Alien Romulus
Alien: Romulus is the best addition to the franchise since Aliens, but is that saying much?
In this case, I think it is. I greatly enjoyed this for what it was, and for the most part I was able to ignore the many flaws throughout. I’d get into that, but I don’t want to spoil this for anyone.
Alien: Romulus takes place 20 years after Alien, and about 30-35 years before Aliens. It really gets back to the roots of the franchise, which is an epic, quintessential, and suspenseful sci-fi horror movie with some added world-building, such as the dystopian environment the humans in the mining colony are living, at least those who are not part of Weyland-Yutani’s scientific teams or those of glorified importance. This is where we first meet our characters, who for the most part are well written and well acted, while also being different from the characters we have seen in the previous installments of the franchise. These people are not mercenaries or Colonial Marines, but rather normal kids exploited by the corporation they are trying to escape from. And we cannot blame them… it looks miserable.
Hats off to David Jonsson who played 2 characters as the synthetic perfectly. He was a stand out role, and outshined any other character in this movie, including the main character. With that said, I’m a big Cailee Spaeny fan. However, this was one of my least favorite roles she’s done, to no fault of her own. I feel the writing for her character was a bit off - lines felt misplaced or possibly she was given bad direction. She was good, but nowhere near the impact Sigourney Weaver had in the first two installments and beyond.
So, what are the issues? Why is this a 3 out of 5 and not a 4?!? There were definitely some plot holes, especially at the end, and then again at the second end lol. A few times I was thinking “why don’t they just do this” throughout the movie. Also, if you’re going to introduce a countdown, you have to be realistic with the time it takes to complete certain tasks.
For the most part, I was able to suspend my disbelief because it was an enjoyable movie. However, the final product suffers from one massive struggle - the CGI mixed with practical effects. The practical effects blend in beautifully with the Alien saga, but the CGI straight up ruins certain scenes and it was not something I could look past. Especially bad was some of the worst de-aging of the modern era. It felt like a smack in the face to actors who have passed in real life.
My last complaint I will limit to three words: Special. Needs. Alien.
Is it worth seeing in the theater? This may sound strange, me giving it a middle grade and saying yes, but I’m saying yes. Let’s face it, we aren’t watching Alien movies for rock solid plots and Oscar-worthy acting. Outside of the first movie in the franchise, they all have flaws. Alien: Romulus was fun, entertaining, has great sound, and felt like Alien. Go have a good time, suspend your disbelief, and see it in theaters.
