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FILM REVIEW: Alita: Battle Angel

NNPA NEWSWIRE — As a self-contained film, this sci-fi/anime/action/thriller is fascinating but not perfect. Viewed as a set-up for a future franchise, it makes more sense. Studied as the next advancement in 3D anime, it’s groundbreaking. And, a teenage Latina lead is unique and could bring a host of young movie goers into the theater to see what’s up.

Published

8 years ago

February 13, 2019

Oakland Post

By Dwight Brown, NNPA Newswire Film Critic

Rosa Salazar stars as Alita in Twentieth Century Fox’s ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL. Photo Credit: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox.

As a self-contained film, this sci-fi/anime/action/thriller is fascinating but not perfect. Viewed as a set-up for a future franchise, it makes more sense. Studied as the next advancement in 3D anime, it’s groundbreaking. And, a teenage Latina lead is unique and could bring a host of young movie goers into the theater to see what’s up.

Even if you didn’t know who the filmmakers were, you’d get a hint based on what you see: The main cyborg creation, Alita (Rosa Salazar), is reminiscent of James Cameron’s Avatar characters. The manic pacing of the film and its rough-around-the-edges, aggressive style and perceptive look at youth plays like a combination of Robert Rodriguez projects (From Dusk Till Dawn, Spy Kids, Sin City). If Cameron and Rodriguez had a lovechild, their offspring would be this teen-friendly movie.

Far into the future, in 2563, after the great apocalypse called “the Fall,” only remnants of civilization remain. One of the surviving homesteads on Earth is Iron City, a gutted metropolis. There’s nothing but ruins, killer robots and those—people and cybernetically-enhanced-humans—who have found ways to survive by repurposing tech. Lurking above the horizon is the ominous looking Sky city Zalem. The unwritten rule is “nobody ever goes up to Zalem,” so transport between the landbound town and the one up high is nearly non-existent. That separation has made Iron City residents covet a trip above.

Co-writers Cameron, Rodriguez and Laeta Kalogridis based their script on the book Gunnm, part of a graphic novel series by Yukito Kishiro. The exterior sets often look like helter-skelter way stations from a Star Wars movie or the darkened streets of New Orleans, with curious looking people filling crowd scenes, hoverboards whizzing by, an incessant din and people running to and fro.

The visuals are intriguing: Caylah Eddleblute and Steve Joyner production design; Jeff B. Adams Jr. art direction; and David Hack set decoration. The digital-FX is progressive. Two high-definition cameras recorded Salazar’s face, giving her eyes more definition than the entire Gollum character from Lord of the Rings. Ninety-nine percent of the footage was shot with state-of-the art 3D-cameras (cinematographer, Bill Pope, The Matrix), when other films are shot and then converted to 3D. So, the cyborgs look vivid, the cityscapes are striking and there’s plenty of eye candy for everyone—especially sci-fi freaks.

People fend for themselves, so it is no surprise when Ido (Christoph Waltz), a cyberphysician, is rummaging through a scrap heap and discovers the torso and head of a young angelic looking cyborg. Back in the lab, after a body is attached to her, she is revived. Ido’s creation, Alita, can’t remember who she was or how she got to the junkyard. Slowly she adapts to life, exhibiting latent fighting skills and killer instincts.

Hanging out with street kids, like Hugo (Keean Johnson) and his crew, she learns more and more about her capabilities. Her actions are noticeable in her community, and not by the right people. Alita is under the gaze of Vector (Mahershala Ali), an evil dude who runs the corrupt forces in the city, and he is controlled by a much higher power—someone on Zalem.

As the story evolves and Alita slowly learns of her past and masters her warrior powers, the audience is taken on an intriguing journey of self-discovery. Fortunately, this ride-along counteracts the film’s imperfections: The post-Armageddon municipality is not the most original setting in the world. The mysterious city hovering overhead will remind audiences of the film District 9, when a stealth spaceship floats over Johannesburg, South Africa. Also, Alita doesn’t exhibit any superpowers viewers haven’t seen before.

