Alien: Romulus (2024) User Reviews

High-budget Alien fan film

[kalle-parviainen · 7/10 · 14 August 2024]

A few hours after coming out of the theater and I'm not sure what to make of this. It was... okay, I guess?

It felt like Fedy Alvarez examined the production of each of the previous films, and every left-over idea from them was thrown finally to the screen, along with rehashing the core components of the franchise. You have pieces from Alien, Aliens, Resurrection, and Prometheus/Covenant. For a fan of the series, there are subtle and not-so-subtle easter eggs every few minutes, from sound effects to reused dialogue.

The plot is really simple, as it should be. A group of people exploring a space station. Been there, done that. However, I really liked the use of temperature and gravity in this film, those were something not seen much in this universe. And there were plenty of jump scares. I'm not usually a fan of those, but this time they worked well.

The two lead actors were pretty good, the rest rather forgettable. And not sure what to make of the beyond-the-grave role of one actor...

The world is great. Forget the sleek and clean world of Prometheus, this is back to the ugly 70s retro futuristic stuff. Simply lovely. Aesthetically pleasing, if you like this kind of look.

Finally, however, it does feel like there is really nowhere for this franchise to go in terms of story. I wouldn't call it artistically bankrupt, but it is close. While this film tied neatly together the "proper" Alien films and the new Prometheus sidestep, it is hard to think what more to make of this creature. Nearly all the mystery has been stripped from the Xenomorph. I do wonder, is there anything left to do with this creature? More stand-alone films?

The Rogue One of the Alien Franchise

[bradaviel · 8/10 · 14 August 2024]

I had high hopes for this one and what can I say : I just got back into the theatre again after the first showing because I couldn't wait to see it a second time. Remember how we always wondered if Alien and Blade Runner took place in the same universe ? The world building was so well done and involving I was almost disappointed to remember after 30 minutes that I was to see an Alien movie. Almost. Because the rest is so good. The way the characters are built in relation to each other and against what's happening is masterful. I also love how the movie reunites thematically and lore wise ALL 6 movies that came before (there's a node to each and everyone of them and I'm a sucker for a good candy if it's done purposefully) while doing it's own thing. Because it IS a Fede Alvarez movie, as fresh and dynamic as the other movies he's done. Finally, you just have to see the opening : as soon as the computer lights up, you know where you are and you know it's gonna be as respectful and familiar as possible. True, there are liberties taken with the lore and some will argue on these with reason but I personally can forgive those shortcuts because they serve the pace (and every movie has its own specific Xenomorphs anyway). There's no down time, always something happening. It checks the boxes but it's also unique and special. This was well worth the wait.

An Alien Greatest Hits album sung by a cover band.

[andyelliott-53082 · 6/10 · 17 August 2024]

Positives first - Good action, great practical special effects, and nice visuals.

Director Fede Alvarez and his production team have captured the gloomy atmosphere of Alien, and the thrilling action of Aliens almost perfectly. The action was thrilling with some scary moments.

The use of practical effects and realistic miniatures was so refreshing to see in this age of CGI overkill. Seeing a fully realised Xenomorph in the flesh blew me away, and the Space scenes were beautiful. This camera work, visual presentation, and use of quality albeit limited CGI when necessary was excellent.

Negatives - Average acting, nostalgia bait story, copy & pasted dialogue from better Alien movies, and the inclusion of lore elements from the inferior prequels which I wish did not exist in official canon. Plus the reveal of the villain was an "oh, get out of here " moment, I will say no more.

Apart from the great lead actress Spaeny playing up her role, the other cast of actors/characters was just okay. I thought the nostalgia bait story was boring, eye-rolling, and almost 4th wall breaking, it ruined the immersion for me. I'm getting bored of sequels/prequels heavily relying on lazy "remember-berries" to get a kick out of the casual audience while making the Alien fans embarrassed almost angry. To be honest it's just lazy script writing, and disrespectful to the other Alien movies that did it first!. Unnecessary.

Also the overuse of copy & pasted dialogue from the better Sigourney Weaver Alien movies was very cringe. 20th Century Studios should've called it Alien: Remember because of the over-reliance on oh you remember this bit from.. Lastly, trying to inject all the controversial and franchise damaging Prometheus nonsense into the film was frustrating, I hated all that origin of the Space Jockey and creation of the Xenomorph rubbish. And don't get me started on the villain, I don't want to spoil anything, but it was laughably lazy.

I think setting the movie between the first 2 films was a mistake because you have to make your movie fit into the established continuity of the franchise with all the tie ins and plot beats required to make it fit. They should've done a sequel set years after Alien: Resurrection, and setup the start of a brand new Alien saga long after Weavers adventures (and with better writers onboard).

This had the potential to be right up there with Aliens, but due to disappointing characters, a lacklustre "remember-berry" story, and poor script, it was a let down. Alien: Romulus, an above average Alien greatest hits movie, 4th best film in the franchise.

It starts like Alien, continues like Aliens, ends like Prometheus.

