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Irish Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Netflix viewers have just days to watch 'mind-blowing' sci-fi film
The 2019 sci-fi sensation, Alita: Battle Angel, boasting talent from the producers of epic hits like Titanic and The Terminator, teamed up with the mastermind behind childhood favourites Spy Kids and The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, is about to vanish from Netflix. Subs better tune in sharpish – it's on its last legs and set to disappear any day now. Alita: Battle Angel, the action-packed dystopian flick inspired by Yukito Kishiro's cult Japanese manga series, has fans well and truly gripped. Star of the show Rosa Salazar has seen her career soar after nailing the titular role of Alita, though you might recognise her from young adult blockbusters The Divergent Series and The Maze Runner series. One Rotten Tomatoes critic says: "There is so much to appreciate here: excellent acting by Rosa Salazar that made me feel for the protagonist, despite being CGI." Another adds: "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." The plot spins around Alita, a cyborg heroine, who's remnants are stumbled upon by top medic Daisuke Ido three centuries post-apocalyptic carnage. After a cobble-together job in his lab, she reboots sans memories, clueless about her own identity and the changed world she's woken up to, reports the Daily Record. As Alita navigates her new life in Iron City, her compassionate companion Ido tries to shield her from her past. However, when the city's corrupt forces target Alita, she discovers a clue about her past - she possesses powerful fighting abilities that these forces seek to control. One reviewer said: "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 viewer disagreed with the consensus, says: "I disagree with the consensus that this movie struggles to keep up with its special effects. Brilliant story and cinematography. Sci-fi pinnacle." A third reviewer added: "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." Upon its release, the film grossed an impressive $405 million worldwide, becoming director Rodriguez's highest-grossing film to date. Following its success, the producers announced plans to delve deeper into the world of Iron City, potentially exploring unanswered questions from the first film. However, Alita has also faced criticism, with one viewer commenting: "The worldbuilding was mind-blowing, but the storytelling was a bit of a letdown." Despite some negative feedback, it seems the overall sentiment for the film is overwhelmingly positive, as a sequel titled Alita: Fallen Angel is reportedly in the works. Catch Alita: Battle Angel on Netflix before it leaves the platform.


USA Today
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Twilight' star Taylor Lautner will play a werewolf hunter in new show: 'I thought I was out'
'Twilight' star Taylor Lautner will play a werewolf hunter in new show: 'I thought I was out' Taylor Lautner, who captured teen hearts as a werewolf in the "Twilight" franchise in the late 2000s, will now hunt the mythical creatures in a new scripted television series starring as himself. "Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter" is in the works at Amazon MGM Studios, according to an exclusive report from Variety. He is slated to serve as the show's executive producer. Lautner confirmed Variety's report on Instagram writing, "Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in." Lautner is most associated with his role as Jacob Black in "Twilight. " He played a werewolf in an angsty love triangle with Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). USA TODAY reached out to Amazon MGM Studios for more information. Taylor Lautner reflects on 'Twilight' rivalry with Robert Pattinson: 'It was tough' What is the 'Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter' about? According to the logline obtained by Variety, the series kicks off after Lautner wrapped up filming the "Twilight" series. "Fans speculated, tabloids theorized—but the truth is wilder than fiction. Taylor wasn't just taking a mental health break. He was preparing for his real calling…Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter. Playing himself, Taylor is drawn into a secret society of werewolf trackers who need his unique expertise," the summary stated. It continued: "As he navigates his double life—Hollywood actor by day, supernatural warrior by night—Taylor must wrestle with the ultimate irony: fighting the very creatures that made him famous. Between saving the world, reviving his career, and falling in love, he faces the ultimate question—what happens when your biggest role becomes your greatest enemy?' Daisy Gardner is the creator and showrunner of the series, Deadline reported. Lautner stopped acting for a few years after 'Twilight' hype The announcement comes after Lautner took a step back from his career for several years before appearing in a Netflix movie in 2022, People reported. He told the outlet the break was necessary after being catapulted into the limelight when "Twilight" became a cultural phenomenon. "I started acting from when I was a child, and it was kind of nonstop until I was in my early to mid 20's. I'm super thankful for what I did experience, but I did miss out on a lot of just normal-life things, like going to college," Lautner previously told the magazine. "I wanted to take a step back and enjoy life and spend some time with my family and friends. And I met my (then fiancée) out of it, so it all worked out." One of his breakout roles was in the 2005 movie "The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D." Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@