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Alien Romulus | Rotten Watch

Draugoth

Draugoth

Gold Member
alien-romulus-rotten-tomatoes-score.jpg

​

First Reactions :​



Alien Romulus premiered at D23 and several early press screenings yesterday evening, those who have seen the film apparently had a lot to say about Fede Alvarez's upcoming film. I will be periodically updating this post as more thoughts come in.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Alien Romulus is by far the best movie of the year. It’s the best in the franchise, and may be my new favorite horror. Can’t wait to see it again and I’m so excited for the world to enjoy this masterpiece like we did tonight." -The Escape Pod Podcast

"first thoughts on #AlienRomulus: Fede brought us back to the horror roots without compromising on the action, Great homages to the original while adding new elements to the franchise, CRAZY ENDING, definitely watch the OG and ALIENS beforehand, 4/5 for me ⭐"

"more initial thoughts on #AlienRomulus (no spoilers)it truly has a perfect mix of the horror elements you loved from the 1979 original and the badass set pieces from Aliens (ambiance, tension and buildup, sound design, sets all on point), really happy they chose to go with practical effects with most of the creatures,
transformations, and k*lls, loved the fact that the obstacles /solutions to the alien infestation seemed logical and believeable from regular people , solid performances acting wise BUT David Jonsson was the CLEAR STANDOUT, mans was COOKING, Also, without a doubt this has the WILDEST ending in the franchise. Pure nightmare fuel."

"#AlienRomulus NAILED the ending, has my second favorite third act ending / twist in an Alien film besides Aliens (1986), you think it’ll end one way, and then BOOM crank up the stress and disturbing reveals at 100mph, props to the writing team for doubling down and not playing it safe" -TropicalJoe

"#AlienRomulus The bitch is back. Was skeptical going in, but this is easily one of the better films in the franchise. Fede Álvarez doesn't disappoint. Awesome sound design and world-building. The practical effects are so good that the film gave me nightmares." -Jazz Tangcay

"I went to an early screening of #AlienRomulus today. Fede Alvarez was the perfect choice for this one. If you’re a true Xenomorph fan, trust me—you WON’T be disappointed! I had doubts about the young cast too, Man, I was SO WRONG. The best sound editing experience of 2024!" -Perfect Organism
"I’ve seen Alien: Romulus. Fede Alvarez remains undefeated. Get ready." -TheJStoobs"

"#ALIENROMULUS is one of the movies of the year omg.. The most insane final act of a film I think I've ever seen.." -BigScreenBerkan

"The fedalvar has officially done it. ALIEN: ROMULUS weaves Scott's terrifying claustrophobia and Cameron's game-over carnage to create an ALIEN movie that sits with its predecessors and stands on its own. It is an absolute wrecking ball of a movie. See it big, loud, and scream." -Beyond Fest

"Guys, I just saw Alien Romulus in 4DX. 4DX can sometimes for me be a bit hit or miss but I actually thought it was enhanced for this film. I'm a big fan of the Alien franchise and I feel like a lot of people are gonna be saying this: It's definitely the best Alien movie since Aliens. In the first half of the film, I was like "This is a really great play on the Alien movies", and then the last half I was like "they are doing some really different things here". It is like just an intense fun thrill ride, I loved it, you gotta watch it in the theaters man because you wanna get immersed in that. It was great, Fede Alvarez knocked it out of the park, the acting was great too." -Reel Rejects

"I’m thrilled to report that #AlienRomulus scared the shit out of me. It’s smart, it’s funny, it’s horrifying. #Alien fans will love it. Fede Alvarez played continuity chess VERY well. He’s no rook, he’s the king. Thank you so much 20thcentury for a great time! There are story elements that shocked tf out of me, It's the best of both worlds" - Z. David Van Norman

"Alien Romulus was fucking awesome. holy shit." -Matt Ramos

"#AlienRomulus is one of my favorite movies of the year so far and it was made even better watching it in #4DX. You think you know where the movie is going, but baby that ending takes it to a whole new level. I was never big on the Alien franchise, but they made me a fan." -Black Gay Comic Geek