[leonardooliva-16135 · 8/10 · 20 August 2024]

As a Uruguayan and a fan of the saga, I can't deny that I was waiting for this movie with a mix of expectation and uncertainty. The first, due to my fanaticism for this entire universe and the second because of the inherent risk of a new installment after the previous stumbles.

I think that "Alien Romulus" does a great job as a movie for the most part: it is initially presented with an air of more tension and mystery like in Alien 1; it goes through a stage of more action and dynamism like Alien 2 and has a very risky third act, very reminiscent of Prometheus.

The result? A hybrid that many of us liked but others not so much. Sometimes in the homage and fan service a lot of the content is lost and that is perhaps one of the biggest criticisms. However, the criticism succumbs to the box office success that this movie is being.

Personally, I enjoyed this installment a lot in a theater with great image and sound. Fede Alvarez does a great job directing, which is no coincidence, remembering "Don't Breathe" and the remake of "Evil Dead." The setting, the script, the characters (especially Andy's actor), are really good. We have a main character who, although she is not Ripley, does very well and we believe her entire development during the film.

Perhaps one can question the creative decision to give more screen time to the Facehugger than to the Xenomorph, but it is not something that bothered me.

I do think that the deaths of the characters could have been used more, but in return we are given a delightful third act from the acid sequence in zero gravity to the appearance of that aberration, a mix of human, xenomorph and engineer, that is really disturbing.

I firmly believe that it improves a lot from the prequels and that it will benefit from the comic that will be published in October. So, all in all, I am very happy with this release. I hope that the box office success it is having gives the green light to more stories and that this whole universe that has so much potential and that so many of us love can be rounded out.

Checks all the boxes, and more !...

[valmont1702 · 8/10 · 14 August 2024]

If you love the Alien franchise, there's a big chance this movie is gonna satisfy you quite a bit... Because it combines most of the notable elements that made the franchise oh so popular across the years (cf. There are multiple winks or easter eggs to the various movies of the franchise, via subtle elements, characters or story plots)...

It is of course a product of our modern era (the filming technics, the effects), while also keeping most of the classic atmosphere and tone of the Alien movies...The visual language is pretty excellent overall, with some really striking shots here and there (great framing and composition)...

Yes it might disappoint some, who have a feeling of ownership towards the franchise, because it definitely expands and explores the lore quite a lot (which is what I personally am looking for with sci-fi sagas that go on and on over decades)... Also, the lead actress (Cailee Spaeny) carries the movie really well, with silent strength, subtlety and intensity...

So if you're looking for an Alien movie that uses most of the old ingredients while reintroducing and/or reinventing them, and exploring beyond what we've been used to... Then you're up for a great time !

All too familiar

[pootc · 6/10 · 17 August 2024]

Alien: Romulus delivers a gritty experience reminiscent of the original film, with impressive world-building and familiar tech that longtime fans of the franchise will appreciate. The movie captures the essence of the Alien universe, offering a standalone story that fits well within the established timeline and cleverly nods to Prometheus.

However, the film's reliance on callbacks to previous entries in the franchise detracts from its originality. While some references are clever, others are forced and cringeworthy.

The introduction of the main character Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny, feels uninspired. We've seen this before - another Ripley. It's actually David Jonsson's character, Andy, who ends up being the most interesting by a long shot. If there is one franchise that would benefit from exploring new characters rather than rehashing old ones, this is it.

Despite these negatives, Romulus is technically impressive. It's beautifully shot, the effects are good, it has some genuine scares, and manages to deliver solid thrills and action scenes that are sure to please. I just wish it were brave enough to carve out its own identity.

Patience will be rewarded - the third act makes the trip worthwhile

[SeeRJay · 9/10 · 14 August 2024]

First and foremost, Alien: Romulus is an unabashed love letter to Alien, Aliens and - much to my delight - Alien: Isolation. There hasn't been a film or piece of media that has felt quite as loyal to the original's vision in a long time, if ever.

Almost to a fault, the first two acts deify Alien and Aliens, occasionally lifting dialogue and scene composition verbatim. Those parts are nice throwbacks, although I couldn't help but want something fresh and genuinely terrifying - a feat which I don't think has been achieved since the films that Alien: Romulus lovingly imitates. At the very least, it never ceases to be engaging science fiction-horror.

The characters are moderately interesting, with some believable backstories to justify their motivations, but it isn't difficult to distinguish the heroes from the fodder early on. The dynamic between Rain and Andy is a particular highlight, and gives the narrative the anchor that it needs to warrant the audience's investment. Cailee Spaeney's and David Jonsson's performances are excellent, with the latter delivering the nuance required of his character with precision. The practical effects are also fantastic, making the CGI - when it is used - stand out to the film's detriment.

While the first two acts in isolation deliver a satisfactory entry in the series, the third act (you will know when it arrives) is the white-knuckle horror ride that has been lacking in the more recent films. It's also the point in which the film matures, so to speak, distinguishing itself from a homage and transforming into a standalone experience. It really is best viewed free of any spoilers - all I will say is that it is the first time I've involuntarily gasped in the series since seeing Alien for the first time.

Patience will be rewarded - the third act makes the ride more than worthwhile, and reminded me of exactly why I love the series.