The introduction of the ultra-competitive and deadly sports event Motorball—a combination of roller blading, basketball, skate boarding and rugby—as a central focus is a tough sell. The game plays out like chariot racing in Rome’s Colosseum or a frenzied NASCAR event. This sports shtick is consequential to Alita, Hugo and other participants because the winner is promised a trip to Zalem, which is about the only way anyone will ever get there. Initial skepticism regarding this plot strategy will subside and make more sense as the film ends.

This very ambitious production could lose some weight. The constant barrage of minuscule plot points, names, rivalries and heavy exposition can be confusing. Adults may have trouble sorting out all the details. Young people may not care or be intimidated by the minutia. The pacing of the action scenes could keep their attention (2hr 2min runtime), the peculiar mechanics of the cyborgs may enthrall them—and there’s always Alita.

Rosa Salazar (Alita) and Keean Johnson (Hugo) star in Twentieth Century Fox’s ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL. Photo Credit: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox.

The heart of the film is this vulnerable young hybrid amnesiac woman. She falls in love, is haunted by her past and fights the bad guys. It’s a lot on her shoulders, and with Rodriguez’s sensitive feel for kids, the film allows her to embody the challenges and insecurities tweens/teens encounter—especially girls and young women. Alita questions Hugo: “Does it bother you that I’m not completely human?” Hugo: “You’re the most human I’ve ever met.”

Rosa Salazar (Bird Box, Maze Runner: The Death Cure and a voice in the video game Batman: Arkham Origins) uses her voice, facial expressions and movement to make an alluring mark on the character. Her acting magically brings Alita to life. Mahershala Ali as the venomous antagonist underplays his role, making Vector seem all the more deadly. The rest of the supporting cast with Jennifer Connelly as Ido’s ex-wife, Jorge Lendeborg, Jr (Bumblebee) as Hugo’s pal, Idara Victor as Nurse Gerhad along with the aforementioned Waltz and Johnson keep emotions piqued.

Granted, there’s room to improve and grow. Still, Alita: Battle Angel is a solid start to what could be a welcomed series of films. It takes FX to another level and teens and sci-fi fans could gladly jump on a bandwagon that features a new and iconic Latina heroine.

Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com and BlackPressUSA.com.

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Prostate Cancer is Twice as Likely to Kill Black Men. Talking to Your Doctor Could Help Save Your Life

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The American Cancer Society recommends that African American men speak with their doctor at age 45 about whether prostate cancer screening is right for them. Men at even higher risk should have that discussion at age 40, especially those with one or more close relatives who were diagnosed at an early age.

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2026

Post News Group

Prostate Cancer is Twice as Likely to Kill Black Men. Talking to Your Doctor Could Help Save Your Life

American Cancer Society board member Dr. Robert Winn discusses risk factors for the disease and why too many Black men still aren’t getting screened

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and as both a Black man and a cancer center director, I know many men in our community think it’s bad luck to talk about cancer. But I’m here to tell you it’s bad luck not to talk about it.

We, Black men in the U.S., are nearly 70% more likely than White men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. We’re also twice as likely to die from the disease.

But I’m telling you, if you’re diagnosed early, you can still enjoy a long, happy life doing the things you love, whether that’s playing with grandkids or staying active in your community. That’s because although it can become a serious illness, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer won’t die from it.

In fact, more than 3.5 million U.S. men who’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer are still alive today. And when it’s diagnosed early, you boost your odds of survival. It’s that simple.

Generally, prostate cancer is most likely to develop after age 50, but when it develops in Black men, they tend to be younger. That means we need to be on the ball about understanding our personal risk. The risk factors include a family history of prostate cancer and certain genetic health risks that come from a parent.

When it comes to family medical history, we need to get a lot better at talking. For me, it turned out I had uncles who’d died from prostate and other cancers, but I didn’t always know that, so I couldn’t use that information to help me make smarter screening choices.