Reviews:
​
Alien: Romulus
Honoring its nightmarish predecessors while chestbursting at the seams with new frights of its own, Romulus injects some fresh acid blood into one of cinema's great horror franchises.
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Reviews
The Hollywood Reporter:
The creatures remain among the most truly petrifying movie monsters in history, and the director leans hard into the sci-fi/horror with a relentlessly paced entry that reminds us why they have haunted our imaginations for decades.
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Deadline:
Cailee Spaeney might seem, at first glance, to be an unlikely successor, but the Priscilla star certainly earns her stripes by the end of Alien: Romulus’ tight and deceptively well-judged two-hour running time.
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Variety:
This is closer to a grandly efficient greatest-hits thrill ride, packaged like a video game. Yet on that level it’s a confidently spooky, ingeniously shot, at times nerve-jangling piece of entertainment.
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Entertainment Weekly (B+):
It's got the thrills, it's got the creepy-crawlies, and it's got just enough plot to make you care about the characters. Alien: Romulus is a hell of a night out at the movies.
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IGN (8/10):
Alien: Romulus’s back-to-basics approach to blockbuster horror boils everything fans love about the tonally-fluid franchise into one brutal, nerve-wracking experience.
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Slant Magazine (3/4):
Romulus ends up as the franchise’s strongest entry in three decades for its devotion to deploying lean genre mechanics.
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The Daily Beast (See this):
Proves that forty-five years after the xenomorph first terrified audiences, there’s still plenty of acid-bloody life left in the franchise’s monstrous bones.
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The Telegraph (4/5):
Romulus might inject an appalling new life into the Alien franchise, but it won’t do much good for the national birth rate.
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BBC (4/5):
[Álvarez] has triumphed with a clever, gripping and sometimes awe-inspiring sci-fi chiller, which takes the series back to its nerve-racking monster-movie roots while injecting it with some new blood – some new acid blood, you might say.
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The Times (4/5):
It's taken a while — 45 years, four sequels and two spin-off films — but finally they've got it right. An Alien movie worthy of the mood, originality and template established by Ridley Scott in 1979.
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USA Today (3/4):
The filmmaker embraces unpredictability and plenty of gore for his graphic spectacle, yet Alvarez first makes us care for his main characters before unleashing sheer terror.
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Collider (7/10):
Alien: Romulus proves that for the Alien franchise to move forward, it might have to quit looking backward so much.
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[Bloody Disgusting] (https://bloody-disgusting.com/revie...ceral-salute-to-the-franchises-greatest-hits/) (3.5/5):
Alvarez puts the horror first here, with exquisite craftmanship that immerses you in the insanity.
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Screen Rant (3.5/5):
Somewhere between Alien & Aliens — fitting given its place in the timeline — Romulus serves up blockbuster-level action & visceral horror all in one.
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Independent (3/5):
Alien: Romulus has the capacity for greatness. If you could somehow surgically extract its strongest sequences, you’d see that beautiful, blood-quivering harmony between old-school practical effects and modern horror verve.
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ScreenCrush (6/10):
What’s here isn’t necessarily boring or bad, but it represents a back-to-basics approach for Alien that feels like a betrayal of something central to the Xenomorph’s toxic DNA, which is forever mutating into another deadly creature.
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IndieWire (C):
It’s certainly hard to imagine a cruder way of connecting the dots between the series’ fractured mythology.
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Vanity Fair:
If it hadn’t had someone of Álvarez’s care and attention at the helm, Romulus could certainly have been a lot worse.
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[Slashfilm] (https://www.slashfilm.com/1641960/alien-romulus-review/) (5.5/10):
Those craving a well-put-together monster movie with creepy creature effects and sturdy set-pieces will probably find plenty to like here. But it shouldn't be controversial to want better results. As I said at the start of this review, there are no bad "Alien" movies. But with Alien: Romulus, there's definitely a disappointing one.
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Rolling Stone:
Does it tick off the boxes of what we’ve come to expect from this series? Yes. Does it add up to more than The Chris Farley Show of Alien movies? Well … let’s just say no one may be able to hear you scream in space, but they will assuredly hear your resigned sighs in a theater.
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The Guardian (2/5):
A technically competent piece of work; but no matter how ingenious its references to the first film it has to be said that there’s a fundamental lack of originality here which makes it frustrating.
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[San Francisco Chronicle] (https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/alien-romulus-cailee-spaeny-19651912.php) (1/4):
The foundational mistake came when someone said, “Hey, let’s make another ‘Alien’ movie.” Newsflash: The alien concept is dead. Leave it alone.
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Last edited:
Dacvak