Great potential killed by fan service and shallow characters

[ggarcia-73948 · 6/10 · 17 August 2024]

Simply put "Alien: Romulus" can't get out of its own way.

Moments of pure innovation are stifled by derivative references to other "Alien" movies. Consequently, several legitimately clever moments are killed by 45 years worth of cliché.

To his credit, Fede Alvarez clearly demonstrates that he has a love and understanding of the source material.

This knowledge and passion are refreshing because most modern additions to sci-fi franchises (*ahem* "Star Trek") are made by people who approach the source material with the same enthusiasm as a minimum wage worker making canned pickles on an assembly line.

Alvarez knows the lore and is able to masterfully apply it to fantastic visuals. The vistas, set pieces, and other visual shots are so beautifully done, they equal -if not rival- every sci-fi space adventure for the past fifteen years - including, and especially, "Interstellar" and, yes, even Ridley Scott's "Prometheus."

With a franchise that is approaching its golden anniversary (50 years), a major obstacle is how to keep the stories fresh and interesting.

Alvarez makes a legitimate attempt at a fresh story in the "Alien" universe by experimenting with world building. The first act of the story opens on a mining colony which is micromanaged by the evil Weyland-Yutani Corporation on hellscape planet where the sun literally doesn't shine at all.

We're then introduced to younger characters who want to leave the mines and start new lives on a paradise planet. So far so good.

The problem is the main characters are horrifically superficial. I just saw the movie and I can't even tell you the names of 2/3rds of the main cast. I had to literally identify them by their indecipherable accents and hair cuts.

While Alvarez should be commended for exercising restraint in showing the monsters until the second act -like the first two "Alien" movies- his biggest misstep is not developing these characters.

The first 45 minutes of the first "Alien" movie is dedicated to building the personalities of the characters and the world they live in. Alvarez only delivered on the world building in his movie.

After the first act, the movie splits in half between clever set pieces and painful references.

There are two major sequences in the movie which are clever, fresh, and genuinely suspenseful.

Unfortunately, they're bogged down by references to literally every other "Alien" movie ever made. Every movie in the franchise -from the celebrated 1979 original to the reviled "Alien Resurrection" and the confusing "Prometheus" to yes, even "Alien v. Predator: Requiem"- is referenced as one or more plot points in the story.

They somehow found a way to reference movies that wouldn't happen in the chronology of the franchise for about 500 years. I guess that's impressive.

In addition to falling into the modern Hollywood trap of delivering shallow fan service over sharp originality, the quality of fan service is painfully subpar because it references movies that most fans despise.

Case in point, most "Alien" fans could've gone the rest of their lives without a reference to "Alien: Resurrection" -which is probably why there wasn't an "Alien 5"- but "Romulus" borrows a major plot point from that movie and makes it the centerpiece of its finale. Oops.

In summary, "Alien: Romulus" is a frustrating film in which it could have been a really interesting if the well-intentioned, but woefully miscalculated, fan service was reined in.

The film almost paradoxically revitalizes the franchise while burying it to the depths of franchise killing entries such as "Alien: Covenant" and "Resurrection." It's a shame!

Stop resurrecting deceased actors

[adamheywoodks · 21 August 2024]

Ian Holm passed away in 2020. He left behind a legacy of iconic characters portrayed with talent and inspiration. His perhaps most famous and beloved work was as Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy; a role he reprised for The Hobbit.

Many, besides, will remember him for Ash in the original Alien back in 1979. His performance was excellent.

With modern techniques, today, the character of Rook is brought to the big screen. A stand-in is used for reference, whose actual performance is never seen. A machine figures out how to replicate Ian Holm's voice and cadence. Digital artists condense Holm's face into 1s and 0s, and a computer tracks the data onto the stand-in's performance.

Rook is an android, or synthetic person, of the same series as Ash and of the same likeness. But Ian Holm had nothing to do with his portrayal.

If you wanted, you could show a machine thousands of images of Van Gogh's art, or Goya's, or Michaelangelo's. Eventually, through iterations, the machine would "understand" how those artists use colour, used their brushes; how they applied pigment; when they used large brushes and fine, when they employed heavy strokes and light. Eventually, you would have a machine that was clever enough to create a painting by itself, that was in the style of those other artists, and it may even be good enough to fool experts into thinking it was a "lost" Van Gogh, a "lost" Goya or "lost" Michaelangelo.

But in truth, those artists are deceased, and had nothing to do with someone coming along years later and using their work to create something new. It would be a lie to attribute the digital artwork to those original artists. It would cheapen the experience of viewing the original artwork, it would lessen the subjective value of the human inspiration and technique.

It reduces the craft of painting, the refinement of technique, the inspiration and sometimes the genius to move the audience. It removes the original human element completely, and instead props it up with something utterly fake: A digital pretence, an artifice in binary, presented as somehow "the same." It isn't.

It would be insulting, yes, to remove Holm's body from its resting place, and animate it with wires and gantry rigs, and pretend it's actually a living Holm acting. It would be insulting to his memory, to pretend that his acting was so basic and simple that he can act even after he's dead. It would also be insulting to create an animatronic puppet instead of his actual corpse, and just have that play Rook instead. And it would be insulting to the audience to expect them to buy either of these as a live performance from a living actor.

