A cinematic gem hailed by many as 'near-perfect' is set to captivate British audiences on Film4 tonight, Saturday, 18 November 2025, at 10.55pm.
The film in question is Alita: Battle Angel, a spectacular space adventure that has left its devoted fanbase waiting on tenterhooks for a sequel for an agonising six years.
A Cinematic Spectacle Forged by Masters
Adapted from a popular series of Manga books by the legendary James Cameron and directed by Robert Rodriguez, this animated tour de force boasts an impressive cast. The stellar lineup features Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Waltz, and Rosa Salazar, who provides the voice and performance for the titular heroine, Alita.
The story plunges viewers centuries into the future, where a compassionate cyber-doctor discovers the core of a dormant cyborg in Iron City's scrapyard. He rebuilds her, naming her Alita, who awakens with no memory of her past. The narrative follows her gripping journey to uncover her true identity and mysterious origins.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Adoration
The film's impact is reflected in its stellar 91% popcorn meter score on Rotten Tomatoes, cementing its status as a beloved favourite amongst science fiction aficionados. Its visual prowess was also recognised with a host of awards for its groundbreaking special effects.
Fans have taken to social media to express their fervent hope for a sequel. One enthusiast stated, "Loved the film, just been kept waiting a very long time for the next installment. It's a spectacle of a sci-fi film that deserves its long-awaited sequel. Bring it on." Another viewer, Precious T, echoed this sentiment, calling it an "Amazing movie, amazing CGI before the movie industry downfall. Still waiting for the sequel."
However, the film is not without its critics. One suggested the project's ambition sometimes outstripped its execution, commenting, "A near-perfect example of an ambition being bigger than budget and capabilities... the story is messy and the CGI can't keep up." Despite this, they still found it an enjoyable watch.
Groundbreaking Visuals and Faithful Adaptation
IMDb users were particularly effusive about the film's technical achievements, with one describing the effects as "mind-blowing." The user highlighted that James Cameron lent Rodriguez the revolutionary technology used to create Avatar, resulting in a film that "surpasses many recent films in both quality and style."
The adaptation also won praise from devotees of the original manga, Gunnm. One longtime fan expressed deep satisfaction, noting that the production team "took their time to do the research of the original serials." They applauded the film for capturing Alita's essence—her naïve stubbornness and relentless pursuit of self-identity—while ingeniously weaving together plotlines from the first eleven books of the manga.
With its broadcast on Film4 tonight, a new wave of viewers is set to discover the rich, wonder-filled world of Iron City, likely adding more voices to the chorus calling for Alita's adventure to continue.