Dacvak

No one shall be brought before our LORD David Bowie without the true and secret knowledge of the Photoshop. For in that time, so shall He appear.
Wow these are shockingly good reviews. I just watched Aliens for the first time in a decade, so I’m definitely thirsty for some more good entries in the franchise.

Sounds like I’ll wanna watch this one in theaters!
 
Giallo Corsa

Giallo Corsa

Gold Member
I love my S24 ultra's AI summarize feature 😁

On topic : I don't believe you.gif
I've been burnt many times before by the so called experts, I'll just have to watch it as to claim if it's " one of the best movies in the franchise"
 
Heimdall_Xtreme

Heimdall_Xtreme

Jim Ryan Fanclub's #1 Member
Draugoth said:
Alien-Romulus-confira-o-novo-trailer-do-mais-novo-filme-da-franquia.png

​

First Reactions :​



Alien Romulus premiered at D23 and several early press screenings yesterday evening, those who have seen the film apparently had a lot to say about Fede Alvarez's upcoming film. I will be periodically updating this post as more thoughts come in.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Alien Romulus is by far the best movie of the year. It’s the best in the franchise, and may be my new favorite horror. Can’t wait to see it again and I’m so excited for the world to enjoy this masterpiece like we did tonight." -The Escape Pod Podcast

"first thoughts on #AlienRomulus: Fede brought us back to the horror roots without compromising on the action, Great homages to the original while adding new elements to the franchise, CRAZY ENDING, definitely watch the OG and ALIENS beforehand, 4/5 for me ⭐"

"more initial thoughts on #AlienRomulus (no spoilers)it truly has a perfect mix of the horror elements you loved from the 1979 original and the badass set pieces from Aliens (ambiance, tension and buildup, sound design, sets all on point), really happy they chose to go with practical effects with most of the creatures,
transformations, and k*lls, loved the fact that the obstacles /solutions to the alien infestation seemed logical and believeable from regular people , solid performances acting wise BUT David Jonsson was the CLEAR STANDOUT, mans was COOKING, Also, without a doubt this has the WILDEST ending in the franchise. Pure nightmare fuel."

"#AlienRomulus NAILED the ending, has my second favorite third act ending / twist in an Alien film besides Aliens (1986), you think it’ll end one way, and then BOOM crank up the stress and disturbing reveals at 100mph, props to the writing team for doubling down and not playing it safe" -TropicalJoe

"#AlienRomulus The bitch is back. Was skeptical going in, but this is easily one of the better films in the franchise. Fede Álvarez doesn't disappoint. Awesome sound design and world-building. The practical effects are so good that the film gave me nightmares." -Jazz Tangcay

"I went to an early screening of #AlienRomulus today. Fede Alvarez was the perfect choice for this one. If you’re a true Xenomorph fan, trust me—you WON’T be disappointed! I had doubts about the young cast too, Man, I was SO WRONG. The best sound editing experience of 2024!" -Perfect Organism
"I’ve seen Alien: Romulus. Fede Alvarez remains undefeated. Get ready." -TheJStoobs"

"#ALIENROMULUS is one of the movies of the year omg.. The most insane final act of a film I think I've ever seen.." -BigScreenBerkan