But as insulting as that would be, it somehow would be even less insulting than slapping a highly-detailed cartoon on the screen and expecting it to have the same impact, which is what film studios are doing these days. The synthetics might've been assembled on a production line, but actors aren't. The research and preparation, the rehearsal, the refinement, are all absent. There is only an end Product, with no human artistry at its heart. Only people working to recreate something like it.

Ian Holm is dead. So is Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher. So is Harold Ramis. Stop parading their faces like it's the real thing. It's gross. It's obscene and shameful. Recreating their likenesses cheapens their rarity, it reduces their performances to, "The actor is dead? Doesn't matter, let's fix it in post."

This is nothing short of digital necromancy, reducing actors to soulless dead-eyed CGI zombies, expecting audiences to clap and cheer and go "Yay, Product!" Sadly, some do.

Let the dead rest, for heaven's sake.

A very average addition to the Alien universe

[thewatcher-67734 · 6/10 · 17 August 2024]

Nothing special, a lot of the really positive reviews are overhyped.

The characters for the most part are totally flaccid and devoid of any real character, apart from Andy. I honestly didn't have any emotional attachment to the majority of the characters and most of them were just annoying and thick.

The movie was tawdry at times, seeming to take an age to get going and relying far to heavily on Alien franchise cliches to add any real colour to the plot and script.

The special effects were good enough and the design on the original xenomorph was excellent, although the face huggers look worse in this film than they did in Alien and Aliens for some reason.

Don't ger over excited by the current hype surrounding Romulus, it isn't a terrible film but it isn't a great one either. As a huge fan of the originals, i came away disappointed.

To Boldly Go

[reelreviewsandrecommendations · 8/10 · 22 August 2024]

In 2013, the first feature film by director Fede Alvarez was released: 'Evil Dead,' a reboot of the gloriously gory Sam Raimi series. While some found it lacked the humour the franchise was known for- and most missed Bruce Campbell's demon-killing badass Ash Williams- it was a bloody good film, paying homage to Raimi's original three, while standing on its own two feet. It seemed Alvarez was a new master of the macabre; a notion his next film, the claustrophobic 'Don't Breathe,' compounded.

Having helmed a great new addition to a beloved franchise, and having proved himself adept at making grisly, tense features, Alvarez is the perfect choice to direct an 'Alien' film. 'Alien: Romulus,' set between the events of Ridley Scott's first 'Alien' and James Cameron's 'Aliens,' centres on a group of space colonists who come upon a derelict space station languishing amidst the stars. Intending to scavenge, they board, only to realize the station isn't really abandoned; and that which occupies it has murder on its xenomorphian mind.

It is a gripping horror, a worthy companion piece to Scott's brilliant original. Whether or not you loved Cameron's blockbuster 'Aliens,' its success ensured that all of the succeeding movies in the franchise have been focused more on action rather than dread, on spectacle rather than horror. Although Alvarez has time for action- the latter half of the picture contains some excellent fight scenes, especially one in zero gravity- 'Alien: Romulus' shares the same tone of foreboding menace as the original.

The xenomorphs are to be feared in Alvarez's film. They are not easily annihilated by myriads of weapons or exosuits. Similarly, the main character, Rain Carradine, is not an alien-killing-machine like Cameron's version of Ripley was. Rather, she is more like Ripley in her first cinematic outing: terrified, overwhelmed and in constant danger. She is a great conduit for the audience, as the film takes viewers on a journey into fear, in the confines of space; where no-one can hear you scream.

Alvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues craft a tale both engaging and frightening, though a cynical critic might suggest their characterisation is a bit cliched. The supporting characters are particularly ill-served; some are little more than cardboard cut-outs- especially Bjorn, a needlessly aggressive chap whose characterisation seems to have come straight from the pages of a Dummies Guidebook for Assholery. However, Rain and Andy- her synthetic companion- are compelling: one cares for them.

The production design- headed by Naaman Marshall- is immersive and atmospheric, while the efficacious use of both special and practical effects generates many chills and thrills. Alvarez cleverly hired various set designers and decorators, as well as model makers and special effects crew, who worked on previous films in the series. Every location looks like it could have been used in the first movie, while the xenomorphs and other creatures look like they came straight from a HR Giger nightmare.

Furthermore, director of photography Galo Olivares does sterling work under Alvarez's direction. The cinematography is striking and headily evocative. Their use of light and shadow is particularly effective at generating tension and intrigue, while irregular angles are utilised to further the film's suspenseful atmosphere. Further, they juxtapose the vastness of space with the cramped interiors of the station, generating the palpably anxious fear that made the franchise's first entry so memorable.

In addition, they shoot the pulse-pounding action masterfully, leaving viewers on the edge of their seat throughout the film's two-hour runtime- which goes by swiftly, thanks to the fastidious editing from Alvarez and Jake Roberts. Furthermore, Benjamin Wallfisch's score is creepily unsettling, compounding the film's horror and heightening its apprehensive, unpredictable mood.

