Alien: Romulus first reactions are in – how does it compare to previous films?

Alien: Romulus first reactions are in – how does it compare to previous films?

As a seasoned film enthusiast who has been following the Alien franchise since its inception, I must admit that my anticipation for Alien: Romulus has been palpable. Having watched every installment multiple times and discussing them ad nauseam with fellow fans, it’s safe to say that my expectations were high.


Ahead of its release later this week, initial responses about Alien: Romulus have emerged among fans, who are eagerly anticipating how well the latest installment in the series (since 2017) compares to previous films.

It’s great news that, overall, the movie has been receiving positive reviews from critics. In fact, several have praised it as one of the top installments thus far.

A reviewer praised “Alien: Romulus” as “the standout film of the summer,” commenting that while it maintains all the classic elements of an “Alien” movie, it avoids feeling overly nostalgic or catering to fans, instead venturing into a fresh and daring new direction.

“Fede Álvarez and the cast just gave birth to summer’s best movie.”

Yet, some found the movie “Alien: Romulus” to be more ambiguous in their opinion, expressing it this way: “The film delves deeply into its horror roots to create an unyielding, pulse-pounding experience. Initially, the pace is leisurely, but as time progresses, the tension escalates until you’re left breathless by the climax.”

As a film enthusiast, I found it lacking in substantial thematic exploration, instead overflowing with numerous references, homages, and fan-pleasing elements that sometimes gave the impression of a compilation of iconic moments rather than an attempt to offer something fresh or insightful.

Even though there’s a lot of violence, the deeply felt portrayals by Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson give the story enough heartfelt emotion to hold viewers’ attention throughout.

“Definitely the most straightforward of the franchise.”

As a passionate advocate, I’d say: “Experience ROMULUS, a chilling journey that delves deep into its horror roots, offering an unyielding, heart-pounding adventure. It begins at a leisurely pace but swiftly escalates to leave you breathless in the end. Regrettably, it lacks substantial thematic layers, yet it abounds with clever references and suspenseful moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”

— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) August 13, 2024

Eric Vespe expressed: “Alien: Romulus is breathtakingly beautiful and manages to pay tribute to every preceding film. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson deliver outstanding performances, while the alien visuals are incredibly pleasing. Some may find the finale controversial, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This one definitely gets my seal of approval.”

Generally speaking, most reviewers concur that this film effectively delivers frightening moments. To put it another way, Rachel Leishman commented: “The movie #AlienRomulus was the first time in an Alien film where I felt genuinely scared.”

Following Cailee Spaeny’s character, Rain, in Fede Álvarez’s film is an exhilarating ride. As the story takes unexpected twists and turns, you’ll find yourself guessing where Romulus is going next. The final act is nothing short of wildly unpredictable – I absolutely love it!

Romulus” was a fantastic expansion to the series, remarking, “This movie is as good as ‘Aliens’ in the Alien franchise. It flawlessly connects the eerie sci-fi horror of Ridley Scott’s initial film with the exhilarating action from James Cameron’s sequel.”

Each successive scene becomes increasingly exciting, leading up to an astonishing climax that underscores Fede Álvarez’s fearless approach to filmmaking. The experience is a wild, innovative ride.

On the other hand, not all responses were overwhelmingly favorable. Some viewers found fault with the movie’s character development, labeling it as “uninteresting” or “dull”.

A reviewer commented: “Alien: Romulus largely feels like a sentimental trip down memory lane, combining elements from previous installments with occasional bursts of excitement. However, considering the Alien franchise’s reputation for its unique blend of psychology and sexuality, this film is remarkably conventional, bland, and devoid of depth. I didn’t find it particularly enjoyable.”

Generally speaking, it appears that many viewers have been captivated by Fede Álvarez’s film, titled “Alien of the Species,” which serves as a bridge between the first two Alien movies and features Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu in the main roles.

The Hollywood Handle described it as “an outstanding addition to this series,” noting that its “thrilling, nerve-wracking, and disorderly narrative” was skillfully crafted using technically impressive elements, making the viewing experience all the more distinctive.

Alien: Romulus will be released in cinemas on Friday 16th August.

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2024-08-13 13:04