Beautiful visuals and tension in an overall decent Alien film (spoiler-free review, spoilers in thread)
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Neomorph
MemberChestbursterAug-14-2024 1:22 PMIf you try to please everyone you'll end up pleasing no one. This is one, although harsh way to describe Romulus that on one hand delivers on spectacular effects, action and tension but also buckles under the weight of all the fan-service.
You have an original story at its core standing on strong legs, with some interesting world building, a young group seeking to leave the toxic and harsh world they live in, and a plan as straightforward as a narrative that actually follows its course. Where the legs begin to wobble however, is when you realize that several parts of the journey, be it dialogue or scenes, are vaguely inspired from, very similar to, or downright blatantly copied straight from all previous Alien films (barring AvP) into a sort if best-of-all Alien experience. To put it short, it borrows a lot from its older brothers but does that mean that the film is bad?
Absolutely not. All the unnecessary nods aside, we still have a thrilling ride and a race against time. Some scenes may feel a bit rushed and make little sense but it's all well shot with overall good acting. This is a film that could really benefit with some extended scenes.
If I hadn't watched any of the previous films I'd likely view Romulus from a completely different perspective. As it is, it's an okay Alien film. Just pe prepared that you'll be familiar.
jdvyne
MemberOvomorphAug-14-2024 3:28 PMI agree. If I would have to summon it up in one sentence, I would say: It felt more like a fan service than an original story. Parts of it were promising or outright good. Other parts were shallow or even made no sense. All in all I'm dissappointed because yet again there was much wasted potential - just as in AC. 7/10 feels appropriate. It's a shame... Nevertheless I will watch it again, since it's Alien after all :)
Neomorph
MemberChestbursterAug-14-2024 3:33 PMYeah 7/10 is a good way to put it. I'll definitely watch it again though (through streaming) because it's certainly not a boring film despite the style-over-substance approach (later acts)
SuperAlien
MemberXenomorphAug-14-2024 9:42 PM***major spoiler***
4/10, just because somehow it did not make me leave the theater. Although when I saw the clone of Ash I wanted to leave. This film feels like a cheap dumbing down AI generated remix of the first four plus something from the prequels, kissing every possible ass to make the dumbest fans happy.
I will probably not waste my time to watch it again.
I suspect that, being asked for advice, Ridley told Fede: Give them shit and keep them in the dark! Which he did, literally.
Ridley's sweet revenge for not being let to make the sequel to Alien Covenant.
"He survived, he’s now in Disneyland in Orlando, and no way am I going back there. How did he end up in Disneyland? I saw him in Disneyland, Jesus Christ!"
jdvyne
MemberOvomorphAug-15-2024 3:10 AM***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER***
Yeah the CGI-generated Ash was propably the largest let-down in the whole movie. I don't understand it! They've put so much effort in builind original sets and puppets and stuff and then they ruin it all with the chrapest and badest CGI-animation of the year...
Neomorph
MemberChestbursterAug-15-2024 4:23 AM***SPOILERS***
They went to far including Ash ("Rook") to the extent that he became a main villain. While I don't mind the idea of an android puppet master, they could've used another actor. If only he was shown briefly in the background for a second or two, deactivated and taking no room in the plot, it would be much better for the film imo. Sneaky callbacks at most, rather than shoving nostalgia right in your face.
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