‘Alien: Romulus’ Capsule Review: A Noble Nod To The Franchise That Devolves Into Ridiculous Ideas
From 20th Century Studios
Capsule Reviews feature a collection of thoughts from Sean Phillips (Math Teacher Movies) on films from recent days, as well as the past year, decade, and beyond.
From Sean Phillips
The inciting premise of Alien: Romulus is a great idea and a fun set up for an action movie, as well as a noble nod to the Alien franchise. However, by the end it devolved into ridiculous ideas that were more silly than interesting.
There were some set pieces that were spectacular with great action, fun, and suspense that were quintessential for the horror and entertainment of which the original films famously succeeded.
This film overstays its welcome with what feels like a tacked on final act that messes with the pacing of the movie, seeming like it should have ended much earlier.
There was a controversial choice to bring back a previous character in what was a distasteful fashion that not only looks bad, but felt gross. This character could have easily been recast, not having to deal with any of the negative blowback.
Alien: Romulus demands to be seen on the big screen as it is a visual marvel, from the seamless blend of both CGI and practical effects as well as great shots that helped enhance the suspense and artful nature.
Writer/Director Fede Alvarez has established himself as a terrific modern horror film director with a great deal of suspense. However, his writing was fairly weak with cool action scenes but a lack of solid connection.
There are a few clever and interesting innovations throughout the film that do right by and extend the mythos, but then it tries a bit too much and gets tired and head scratch-inducing at the end.
Cailee Spaeny does an adequate job as the action lead, but wasn’t given a lot to work with for her character. It’s unfair to compare her to Sigourney Weaver, but the movie sets that up and she unfortunately pales in comparison.
David Jonsson is the absolute standout with an unflinching and sensational performance that is both overt when he goes through a stunning transformation and then works through the subtleties that commit to both sides of the character at once.
There are Easter eggs throughout the film that Alien fans may appreciate, but there is a fine line between tribute and imitation, which Romulus flirts with.
Rating: 3/5
Alien: Romulus is currently available to see in theaters.
