While director Robert Rodriguez's ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL isn't scheduled to hit theaters until this coming Valentine's Day, our own Paul Shirey recently escaped to New Zealand for a screening of the upcoming action-packed romance adventure co-written by Rodriguez, James Cameron, and Laeta Kalogridis. While visiting the land of hobbits, sheep, and a kick ass rugby team, Paul will also be attending a junket for the film, which is sure to yield a series of insightful interviews complete with eye-opening details related to Rodriguez's adaptation of author Yukito Kishiro's graphic novel, Gunnm.
Before we travel down the Alita rabbit hole with Paul, I'll remind everyone that the following collection of tweets is not an official review of the film, but rather a detailed taste of what's to come when ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL storms into theaters on February 14, 2019. Enjoy!
Been a wild, wild day. Look forward to sharing all I can, when I can from this #AlitaBattleAngel junket in New Zealand. Will tweet a few reactions shortly, so standby… @joblocom pic.twitter.com/62Ew5gKV0A
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) January 9, 2019
#AlitaBattleAngel is a wild, visceral ride that offers kick-ass action, an immersive virtual world and a surprising amount of emotional weight. Everything rests on you loving the character of Alita and she is fully fleshed out; strong, flawed, endearing and rebellious
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) January 9, 2019
There are a lot of surprises in #AlitaBattleAngel with some dark turns and violent bursts of action, as well as characters that break free of being humdrum digital beings and emerge as fully rounded individuals. Spectacle is aplenty, but it’s not without investment.
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) January 9, 2019
After giving his initial thoughts about the film, Paul was sure to touch on the film's soundtrack, as arranged by Tom Holkenborg, otherwise known as Junkie XL.
Great score by @Junkie_XL that stands out in action beats and quiet scenes. Obviously the effects are great and the creativity behind many of the characters is inspired and cool with a few cameo surprises. This is definitely a theatrical experience movie. #AlitaBattleAngel
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) January 9, 2019
Lastly, Paul spoke on the quality of the film's 3D, which, as we all know, can easily add or detract from a person's enjoyment of the movie.
Final note: 3D is easy on the eyes and unobtrusive. Shot natively and enhances the overall experience. Really look forward to seeing it in IMAX. #AlitaBattleAngel
— Paul Shirey (@arcticninjapaul) January 9, 2019
Before signing off to explore New Zealand – and hopefully discover a nearby pub that serves a killer Tiki-style cocktail – Paul reminded his followers that a full review for ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL will debut on JoBlo come January 31st.
Max Evry of ComingSoon.net also left the screening feeling quite positive about the movie. You can see his reaction below:
Saw #AlitaBattleAngel, a sci-fi genre landmark offering an immersive glimpse into a future world of haves and have-nots, with Rosa Salazar’s cyborg as its powerful avenging angel. Her photoreal CG performance is amazingly nuanced. Only complaint is the film left me wanting more. pic.twitter.com/vjhUePUfWW
— Max Evry (@maxevry) January 9, 2019
ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL stars Rosa Salazar (BIRD BOX, MAZE RUNNER franchise), Eiza González (BABY DRIVER, BLOODSHOT), Jennifer Connelly (LABYRINTH, THE ROCKETEER), Mahershala Ali (SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, GREEN BOOK), Lana Conor (X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, HIGH SCHOOL LOVER), Michelle Rodriguez (FAST SEVEN, S.W.A.T.), Christoph Waltz (DJANGO UNCHAINED, THE ZERO THEOREM), Ed Skrein (DEADPOOL, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK), and Jackie Earl Haley (WATCHMEN, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET).
The film tells the adrenaline-pumping sci-fi fantasy story of one young woman's journey to discover the truth of who she is and her fight to change the world.
ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL will smash into theaters beginning on February 14, 2019.
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