Cailee Spaeny stars as Rain, delivering a sturdy performance that echoes Sigourney Weaver's as Ripley, though is in no way derivative of Weaver's work. She makes Rain compelling, and is difficult not to root for. As Andy, David Jonsson is brilliant, bringing a humanity to the role that is quite affecting- especially considering he isn't technically human. His relationship with Spaeny is the heart of the film; the two demonstrate a fine chemistry.

Moreover, Archie Renaux does fine work as the leader of the boarding party, while Daniel Betts- with the help of CGI- is terrific, playing Rook, a science officer fans of the original will immediately recognise. Isabela Merced and Aileen Wu both also impress in smaller roles, though, conversely, Spike Fearn is incredibly irritating as Bjorn- although, since the character was surely written to be irritating, in a way, he fulfilled his brief more than adequately.

In summation, Fede Alvarez's 'Alien: Romulus' is a fast-paced, frenetic entry in the 'Alien' franchise that acts as a homage to Ridley Scott's original, while making its own mark cinematically. Boasting a gripping narrative filled with chills and thrills, as well as striking cinematography and a stirring score, it fires on all cylinders. Well-edited and strongly acted, it is a terrific film, that boldly goes in new directions, while honouring where it came from.

Confusing combination of all the 6 movies

[melllettem · 6/10 · 15 August 2024]

I hoped that this movie will add something new to the story of the franchise, but it is just a standalone average horror movie. As I see the director and the studio misunderstood the fans when their problems were raised about Prometheus and Covenant and the result of it is a confusing combination of all the 6 movies also some stolen John Carpenter feeling in the end.

Inspite of this there where some enjoyable scenes in the movie, the main character is likeable but despite all efforts Romolus remains a strange spin-off of the Alien universe.

Of course for an Alien fan it is a mandatory piece even if it's a one time movie.

So many eye-rolling moments

[JBest57604 · 4/10 · 16 August 2024]

The only real positive I found was that the movie was slightly better than the last two Scott abominations, but that bar is sadly very low. I just spent nearly two hours watching this and don;t want to waste much more time on it, so some brief observations:

High-school grads with access (and apparently no need to file a flight plan for) a huge transport ship.

A super-important and expensive - not to mention huge - research facility that drifts into orbit unnoticed by anyone but the high-schoolers.

Drifts in from where?

Said station will impact with planetary rings unlike any that exist in the universe. These suckers aren't thin clouds of ice orbiting the planet, but thick, solid to the point of a ship crashing into them and remaining on the surface in flames.

Man, that xenomoprh from the first movie was a crafty devil. Not only able to survive being fried by rocket engines and hurled into the vacuum of space, but somehow built a giant cocoon to sleep in until being snagged by the witless Corporation.

Hang on; built the cocoon from what? Stuff it had in its pocket?

Etc. Etc. Etc.

Plus, poor Ian Holm dragged back from the dead. He deserved much better than a glue-on cgi face and repetition of lines.

I did almost walk out of the theater when Andy (the only character who had any kind of depth, by the way) says, "Leave her alone, you......(long pause) bitch.

It's been almost 40 years since the last decent Alien movie. Folks, I think it's time to take Old Yeller out back for...well, you know.

True Nostalgia for any Alien Fans

[codie-46638 · 8/10 · 16 August 2024]

Just got back from seeing Romulus. And let me tell you I was memerized the entire time. The sets were amazing and cinematography was made to look like you were watching Alien. I'm always the person who pays attention to the score while I'm watching and this movie goes from Alien to Aliens and does it's own modern day score, I loved it! Great job Benjamin Wallfisch! Now was it scary? Maybe to some, but it had 3 or 4 good jump scares that I wasn't expecting. This movie also has many call backs to at least 4 of the alien films (so fans will get these right away). Alien Isolation was definitely played by the director cause there is also a couple scenes that stick out. Didn't expect prometheus to be a part of the movie and there is a scene with the black goo and Marc Strienfeilds score plays when this happens which I immediately smiled and love when they incorporate scores from previous movies. Now I will forwarn you that the 3rd act everyone is talking about is a little crazy and was pleasantly pleased how Fede took a chance on doing what Alien Resurrection messed up on. I recommend this to anyone who is fan of the Alien Franchise, but if your not you'd prob think it's subpar. But to be honest as a true Alien fan cause I grew up watching them, I'd say top 3 in this order for me are Alien, Aliens, and Alien Romulus! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Complete lack of originality

[jshields-00057 · 15 August 2024]

Saw it last night and was pretty disappointed. There was so much hype for this. It really is just another average Alien film that we really didn't need. Predictable and shallow plot and characters. Some bits made me laugh out loud and not in a good way.

It's literally a facsimile of the first 2 films in look, feel, tone. A carbon copy. Yes there are some new moments that were interesting but moments don't make a movie. The ending was also a complete miss that we already saw in Alien Resurrection.

This is the same story for Terminator. We don't need anymore films. Everything that needs to be said has already been said with the first 2 films.

The Director gets it!

