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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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Asm. Corey Jackson Announces Launch of 24-Hour Childcare in His District

Assemblymember Corey Jackson has secured $2 million in state funding for a proposed childcare special district in Moreno Valley and Perris. This funding aims to establish a system providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week childcare, which would be California’s first special district focused solely on childcare. The initiative seeks to address the area’s designation as a “childcare desert” and high costs for working families. The funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs for the district. Read more about the specifics of this groundbreaking initiative.

Published

2 days ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley). File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) has secured $2 million in state funding to launch a proposed childcare special district serving families in Moreno Valley and Perris, paving the way for a system designed to provide childcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Moreno Valley-Perris Childcare Special District would be the first special district in California focused specifically on childcare, according to Jackson’s office. The state funding will cover startup, planning, and formation costs and help the district meet requirements set by the Riverside Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO.

The proposed district would coordinate a mixed-delivery childcare system that could include home-based and center-based care. The goal is to provide universal childcare for families who work overnight, early morning, or other nontraditional shifts.

Jackson’s office says Moreno Valley is a certified “childcare desert,” with licensed childcare spaces available for only 15% of children with working parents. Infant care in Moreno Valley averages $2,776 a month, or about 35.7% of median household income. In Perris, licensed infant care can cost more than 60% of an individual worker’s gross median earnings, according to the assemblymember’s office.

“Securing this $2 million in startup funding is a monumental victory for the working-class families of Moreno Valley and Perris who have been trapped in a childcare desert for far too long,” Jackson said.

The proposal follows Jackson’s unsuccessful effort to establish the district through Assembly Bill 2083. The legislation would have created the district as a dependent special district covering Moreno Valley, Perris and their spheres of influence, with Riverside LAFCO responsible for reviewing its formation and boundaries.

The new funding allows the district’s formation to move forward without requiring mandatory contributions from local school districts and other stakeholders, according to Jackson’s office. His spokesperson, Daniel Peeden, said Jackson hopes the district can be operating by 2028.

The proposal has faced questions from some local officials. Moreno Valley City Councilmember Ed Delgado, who is running against Jackson for the 60th Assembly District seat, said he supports affordable childcare but questioned how the proposed district would operate and how much it would ultimately cost.

“Basically, he didn’t have a plan. We didn’t see a plan,” Delgado said, adding that officials had questions about operating costs, insurance and eligibility.

“It’s going to take a lot more than $2 million to create a special district to provide affordable childcare,” Delgado said.

Delgado has suggested working with existing childcare centers to subsidize costs for local families rather than creating a new agency.

Jackson’s office says the program will lower barriers to “workforce participation” and reduce “affordability anxiety” for young families. This landmark District is poised to trigger a virtuous cycle of economic upward mobility and long-term regional prosperity in the 60th Assembly District, his office added.

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IN MEMORIAM: The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark, Longtime Orange County Pastor and Community Leader, Dies at 72

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, the longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a prominent faith and community leader in Orange County, passed away on September 9 at the age of 72. Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to service. He served various Southern California churches before leading New Spirit Baptist Church for over 22 years, extending his work into counseling, mentoring, and civic engagement, and supporting the African American community. To learn more about his life and contributions, read more.

Published

2 days ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a respected faith and community leader in Orange County, died Sept. 9. He was 72.

Born Oct. 2, 1953, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who later built a life of service centered on family, faith, ministry, and community.

Clark began his formal ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena in 1978. After acknowledging his call to ministry in 1980, he preached his first sermon and went on to serve churches throughout Southern California, including Second Baptist Church in Riverside, Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rubidoux, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, and Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda.

In November 2003, Clark was called to lead New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana, where he served as pastor for more than 22 years. His work extended beyond the pulpit through counseling, mentoring, civic engagement, and efforts to strengthen Orange County’s African American community.

Clark served on the Orange County Heritage Council and supported efforts to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture. He helped organize the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival, served on the Interfaith Committee and the Orange County Transit Authority, and served as president of the Orange County Ministers Conference.

In 2024, the City of Santa Ana recognized Clark for his contributions to the community. He also received the Orange County Southern Baptist Association Hall of Faith Award and was previously honored as Pastor of the Year by the Orange County Heritage Council.

Clark is survived by his wife, Andrea Joyles Clark; six children, Shawn Williams, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Kyla Coward, Joshua Clark, Marissa Clark and Ashley Clark; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; extended family; and the New Spirit Baptist Church congregation.

A wake will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Spirit Baptist Church, 701 S. Sullivan St. in Santa Ana, with a remembrance service from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Friendship Baptist Church, 17145 Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda. Viewing begins at noon, followed by the service at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place Monday, Oct. 5, at 10:15 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery.

