Alita:Battle Angel

Based on Yukitso Kishiro’s manga series, Gunnm, Alita: BattleAngel is the long awaited release written and produced by James Cameron. First announced in 2003, the film was repeatedly delayed due to James Cameron’s schedule. https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/alita-battle-angel

Set in a future, where the earth has been left ravaged by war,an abandoned female cyborg wakes with no memory of who she is or where she came from. She is discovered by Dr Ido, a cyber-doctor who restores her and names her Alita after his late daughter. Alita has to adapt to her new life while trying to discover who she was.

This film looks incredible. James Cameron has built an incredible world again, after doing so in Avatar. The post war scrapyard of Iron City is a bustling metropolis, where Alita is first found by Dr. Ido. Iron City is in sharp contrast to the mysterious sky city Zalem. The characters look incredible too. Humans and cyborgs live together and many humans have upgraded bodies and robotic limbs. Then there are the bounty hunters. They are ultra modified humans who chase after the bad guys for rewards, as there are no police in the lowly Iron City. Their abilities can far outshine the normal, frail human body. Alita is introduced to the ultra dangerous sport of Motorball, where the ultimate champion can win the ultimate prize. That is a one way ticket to live in wealthy Zalem.

I did think that the actual story was a little weak. I don’t want to give too much away but a lot of the film is a build up for an obvious sequel. The ending is set up perfectly for the next film, and the continuation of Alita’s story. There were some great parts of the film though. Christoph Waltz plays an amazing part as Dr. Ido, cyber-doctor by day, repairing cyborgs and augmented humans. He has a secret and is out doing some serious shady business by night. I also thought Rose Salazar’s Alita was a good character. She is so innocent and childlike in the beginning until she finds her feet and remembers who she really is.

Overall this film was good, not great but I’m looking forward to the inevitable sequel.