[kcsuper · 8/10 · 14 August 2024]

Managed to snag an early screening of Alien: Romulus, and let me just say this....... Fede Alvarez understands the suspense this franchise needs. Despite the obvious inspiration from the Alien: Isolation video game, which is not a bad thing AT ALL, Alvarez provides the old school fan service we've been missing.

The not-so well known cast pulls it off convincingly, particularly Cailee Spaeny as Rain. Although I didn't much care for her character in Civil War, here she sells her performance rather well. Many will view her as primarily an Amanda Ripley knock-off, though. The Xenomorph design in this one is somewhat reminiscent of the original '79, and it does NOT disappoint. It's almost as if "Kane's Son" from the Nostromo floated through space and landed on the Renaissance Station.

That feeling of isolated dread carries the film, and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it has has a tendency to drag, but you barely notice it. As far as facehuggers go.......this film does them justice! Holy 🐄! They give the creatures they spawn a run for their money as top contender for terrifying. Take the ones who attacked Ripley and Newt in Aliens and dip them in cocaine. That's what you get in this one! All in all, Alien: Romulus comes in third in this franchise. Alien 3, Resurrection, Prometheus, and Covenant can be erased from canon in my opinion. Enjoy fans!

Takes a while to get going but once it does it is relentless

[jtindahouse · 7/10 · 14 August 2024]

I usually wouldn't be overly excited about another 'Alien' sequel coming out, however in his short career so far Fede Alvarez has proven he has a lot of talent. So I went in with an open mind hoping to be pleasantly surprised that this series still has some life to it. And I'm pleased to say it does.

The film gets off to a slow start. There is a solid 40 minute build-up, introducing the characters and setting up the story. That part of the movie was a little slow and drawn out for my liking. After that though, once the action/horror begins, it doesn't relent. The pacing from there on out is terrific.

The movie looks good. The creatures in particular really popped on the screen. The set design was also great. It's a really hard film to fault on that front.

Be warned the film is quite dark. I saw it in a cinema so there was no trouble following the action, but when it comes to streaming I could see it being an issue for people potentially.

There's nothing ground-breaking or game-changing here, however if you're wanting nothing more than a good time for two hours this one could just do the trick. 7/10.

The best love letter ever to be written

[benkelkin · 9/10 · 14 August 2024]

The music was perfect. I want to watch it again just to pay attention to the score. When they said the word Promethius and the Promethius score came in I nearly screamed in delight.

From scene one it not only nodded and paid homage to its cannon but the script built on it as the movie progressed. The first two stanzas gave us some old school horror and the third gave Fede his chance to put some of his own flavour into the franchise for immortality.

I struggled with the fact that I didn't like some of the characters, and I think that was by design. He had a cast of young rebellious kids, they don't all need to be stand up characters.

The sound of the pulse rifle was music to my ears, I will forever remember hearing this on the big screen.

The Utani lab flashback scenes were very fun. I could happily watch more of this.

I liked the mechanical effects and the visuals as a whole but I needed some wider screen angles in some of the shooting action scenes, it was all so dark and up close at times, I just wanted a glimpse from the outside as to what was going on. Relentless close ups needed a few set back shots to give me better context of the battle scenes. Would be 10/10 if that was adjusted.

It was a love letter. The sweetest, most genuine horrific horror of a letter that could have ever been written. I am so pleased to have read it and so pleased that Fede was given the free creativity licencing to do it. He hand picked the perfect team to craft this film with the respect that it deserves. I feel like this may not be an immediate standout fan favourite of the series but it will certainly unite the fans, invigorate the franchise and as time goes on, will potentially be pivotal in the progression of the franchise.

Friends and family comments: The breast scene was the scariest thing ever The human alien was so scary Not much talking in it, that worked well Loud, very loud Very alien, it was all like watching alien.

Made by and for people who like Aliens... but dont KNOW aliens

[robkenyonuk · 6/10 · 23 August 2024]

Alien Romulus Review: A Disappointment for the Die-Hard Fans

Alien Romulus feels like a movie made by people who enjoy the Alien franchise, but not by those who truly understand its essence. As someone who has spent over three decades immersing themselves in the world of Alien-watching the films, devouring the documentaries, and reading the books-this film left me wanting.

When Prometheus was announced, I was thrilled at the prospect of Ridley Scott returning to the helm. However, the final product left me disappointed with its convoluted narrative and the introduction of the DNA-altering "black goo," which felt completely out of place in the established Alien universe. Alien: Covenant continued this trend, starting strong but ultimately faltering with questionable character decisions and the baffling return of David and his "magic flute."

So, when Alien Romulus was announced, I hoped a fresh perspective might bring the franchise back to its horror roots. The trailers were promising, and I went in with cautious optimism. Unfortunately, I walked out with yet another sense of disappointment.

Let me be clear: Alien Romulus is not a bad film. It's entertaining and checks all the boxes for a modern-day audience and casual Alien fans. There's a strong female lead, plenty of aliens, guns, acid, and robots, along with a few new elements thrown in for good measure. But for those of us who truly understand the franchise, it adds to an already confusing timeline and attempts to answer questions that didn't need answering.

