KID’S TAKE ON MOVIES
‘Alita: Battle Angel’ By Ivey H. KIDS FIRST! film critic, age 13
This is an extraordinary animation film by James Cameron about a young girl who has forgotten her past and is trying to find herself. This story empowers us young ladies. She is brave, strong through rough times and proves people wrong. I really felt the emotions and turmoil of this coming of age tale of Alita.
This story is set in the future, after terrible devastating world event. It is about two worlds, one above and one below. It is actionpacked with villains and heroes.
Alita is found by a cyborg, Dr. Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz), in a junkyard. He refurbishes her into a cyborg, part human and part machine. The young Alita is trying to figure out her past. Meanwhile, she discovers her hidden abilities to transform into an elite fighter, athlete and warrior. She never looses heart, as she becomes a young woman and has to deal with several conflicts.
The film is directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by James Cameron, a creative genius who is known for many other films such as
Titanic and Avatar. The lead character, Alita is played by Rosa Salazar, who truly takes you through the emotions of her character.
Alita’s human sidekick, Hugo, is played by Keean Johnson. He is her teenage first love. The villains are played by Mahershala Ali and Jennifer Connelley. Ed Norton makes a cameo appearance at the end, which makes me believe there will be a sequel and we will see more of him.
The CGI and effects in this film are so vivid and realistic. It is hard to tell animation from reality. The cyborgs’ transformer bodies are so creative, and the costumes really bring light to the characters. The music, lighting and scenes are enhanced by the 3-D movie theater experience.
My favorite part is when Alita gets a new robotic body and is better than ever. It suits her. I also like when she decides to start a fighting league of her own. She signs up to be a bounty hunter, then tries to rally other bounty hunters. They do not take her seriously, but they will soon learn she is a force to be reckoned with. The bounty hunter Zapan (Ed Skrein) and the bounty hunter that loves dogs are pretty cool characters.
The message in the film seems to be to never give up, even when the odds are against you. Never let anyone tell you who you are or who you should become. I really relate to the storyline, and it made me to want to be the best that I can. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18 due to adult language and violent content. Adults will also enjoy this film. Look for it.