23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix fans have just days to watch 'mind-blowing' sci-fi film
The film taken on by the creator of Spy Kids is set to leave Netflix in May with many begging those behind the movie for a sequel
This 2019 sci-fi thriller combines some of the industry's best, with the producers of Titanic and The Terminator alongside the creator of childhood hits like Spy Kids and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl. However, Netflix subscribers have just days left to catch it before it disappears from screens.
Alita: Battle Angel is a dystopian action film based on the popular Japanese comic series by Yukito Kishiro that has its viewers hooked. Rosa Salazar made her breakthrough playing the lead role as Alita but previously appeared in teen fiction favourites like The Divergent Series and The Maze Runner films.
A Rotten Tomatoes review says: "There is so much to appreciate here: excellent acting by Rosa Salazar that made me feel for the protagonist, despite being CGI." While another states: "Rosa Salazar as Alita does a great job. She gives the character life and makes you care about her, even when the plot feels a bit thin."
Her character is a cyborg whose remains are discovered by an expert medic, Daisuke Ido, three hundred years after a war that all but destroyed earth. The scientist revives her in his lab and soon learns when she wakes up that she has lost all memory of both herself and the world around her.
While Alita learns to navigate her new life in Iron City, her compassionate companion Ido does all he can to shield her from her past. But it is only when the corrupt forces that run the city are out to get Alita that she uncovers a clue about her past – she has powerful fighting abilities that the forces want to control.
A review says: "I've been a huge fan of the anime since I first saw it in the 90s. I think the movie really did it justice. James Cameron did a tremendous job at capturing the spirit of the anime. And the cast was amazing. I am super excited for the continuation this year."
Another person wrote: "I disagree with the consensus that this movie struggles to keep up with its special effects. Brilliant story and cinematography. Sci-fi pinnacle.
"Reminiscent of A.I. years ago, the fact that one can bond on a higher level with "non-human". Stellar performances by a very capable and respected cast. Loved it."
At the time of its release, the film grossed an impressive $405 million worldwide and went on to become director Rodriguez's highest-grossing film to date. Since its success, the film's producers have revealed that they will be delving deeper into the world of Iron City and potentially exploring the unanswered questions left in the first film.
Alita has also received its fair share of criticism, however, with one person writing: "The worldbuilding was mind-blowing, but the storytelling was a bit of a letdown." Although it seems the praise outweighs the negativity, as Alita: Battle Angel is set to release a sequel, thought to be titled Alita: Fallen Angel.
Watch the sci-fi hit while you still can on Netflix before it disappears from the streaming service.