What made the original Alien so effective was its simplicity-like "Jaws in Space," as it was famously described. The film was character-driven, full of suspense, and took its time unraveling the story. It didn't show or explain too much, leaving much to the viewer's imagination, which made it all the more terrifying. In contrast, Alien Romulus (like many modern films) throws everything at the screen, leaving nothing to the imagination. The characters, except for the two leads, are little more than cannon fodder-so forgettable that I can't even recall their names.

On the positive side, the set design, sound, costumes, and some of the effects are impressive, capturing the essence of the original films. However, this is overshadowed by the film's fan service, which often undermines the established lore.

For example, the opening scene involves the recovery of the Alien from the original movie, seemingly floating around the wreckage of the Nostromo, which was destroyed by Ripley. Ets start with the opening, the recovery of the 'Alien' from the original. Seemingly floating round the wreckage of the Nostromo that was destroyed by Ripley. Why was it there? If you cast your minds back to the original movie, Ripley escaped along with the Alien on the Narcissus escape shuttle, where some miles away she blew it out of the airlock and shot it with grappling hook and then blasted the alien into deep space.... So why was the Alien floating round the Nostromo? Did gravity push it there? If you know the film, you will know when Ripley escapes the escape ship flies backwards away from the Nostromo as you can see from windscreen, so when she blasts it out of her ship it should have been pushed even further away from the Nostromo.... not that there should be any wreckage left after three nuclear explosions.... but anyway.... if I can believe that, why do the company then spend 20 years searching for it to retrieve? The company know about the crashed Alien ship now on LV426 as presumably they sent the crew of the Nostromo there in the first place, and Ash must have been sending back data to them through the ships computer. So why waste 20 years looking for an alien that may or may not be floating out in space (and how do they even know its there?) when you can just go to LV426 and retrieve a WHOLE SHIP of eggs and aliens for your testing pleasure. If they dont know about LV426 then there i no way they can know about the floating alien in space.

Then there's the issue of the original Alien's DNA being reverse-engineered to create the black goo. How do they even know its life cycle without a host to create a facehugger? And how do they produce so many facehuggers without a Queen? Perhaps there's some bridge between Alien Covenant and this film that explains this, but it left me unconvinced.

The film also brings back Ian Holm's likeness as Rook, which felt disrespectful. The CGI was terrible, and the audience even laughed when he first appeared. In the original Alien, Ash's identity as a robot was a secret, so having other models that look like him undermines his character's entire point.

Overall, Alien Romulus feels like a disjointed mashup of all the previous Alien films. The alien lifecycle is rushed, with the creature growing from embryo to adult in minutes rather than days. The re-use of iconic lines from earlier films is unnecessary fan service, especially when a particular line, originally delivered by Ripley to the Queen in a powerful moment, is now uttered by an android in a way that feels completely out of place.

The ending is recycled from both Prometheus and Alien: Resurrection, adding to the sense of déjà vu. While some of the effects are good, particularly the zero-G acid scene, others fall flat. It's disappointing that in 2024, we still struggle to match the practical effects of the '70s and '80s.

In conclusion, Alien Romulus has its moments-some good performances and entertaining scenes-but for those of us who have been waiting for a true return to form for the Alien franchise, the wait continues.

A movie for the fans!

[and_mikkelsen · 8/10 · 15 August 2024]

I have to admit, I was skeptic going into this movie, since the later trailers made me worty that they showed the whole movie, cause it was going to be bad... however I was thankfully wrong!

This was such a pleasent surprise, and felt like the biggest breath of fresh air, after prometheus and covennant!

You can tell that the director loves the franchise, and that he went back to the first two movies, saw what worked, and why they were loved by the fans, and then combined them into making this movie! We even get some Alien Isolation vibes!

The story and action takes its time to get going, but thats part of the charm with these movies! I enjoy that slow burn until things go crazy! Taking its time to establish the characters, the setting, the rules etc!

I loved how many practical effects that they used! Thats another part of the charm and why the first movies are so great, compared to the later ones! The experience becomes more immersive, rather tvan having all that CGI to pull you out og it!

Overall a movie that exceeded my expectations, and might become my favorite outside the first two!

Great start let down by some bad choices

[Zetsurin · 6/10 · 15 August 2024]

Thw movie starts well. In fact the first 2/3rds is pretty great. But it is let down in various ways:

• Too many needless quotes spoken word for word from previous films as if that will excite our nostalgia, but honestly those lines were delivered perfectly with impact and timing when used originally and just repeating this as off the cuff dialog in new characters treads far too closely to ruining their legacy.

• Some connections to previous films that I don't like are validated. The lore appears to be permanently lessened as to the origin of the species amongst other things.

• Some scenes and situations from previous films are copied, again needlessly. There are several of these.

• At times it feels like there are jump scares every 5 minutes in parts, way overdone. Less is more IMHO, otherwise it starts to just devolve into a generic slasher movie.

