Alita: Battle Angel | Little White Lies

Alita: Battle Angel

31 Jan 2019 / Released: 05 Feb 2019

Words by David Jenkins

Directed by Robert Rodriguez

Starring Christoph Waltz, Mahershala Ali, and Rosa Salazar

A woman with dark hair and intense expression, framed against a shadowy background.
A woman with dark hair and intense expression, framed against a shadowy background.
2

Anticipation.

No idea which way this could go. But never doubt James Cameron.

4

Enjoyment.

An extremely charming adventure epic powered by a superb lead performance.

4

In Retrospect.

Robert Rodriguez – all is forgiven?

Robert Rodriguez’s latest is that rare beast: a throwback, effects-driven science fiction epic that runs on an infectious sense of fun.

You might like

Four people standing on boat deck: woman in orange top on phone, blonde woman in navy jumper, brunette in denim dungarees, man in grey jacket.
Review

I Know What You Did Last Summer review – cramped by the limitations of its own IP

by Patrick Sproull

A new group of sexy teens face off against a hook-handed foe in this strange legacy sequel.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Two blue animated characters with white hats, one with long blonde hair, standing on rocky ground with dappled sunlight.
Review

Smurfs review – a drab exercise in IP filler material

by David Jenkins

Another animated incarnation of Peyo’s beloved, blue Belgian beauties; unfortunately Chris Miller’s film absolutely sucks.

2
Anticipation
1
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
Two men in conversation outdoors, one in beige puffer jacket holding white cup with red straw, other in red and blue jacket eating.
Review

Friendship review – the Wario to I Love You Man's Mario

by Hannah Strong

Tim Robinson attempts to befriend Paul Rudd in Andrew DeYoung’s offbeat comedy.

5
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Person in dark hat, blue top, and red fabric wrap standing in golden grassland with birds flying overhead against pale sky.
Review

Harvest review – remarkably compelling work

by Hannah Strong

Athina Rachel Tsangari’s solemn adaptation of Jim Crace’s historical novel concentrates on the changing face of a Scottish farming village as the agricultural revolution begins.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Man in light blue shirt and woman with curly red hair in dark top having conversation in front of bookshelf filled with books.
Review

The Other Way Around review – a new type of break-up movie

by David Jenkins

Jonás Trueba’s wry and articulate neo-screwball relationship comedy sees a couple organising a party for their impending break-up.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Group portrait of a band, with 10 individuals shown in black and white. The group is arranged in two rows, with members making various facial expressions.
Review

Pavements review – a trailblazing docufiction without borders

by Luke Hicks

Alex Ross Perry creates a unique docufiction about cult indie band Pavement, blurring the lines between real and fake to excellent comedic effect. 

3
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect