does in the movie, I haven't come that far yet. But it felt very typical Hollywood to me.
Great review; It would be interesting to see if they come up with a Director's Cut and see the kind of scenes they would add to improve pacing.
Interesting to hear your thoughts. Great video.
I love how you actually review and talk about stuff instead of just saying it was fun or bad or whatever
Thanks!
The story telling method worked fine. It does what it's supposed to do.
I still cry after my fifth viewing. Making it six on the 8th!
As always David, great, great comments! Talking about 'blur' in action sequences, great point! I was more than a little annoyed by that in the Aquaman, an otherwise very watchable movie.
Spider verse was even worse. Why would they do cartoons and the scenes are so confusing. The end where the 4th dimension portion of the show, it was so so confusing and I could not tell what why and where. And then suddenly you see the black spiderman up on the ceiling. Hated that.
I havent frequent your channel in as often but holy shit you are about the only down to earth honest critque out there. I mean you do have your bias but it's something that you also are upfront about. I like that your channel has grown a lot. You are at 33k I remenber when the channel had but a hundred when I found you. Gratz.
Yukito Kishiro’s series was epic. The movie tried to cram in a lot of big ideas. Instead of a trilogy like Cameron seems to have in mind, this could easily have been made a trilogy of trilogies. There are amazing things in the manga that haven’t even been hinted at yet.
Alita should be considered the biggest surprise of 2019. Thoroughly enjoyable. It felt like I was on a journey of discovery with the character and I found myself caring about what happens to her.
Wow, I also had an Episode 1 vibe from that weird announcer. Maybe the only thing I didnt really like, lol. It was a great movie and was surprised by all the background lore they managed to fit in in 2 hours.
It is, the original anime was 2 parts IIRC, so expect this to be at least that.
This review is spot on. I feel like I am in a University lecture learning from a professor. Well done.
I have watched this movie four times. I like it that the movie doesn't attempt to tell me most things but let me figure it out. Maybe that is why I like it more each time I come back from the theatre.
Sure there are issues but I loved this movie, fan of the manga as well
Great review
Alita Battle Angel bring me back to the cinema after 10 years break. And I was feeling like a child again. Magic, real movie magic. Love it. I was back on Alita another 4 times and enjoyed same every time. My favourite movie. AlitaArmy!!!
Well, reading the manga. Alita was actually well trained. Her martial arts were taught by the best and revered in Mars. Alot of it is she recalling her training, she was and is a complete badass. Yes, feminist, when you train and practice you will become badass not this whiny way to get approval.
I'm glad you liked this movie. I did too. Unlike Aquaman where I felt like my senses were being assaulted for 2 hours, like you I could follow the action of Alita without ever feeling overwhelmed. If felt crisp and precise. Also the plot was solid and I never got taken out of the movie, again like Aquaman, asking, "How did they get on that plane? How did they get out of the middle of the desert? How did they get on that boat?" This was a truly enjoyable movie that after 2 hrs left me wanting to see more.
I enjoy your vids, sir. Always a perk seeing a new post on your channel.
thanks!
Yeah, the movie would greatly benefit from being about 25-30 minutes longer...
After reading some initial reviews on IMDB that said there were some plot problems, I figured I’d wait for the DVD release.
However, since you have recommended it as being worth a look I’ve decided to watch it at the cinema afterall. I thought the trailer looked pretty cool. Thanks for the spoiler free review.
I think the main reason of bad reviews is cultural difference. It's a manga adaptation and it's very true to the source. It drags many general manga attributes along with it and people who aren't used to them are confused or just don't like it. Most of the time I see positive review it's from a manga/anime fan, often a person who knows the original manga or the OVA. The less the reviewer is familiar with manga concepts, the more critical they are to the movie.
Personally I had a blast. I hope we'll get a sequel and I hope we'll get more of this style.
Thanx for good analysis. Was not planing to see the movie because of the creepy eyes, but all the SJW noise around convinced me to go to the movie (hopefully today after work). I hope the movie will be around during the premier of Cpt. Marvel so that i could go and see it 2nd time with my friend and maybe wife.
The creepy eyes actually worked for me. The character is a cyborg, an artificial construct, who is supposed to look lifelike but not completely real. So the animated face actually made that work pretty well.
As David said, the big eyes is the endearing part of her. Yes, it makes her more naive and innocent.
