As a long-time fan of the Alien franchise, I can’t help but feel my heart race and my palms get sweaty as I read through these reviews for “Alien: Romulus.” Growing up with Ripley’s badass antics and the terrifying xenomorphs, this series has been a staple in my horror-loving life. So, to see such high praise from critics for the latest installment is nothing short of exhilarating!
Contains major spoilers for “Alien: Romulus”
As summer nears its end and horror enthusiasts seek refuge from the heat in cinemas globally, they can feel confident that “Alien: Romulus” is poised to take the top spot at the Tomatometer. Currently boasting an 81% rating, the movie has consistently sat in the upper fifth of the scale since its review restrictions were lifted, and the response from critics has been predominantly positive, albeit with some reservations. This level of praise is enough to make any “Alien” franchise fan’s heart swell with pride and anticipation. However, beware, employees of Weyland Yutani – not every review has been an unconditional outpouring of adoration. There’s a fair share of fan service waiting for you beyond those iron doors, but some might argue it’s a bit excessive.
If this trend persists, the movie “Alien: Romulus” could potentially become one of the top-rated films in the Alien series, surpassing titles like “Alien vs. Predator,” “Prometheus,” and “Covenant,” as well as the last two films in Sigourney Weaver’s quadrilogy, “Alien3” and “Alien: Resurrection.” Although this is not yet a guaranteed outcome, it’s clear what critics have praised and what they’ve criticized about this new chapter in the Alien saga. Here’s a brief overview of the critical reception for “Alien: Romulus.”
Reviewers found Alien: Romulus legitimately terrifying …
Numerous critics found themselves utterly captivated by “Alien: Romulus.” Kevin Maher of the London Times even deemed it the best “Alien” movie since the initial release, commending the blend of suspense and gore, as well as the acting performances. Director Fede Alvarez was particularly lauded for his decision to interweave thrills with viscous elements. Maher further noted that Alvarez expertly paced the film, with the slower, more introspective early scenes offering crucial backstory, character conflict, and a brilliantly designed set piece involving the station’s antigravity machine. Nicholas Barber from the BBC concurred, describing the film as both awe-inspiring and clever, stating that it comes incredibly close to perfection for the franchise in recent years. David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter also applauded the movie’s tense, edgy style.
Entertainment Weekly’s Jordan Hoffman commended lead actress Cailee Spaeny for her transition from more subtle roles like Priscilla Presley in “Priscilla” to a dynamic action star. Hoffman noted, “Though she might not initially appear as an action hero due to her small stature, it’s been proven that in space, silence is deafening.” On the other hand, Looper’s Matthew Jackson lauded the film for its palpable tension, asserting, “[It] delivers the most chilling ‘Alien’ experience in almost four decades.”
RogerEbert.com’s Brian Tallerico rated the film three stars, appreciating its balance of excitement and suspense, yet criticizing it for its lack of innovative ideas. Essentially, he found that the film was so visually similar to those that preceded it in terms of excellent production values that the frequent homages felt more disappointing. He suggested that the movie didn’t require these callbacks to be a successful “Alien” sequel, perhaps even the one fans have been eagerly waiting for since nearly four decades ago.
That lack of creativity is what lies at the heart of the film’s negative reviews.
… But it’s not all good news
It’s worth mentioning that not all responses to the movie “Alien: Romulus” have been positive. Several critics have noted that the film often gets bogged down by repeated callbacks and references, which seems fitting given Fede Alvarez’s history of adapting remakes or creating sequels. This trend in his work may be the reason why his contribution to the “Alien” franchise has received criticism for overdoing fan service. A specific point of contention is the CGI resurrection of Ian Holm, who appears as a Bishop-like android named Rook after his death.
Soren Andersen from The Seattle Times criticized the movie for its poor storyline. He described it as an overindulgence that leans heavily on being bad. Andersen explained that the film’s continuous assault on the senses is overwhelming and enduring. He stated that watching it was like a punishment. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich agrees, stating that the movie starts to lose control before its troubled group of young adults even reaches the Renaissance period. This is because the movie is so eager to kill them off that it doesn’t allow us time to feel concerned about their survival. Jocelyn Noveck from The Associated Press also commented on the film’s final moments, suggesting they might cause laughter among viewers.
Audience members may find “Alien: Romulus” an exhilarating rollercoaster of fear that leaves them breathless, or they might squirm due to factors unrelated to its horror elements. Discover for yourself when it arrives in theaters on August 16.
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2024-08-15 04:00