The American Cancer Society recommends that African American men speak with their doctor at age 45 about whether prostate cancer screening is right for them. Men at even higher risk should have that discussion at age 40, especially those with one or more close relatives who were diagnosed at an early age.

Look, I get that no one looks forward to a screening, but it typically starts with just a simple blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA.

Even if you end up needing a digital rectal exam, it takes less than a minute and could save your life. So, what I say to people is, what’s the price of your life? Isn’t it worth a minute of being uncomfortable?

Brothers, this is essential for you to know: just because you’re feeling good doesn’t mean you don’t have early-stage prostate cancer. By the time you start to actually experience symptoms, the disease could be at an advanced stage and might be harder to treat.”

Prostate cancer is significantly impacting our fathers, our brothers, and our sons. That’s why the American Cancer Society is working with health systems and professionals in your community to help remove barriers in the fight against the disease.

We can help you find low-cost or free screening locations. And for men who need cancer treatment, the American Cancer Society can reduce the financial burden of traveling to medical appointments by providing free rides and, if you live far away from where you receive treatment, a free place to stay.

When it comes to prostate cancer screening, one size doesn’t fit all. So, it’s important for all men – and especially Black men – to talk to their doctor about what’s best for them based on their age, risk, and health history. Please make that appointment, because we don’t want you to risk missing out on the best years of your life.

For more information, call the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Dr. Robert Winn is a nationally recognized physician-scientist and researcher. He currently serves as cancer center director at Temple Health’s Fox Chase Cancer Center. Since 2021, he has served on the board of directors for the American Cancer Society, a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

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Oakland Post: Week of September 2 – 8, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of September 2 – 8, 2026

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5 days ago

September 7, 2026

Oakland Post

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Longtime BWOPA Member Brendalyn Goodall Appointed to California Workforce Development Board

Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed longtime Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) member Brendalynn Goodall to the California Workforce Development Board. Goodall, an Oakland resident with decades of experience in public service, has held leadership positions focused on

Published

2 weeks ago

August 30, 2026

Post News Group

Post Co-Publisher Gay Plair Cobb with Brendalynn Goodall. Courtesy photo.

By California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed longtime Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) member Brendalynn Goodall to the California Workforce Development Board.

Goodall, an Oakland resident with decades of experience in public service, has held leadership positions focused on employment, aging services and assistance for underserved communities.

“Brendalynn will be a great addition to this Board,” said Gay Plair Cobb, who served as former state Assemblyman Sandre Swanson’s alternate to the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB).

“She understands that California’s non-profit organizations serve persons who have the most significant barriers to their labor market success and that the Board should help these groups navigate the complicated requirements of state funding.

“In other words, she will be a strong advocate for our most marginalized populations. Her voice is needed now, more than ever.”

CWDB works with the governor to shape workforce policies, programs and investments designed to strengthen the state’s economy. It collaborates with employers, workers, labor organizations, educational institutions, community groups and California’s 45 local workforce development boards to expand access to quality jobs and respond to regional employment needs.

According to the board, its work includes coordinating state programs and guiding investments in workforce training and development.

BWOPA California celebrated the appointment, describing Goodall as a dedicated advocate for workers, families and older adults.

“Her appointment reflects a lifetime of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to strengthening California’s workforce and expanding opportunity for all,” the organization stated in a press release.

Goodall served as summer jobs program coordinator in the Oakland Mayor’s Office from 2012 to 2014. In that position, she helped connect young people with employment opportunities and job experience.

Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Goodall was division manager for Aging and Adult Services in the City of Oakland Human Services Department from 2002 to 2011. She previously served as senior services supervisor and program director for the city’s Department of Aging, Health and Human Services from 1990 to 2002.

Goodall is also a member of the California Commission on Aging, which advises the governor and state officials on policies and programs affecting older Californians.