My only issue as a fan and i've been harsh on this movie, but yeah, i realised that my only real issue was the characters, how they were adapted so clumsily and light in terms of character depth/presence compare to how they are in the manga, that's my only real issue with it. The movie was good, a light version of the manga that everybody can enjoy, liked it.
Ah, the lost ancient art of spoilerless reviews! I almost forgot one can do it)
I can’t wait for the next chapters! In the mean time I will be going to see this movie again with my two teenage boys who I believe will give it Two 👍🏻👍🏻
Great analysis. I do have the feeling the critics did not like the movie because it didn’t live up to their “sophistication” and/or did not cover the ideas/themes they think should have been in a female-protoganist led film.
Please review Lords of Chaos!
I know you're a black metal fan, and I just went to see this film, and I think your insight might be interesting.
The last scene was so graphic that one person walked out of the theater, one man fainted, and another threw up.
I have mixed feelings on the film, despite the fact I liked it. A very interesting critique of the Norwegian Scene, although lacks some of the spirit, and is a tad bit rushed particularly in the first half.
Hopefully I get to hear your opinion!
Also totally agree on your assessment of Alita, great film.
From what I hear the film is all bullshit, but I can take a look.
@@DVSPress It definitely is more of a criticism of the scene than anything, and its blatantly comedic in order to poke fun at itself. But its almost worth for the murder and suicide scenes alone, which are well done.
Thanks so much for your great comments and recommendations about our lovely and unforgettable film Alita Battle Angel.
Nice review. I think credit must also being given to the guy responsible for the clean and fluid cinematography: Bill Pope,...from The Matrix
Absolutely.
minor note, from what I gathered from different interviews, the film was originally shot and made in 3d, which is rare (I think Avatar and Dredd are the only 2 other movies that did this), and the 2d is the simplified alteration.
Very well said about a really good movie.
#AlitaBattleAngel I'm a huge fan! Watched it thrice with the family. I spoke with my wallet. I want a sequel, it is deserving of one. Go out and watch how female empowerment inspires.
I really love this so much. The one of the best movie I've ever seen! this movie deserves better!!!
Damn... this manga is almost 30 years old.
Great short wrap.. I suspected that they had done right with (near?) all aspects.. as in selecting a lesser known but still great cast---->just the tictect for such a fresh breath as is this rendition of quite a fresh angled sci-fi take.. She and Ido were exemplary.. summed up near all my feeling's, thanks David
Christoph Waltz (Ido) has 2 academy awards for supporting actor. He's great.
@@DVSPress Ah..ah-hu.. I knew I'd seen him, but where?.. His acting is subtle to the point of passing under the radar.. David he WAS just the ticket.
Again, the incompleteness could have been easily overcome through your suggestions plus, where they used material from 4 of the original manga's 9 books, I think 3 would've better fit the trilogy goal (x 3 = 9) along with that additional 15-30min you mentioned they would've been golden.. But it doesn't mean that they can't iron it out up&coming.. We need more of these higher grade types
He was the nazi in Inglorious Bastards and he was in Django unchained.
@@DVSPress Inglourious Batards is a tad more vague in my mind though I recall a pleasnat memory and having just checked see it ranks pretty high, with Ebert giving it a 4 and Waltz winning the Cannes?.. Wow,Good stuff----and Django is of course unforgettable, another Ebert 4.. I'm now REALLY interested to see how Cameron will handle the sequels, of which he apparently has shown a knack for delivering (even exceeding) on expectationsGlad we'll also still get to see Ido again
I loved the story tbh
I get excited clicking Alita review and thumbs up it before even watching full review because 99% of the time it is positive.Rotten tomatoes can eat all the rotten tomatoes in the world and metacritic will always be beta for me after being exposed by Alita battle angel.
The power of this movie is in symbolism and emotion more than intellect. Critics can't deal with that. They loooove their intellect.
Robert Rodriguez should have made it hours longer, with a toilet/popcorn pause in the middle. That would have been awesome, and in the true spirit of grindhouse cinema. And the movie is good enough to have carried that. I loved it.