"The fedalvar has officially done it. ALIEN: ROMULUS weaves Scott's terrifying claustrophobia and Cameron's game-over carnage to create an ALIEN movie that sits with its predecessors and stands on its own. It is an absolute wrecking ball of a movie. See it big, loud, and scream." -Beyond Fest

"Guys, I just saw Alien Romulus in 4DX. 4DX can sometimes for me be a bit hit or miss but I actually thought it was enhanced for this film. I'm a big fan of the Alien franchise and I feel like a lot of people are gonna be saying this: It's definitely the best Alien movie since Aliens. In the first half of the film, I was like "This is a really great play on the Alien movies", and then the last half I was like "they are doing some really different things here". It is like just an intense fun thrill ride, I loved it, you gotta watch it in the theaters man because you wanna get immersed in that. It was great, Fede Alvarez knocked it out of the park, the acting was great too." -Reel Rejects

"I’m thrilled to report that #AlienRomulus scared the shit out of me. It’s smart, it’s funny, it’s horrifying. #Alien fans will love it. Fede Alvarez played continuity chess VERY well. He’s no rook, he’s the king. Thank you so much 20thcentury for a great time! There are story elements that shocked tf out of me, It's the best of both worlds" - Z. David Van Norman

"Alien Romulus was fucking awesome. holy shit." -Matt Ramos

"#AlienRomulus is one of my favorite movies of the year so far and it was made even better watching it in #4DX. You think you know where the movie is going, but baby that ending takes it to a whole new level. I was never big on the Alien franchise, but they made me a fan." -Black Gay Comic Geek


Reviews:

TBA...​
Click to expand...
No Ripley or Newt... No deal
 
Heimdall_Xtreme

Heimdall_Xtreme

Jim Ryan Fanclub's #1 Member
Hugare said:
Fede Alvarez knows his shit. Loved all of his movies. Dude has some talent.

Excited to watch this
Click to expand...

About 3 months ago I saw him in person commenting on the movie... But since i had the autograph signing with the Breaking Bad actor... I left his conversation... Plus I was getting bored with his comments xD.
 
Last edited:
Clear

Clear

CliffyB's Cock Holster
My favourite of these horse shill-tastic "reviews" is the nugget talking about its third act twist being better than the previous peak of Aliens, despite the fact that Aliens simply rehashes Alien's entire third act beat-for-beat just swapping the cat for a kid.
 
Sub_Level

Sub_Level

wants to fuck an Asian grill.
Got 3 imax tickets for my dad, sister, and I. More than a few of my friends are watching too. Think this will have a solid BO opening weekend.
 
clarky

clarky

Gold Member
Whats the crack with these Rotten watch threads?

Aren't the Movies supposed to be completely shit?
 
Thaedolus

Thaedolus

Member
I think a couple buddies and I will catch an early showing Sunday. I can’t remember much of the trailer except it looked a lot like Alien, so hopefully I’m coming in fresh and can be pleasantly surprised.
 
ZehDon

ZehDon

Member
Those initial impressions were a lot stronger than I was expecting. Checking this out in about four hours, so I'll sound off once I'm out. Aliens is my favourite movie, so this will have its work cut out for it.
 
ZehDon

ZehDon

Member
Just got out. About a 7-ish/10. Budget Jennifer Lawrence walks through the Alien series equivalent of the “Leonardo DiCaprio points at the TV” meme.

Oh boy. You can count this movies original ideas on one hand. Once the opening character setup is done, it’s just a collection of scenes and dialogue from every other movie played out.
Xenos in water from Resurrection? Check.
Dialogue from Alien? Check.
Racing for doors while someone waits with their hand on the switch from Alien 3? Check.
Black goo from Prometheus? Check.
Experiments from Covenant? Check
The ENTIRE ending ripped straight from Resurrection including the Alien / Human hybrid? Double check.
Fucking terrible CGI Ian Holm as Rook giving the exact same dialogue from Alien? Triple check.
Pulse Rifle firing intercut with shots of a diminishing ammo gauge while aliens explode? You know it.
What works works largely because it worked in the first place, and it’s stitched together here as basically a tour of the franchise. The few original ideas here are good, but not good enough for this to stand on its own merits. If you’re a fan, you’ve seen and heard everything before - literally. The sheer number of call backs, scene after scene after scene after scene would give JJ Abrahms pause.
It’s not awful - it’s just entirely unoriginal, uninspired, and unambiguous.
 