The Wait Was Worth It

[davemaxsted · 10/10 · 14 August 2024]

A new Alien film that pays tribute to every previous Alien film..including the black goo...and an incredible Ian Holm,Fede even got his voice perfect...Caley Spaney certainly holds her own here,she obviously has some big shoes to step into but wow oh wow..once the crew are on board the Romulus Space Station it's full steam ahead and it never let's up,the practical effects are stunning as are the visuals..it's been a long wait but it was worth it...with moments you could have pulled straight out of Alien,Aliens,Alien 3 Alien Resurrection and Prometheus Fede Alvarez takes us on a trip into shear horror and a return to the Alien universe as it should be....

"In space no one can hear you sigh"

[Pigeons1 · 6/10 · 15 August 2024]

At this point in 2024, there are more bad alien movies than good ones. So, something that pays homage to the originals really piqued my interest.

Visually, it's vintage "Alien/s" albeit with modern polish. It looks great, spectacular even, especially the space scenes. The opening scene was perfect.

The main problem with the movie is that there is zero tension, no sense of dread, and it's not scary, except for the last few scenes, which I enjoyed.

The movie tries to force tension and intensity with another plot device on top of the alien-the equivalent of a bomb timer countdown. It doesn't work as it trumps the alien threat, they become inconvenient road blocks.

The facehuggers have been reduced to annoying pests-something you can just bat away.

The aliens are cannon fodder, and the cast just seems to bump into them. I didn't get the sense that they were being hunted. E.g The sentry cannon scene from Aliens, this movie references. But you don't see the aliens dieing in Aliens, you do here which makes them look weak. On a side note this scene also reminded me of the Starwars prison corridor "boring conversation anyway".

Many scenes played out like a QuickTime event in a video game, with characters over-explaining and then narrating their actions: "I'm going to press X to do this." It's as if the audience needs to be told what they're watching and why they should feel scared or tense because there is no tension in the scene, despite an alien being present.

I have concerns about adding more law etc into the franchise. I don't need to know how the alien works, it's not scary if you know everything about a monster. That's the point of a monster. They use this new found law to get past some aliens, again it was like a scene from a video game.

It really nails the alien aesthetic, its a high paced movie with video game level writing and characters. Somewhat fun but ultimately disposable.

Derivative, pkot like an Alien person shooter game, laugh out loud cringe monents.

[gator-23 · 3/10 · 1 September 2024]

When I saw Prometheus, I said that Ridley Scott was dead to me.

Then I forgot that and went to see the last one, and walked out of it and said Ridley Scott is dead to me.

I must be a glutton for punishment because I did it again. I saw Romulus.

Ridley Scott- you are dead to me... Still.

This movie is an ugly mishmash of laugh out loud cringe moments. When we watched Aliens, the action was gripping and drew you in because we cared about the characters. The tension was drawn out, with tangible edge of your seat moments, and well done.

With this movie, it broadcasts its intentions and what's going to happen in the action sequences not only from down the block, but it's down the street, past the city limits, and out where all the car dealers are. The script must have read like bad fan fiction.

Alien and Aliens made a very good approximation of what living and working in space might be like. In this movie, any attempt at realism on that regard was cringy. Actually laughed out loud had some of the ridiculous sequences. The whole thing played like a first person shooter from 1999.

And for all their budget, why couldn't they do better CGI for Ian Holm? I don't think I've ever seen a lazier CGI effort in the last 10 years. He was basically an NPC for this whole video game of a movie. For everything that his character brought to the original, he and his character deserved better.

This was 2 hours of my life that I'll never get back.

Ridley Scott, you are dead to me. Again.

I give it three stars because I had really good popcorn.

Disney Massacres Ridley and ripley

[dextermorgan-91603 · 16 August 2024]

While this film boldly claims to be the next big thing in sci-fi horror, expectations soared but alas! Unfortunately, Alien Romulus crashes back to Earth with a resounding thud, leaving a crater of disappointment in its wake.

This latest addition to the Alien franchise is a travesty, undermining the very essence of what made its predecessors iconic.

The narrative, or rather the lack thereof, Alien Romulus stumbles through a disjointed plot that appears to be stitched together from discarded drafts of better scripts.

The storyline is as incoherent as it is uninspired, offering none of the intricate tension or philosophical depth that fans have come to expect from the franchise.

The characters, if they can even be called that, are woefully underdeveloped. Each one is a cardboard cutout of a familiar trope, delivering lines with the kind of flatness that suggests a complete disregard for character development.

Visually, the film is a mixed bag of attempts at grandeur that fall embarrassingly short. The special effects, while occasionally striking, are undermined by a lack of coherence in the design. The much-anticipated aliens, crucial to the franchise's appeal, come across as a dull parade of uninspired CGI, devoid of the menacing charm that once made them iconic. The production design is similarly lackluster, failing to create a believable or immersive environment.

The film's pacing is another major issue. What should be a pulse-pounding experience is instead a slow, tedious slog.

Ultimately, it feels like a squandered opportunity-a half-hearted attempt to cash in on a beloved franchise without understanding what made it special in the first place. It's a forgettable addition to the Alien universe, and one that's likely to be remembered only for how poorly it failed to live up to the legacy of its predecessors. Save your time and your ticket money; this is one alien encounter you can afford to miss.