I went into this blind, having never read the manga. I loved it and I'm happy I went to see it, but my one concern (and it's a big concern) is that it's trying to cram so many plot points and story arcs into one movie. I enjoyed everything they were *trying* to accomplish, it's just that none of the 10 or so stories presented had any room to breathe because it's right onto the next plot point. This would have worked as a 2 season long arc in a television show or a film trilogy. As is, it's really struggling as one 2 hour movie just overflowing with exposition and plot. And the weirdest thing, by the end of the movie I'm still left feeling that I don't really know that much about the world they're in. This type of story is very atmospheric. The world they live in is just as interesting as the characters themselves and that, too, could have used A LOT more exposition even though we were already jam-packed with exposition.
I wish they'd have truncated much of the plots they'd have kept and outright dropped most of the story arcs in favor of shortening up the actual plot, saving the rest for subsequent films (if there are/were any) and allowing the world and all the elements chosen to breathe and expand. I would have been happy only going so far as her first battle with Grewishka in the hunter bar.
We need a sequel done right!!!!
I hope they follow the manga if there are sequels.
I was wondering if you see streaming as the future like companies do. I'm a little conflicted because I know most people would consider getting 4, even then it's too many, streams at a time. I mean they could always flip-flop between the streaming services. But would corporations be satisfied with that? While the value for the entertainment isn't much to a certain demographic. To many does make it add up.
I don't really go to the theater much, but I'd definitely check this out when it gets on streaming services. Those eyes freak me out though
They look better in context.
@@DVSPress ah ok. I wonder if the fallen world setting as you described is another reason our postmodernist critics didn't like the film
There's lots of Christian symbolism in it too.
@@DVSPress oh that seals it as critically panned right there haha. Movies must have humanist symbolism only!
I left the cinema with a big smile. That say someting !!
Goes to prove that paid critics are mostly dumb by just forcing what they expect and what to see from a film.And there was a large group of critics that have a bad vendetta against James cameron after he said that superhero movies are getting tiresome because of unrelatable family relationships and full of humongous super powers for mass destruction that often gets too repitative. He didntsay he didnt like it but it was just too saturated and getting tiresome. Alita is his fresh remedy about this.
Before I watch the review: I loved this movie and so did my kids. I thought it was fantastic.
There was no Yes or Gamma Ray music, 0/10 :|
I kid, I kid, but as a fan of the source material, I thought it was pretty good despite the concessions they seemed to make for the Hollywood/marketing system. (Seriously, though, with the change the made to create a singular antagonist, how cool would it have been to close the credits on Dethrone Tyranny?)
Would have preferred "pure" by lost horizon :)
@@DVSPress cool recommend, I quite enjoy music that causes me to double check that the video is at normal speed :D
My comments were based on the fact that Kishiro specifically referenced a lot of music in the manga, with some of the prominent ones being Borghesia, Gamma Ray, and Big Generator by Yes.
Ah, just thought you were a fellow Gamma Ray fan.
@@DVSPress Well, I am now, but I had to be introduced through the manga.
My accumulation of these new experiences through manga is why I'm a strong advocate against removing such references, or making sure to maintain them in further iterations of the work.
Familiarity with the manga makes a huge difference. I watched it, thought it was good but pretty cringy in parts, then red the manga (first series), then watched it again. Somehow the cringe was completely gone the second time and I enjoyed it a lot more.
I think its because they didn't make it as violent as the source material. It toned down a complex story into something easier to digest--in order to fit a 2 hour movie. Makes sense, but it still mitigates the sense of danger and atmosphere of the original. PG13 says it all. Should of just made it NC 17, and take the dark and violent stuff to the next level. That would be extremely compelling, given how creepy the eyes turned out on first impression. It would also keep the movie closer to the original.
Critics hate this movie cause it doesnt push an agenda on people like captain marvel does
Could also be the Christian symbolism
@@DVSPress oh im interested what do you mean?
"The fall" and the corrupted world
Zalem (Salem)
Angel fallen from the sky
Better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven (Paradise Lost)
Nephilim cyborg demons
Nova (Lucifer, the morning star) rules the world, commands using rhetoric and false promises set those who follow him can ascend to be like God and live in heaven. All he takes is your brain (soul)
The angels of Mars overthrowing the demonic order save for one city - pandemonium
@@DVSPress thats very perceptive, i did not notice any of that, probably because i was watching the movie with a big smile on my face that i was actually seeing a battle angel movie
I'll make a video on it.
Fucking cool movie ,man!
6,969 views....
nice.
She has bigger eyes than anyone else in the Manga she is in.