Clark often shared a guiding principle that shaped his ministry: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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From Historic Memories to New Possibilities: Oakland Celebrates Coliseum 60

More than 75 people gathered at Youth UpRising in East Oakland on Friday, September 18, for Coliseum 60, an event marking six decades of sports, entertainment, employment, and community memories at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex. Held 60 years to the day after the Coliseum first opened, the celebration featured cultural performances and a mini-documentary highlighting its history. Speakers reflected on the venue’s significant role in the community and its future possibilities. Read more to learn about the individuals and stories honored during this special event.

Published

2 days ago

September 27, 2026

Post News Group

Quixote Atkins of VillageGIVE moderates a panel discussion at the Coliseum 60 celebration at Youth UpRising featuring Keith Brown, a member of IATSE Local 107; author, historian and former Black Panther Party member Tareka Lewis; and African American Sports and Entertainment Group President Ray Bobbitt.

By Carla Thomas

More than 75 people gathered at Youth UpRising in East Oakland on Friday, Sept. 18, for Coliseum 60, a celebration honoring six decades of sports, entertainment, employment and community memories connected to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex.

Held 60 years to the day after the Coliseum opened, the event carried the theme, “One Community. One Legacy. One Future. Forward Together.”

The celebration opened with the national anthem performed by sisters Anese Jade, Amina Benjamin and Zaza Benjamin. Diamano Coura West African Dance Company contributed African dance and drumming, bringing movement, rhythm and cultural expression to the program.

A mini documentary highlighted the Coliseum’s sports history and its broader role as an entertainment destination. Archival material recalled performances by Prince and Tina Turner, along with memorable games featuring the Warriors, Oakland A’s and Raiders.

“The Coliseum 60 is about much more than celebrating a building or looking back at 60 years of history,” said event organizer Quixote Atkins of VillageGIVE.

“It’s about the people who made that history possible: the families, workers, athletes, artists, community leaders, fans and generations who gathered there and created memories together.”

A panel exploring that history featured author, historian and former Black Panther Party member Tareka Lewis; stagehand and union representative Keith Brown; and Ray Bobbitt, president of the African American Sports and Entertainment Group AASEG. Lewis described her family as fourth-generation Bay Area pioneers.

“My family and Black families who arrived even earlier helped build the Bay Area, grew businesses and established culture here,” Lewis said. “This should be taught in the public schools.”

Lewis recalled Oakland’s influence on sports, music and literature, from the Raiders’ beginnings at Laney College to stars such as The Pointer Sisters and Rickey Henderson who attended Oakland public schools. She also advocated for school museums, historical timelines, entrepreneurship training and investments benefiting corridors such as Bancroft Avenue and High Street.

Keith Brown, a member of Local 107 of the International Alliance of Theater and Stage Employees (IATSE) who began working at the Coliseum in 2011, remembered the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Ice Capades, baseball bat giveaways and Nelson Mandela’s 1990 appearance.

“The special events are amazing, but it’s the workers that make the memories real for everyone,” Brown said. “They make the magic happen at the Coliseum.”

The program recognized longtime workers, including beer-stand manager Robert Preston, who served for 40 years, and Kenyatta Gentry, who worked as a vendor for 24 years and used her earnings to purchase her first apartment. Union workers Jose Gonzales and Carmen Sandoval were also honored. Speakers emphasized that Coliseum employment provided generations of residents with union wages and benefits.

Dr. Denise Saddler, the superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) was also honored. Saddler shared her family’s history of working at the Coliseum.

District 7 Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston discussed the complex ownership arrangements involving the city, county and private interests.

“This was the most complex deal of its kind in the country,” Houston said.

Prior to moving from the East Coast, Alameda County Supervisor and Coliseum Joint Powers Authority Chair Nate Miley recalled learning about Oakland through its three professional sports teams. As an elected official and public servant, Miley fought hard to keep the Golden State Warriors, Oakland As, and the Raiders, but he is hopeful for the future.

“The story is not over for the Coliseum,” Miley said. “We’re entering a new chapter.”

Bobbitt said the departure of three teams had once seemed unimaginable, but he maintained that Oakland’s future remains bright.

“Oakland is a cultural superpower worldwide,” Bobbitt said. “We’re going to write the future where we participate and drive the redevelopment.”

Bobbitt highlighted AASEG’s four-year partnership with Castlemont High School’s architecture program, which engages students in reimagining and creating redevelopment concepts for the Coliseum property. “The youth will always move us forward. They are the future.”

In closing, Atkins said, “September 18 is the celebration, but what we build together afterward is the legacy.”