Last edited:
Ulysses 31

Ulysses 31

Member
ZehDon said:
Just got out. About a 7-ish/10. Budget Jennifer Lawrence walks through the Alien series equivalent of the “Leonardo DiCaprio points at the TV” meme.

I’ll post full thoughts and spoilers once I get home.
Click to expand...
Am curious if that 7 is due to characters acting real stupid or if the plot is just not that exciting anymore after the first 2 movies.

Or memberberries that don't make sense to be showing up in the plot other than to have certain audiences clapping like seals. :messenger_winking_tongue:
 
Last edited:
FunkMiller

FunkMiller

Gold Member
ZehDon said:
Just got out. About a 7-ish/10. Budget Jennifer Lawrence walks through the Alien series equivalent of the “Leonardo DiCaprio points at the TV” meme.

Oh boy. You can count this movies original ideas on one hand. Once the opening character setup is done, it’s just a collection of scenes and dialogue from every other movie played out.
Xenos in water from Resurrection? Check.
Dialogue from Alien? Check.
Racing for doors while someone waits with their hand on the switch from Alien 3? Check.
Black goo from Prometheus? Check.
Experiments from Covenant? Check
The ENTIRE ending ripped straight from Resurrection including the Alien / Human hybrid? Double check.
Fucking terrible CGI Ian Holm as Rook giving the exact same dialogue from Alien? Triple check.
Pulse Rifle firing intercut with shots of a diminishing ammo gauge while aliens explode? You know it.
What works works largely because it worked in the first place, and it’s stitched together here as basically a tour of the franchise. The few original ideas here are good, but not good enough for this to stand on its own merits. If you’re a fan, you’ve seen and heard everything before - literally. The sheer number of call backs, scene after scene after scene after scene would give JJ Abrahms pause.
It’s not awful - it’s just entirely unoriginal, uninspired, and unambiguous.
Click to expand...

This honestly sounds terrible for anyone who doesn't just want a rehash of everything they've seen before. Absolutely on brand for Disney.
I think I'll stay home and watch the first two movies instead.
 
ZehDon

ZehDon

Member
FunkMiller said:
This honestly sounds terrible for anyone who doesn't just want a rehash of everything they've seen before. Absolutely on brand for Disney.
I think I'll stay home and watch the first two movies instead.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I’m struggling to think of things that weren’t call backs.
 
The Cockatrice

The Cockatrice

Gold Member
ZehDon said:
Yeah, I’m struggling to think of things that weren’t call backs.
Click to expand...

Hows the atmosphere of the movie tho? Props and all that? The first movie didnt have amazing acting or story either, it's the details and the atmosphere that always carried the first one for me.
 
ZehDon

ZehDon

Member
The Cockatrice said:
Hows the atmosphere of the movie tho? Props and all that? The first movie didnt have amazing acting or story either, it's the details and the atmosphere that always carried the first one for me.
Click to expand...
The movie looks and sounds the part, largely because it directly copies so much. The sets look great, the props look great, the sound design is on point. But, I promise, you’ve seen everything before. The atmosphere builds nicely in the first act, but by the half way point it’s hard to say it held together for me once I realised what the movie was doing. But everything up till the water room sequence was solid.
 
The Cockatrice

The Cockatrice

Gold Member
ZehDon said:
The movie looks and sounds the part, largely because it directly copies so much. The sets look great, the props look great, the sound design is on point. But, I promise, you’ve seen everything before. The atmosphere builds nicely in the first act, but by the half way point it’s hard to say it held together for me once I realised what the movie was doing. But everything up till the water room sequence was solid.
Click to expand...

Cool, doesnt sound very bad tbh but yeah Imma watch it at home at night.
 
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