ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (2019) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Rosa Salazar | Christoph Waltz

The hosts were genuinely surprised by the high quality and seamless integration of CGI characters with live-action actors. They specifically cited Christoph Waltz's natural presence alongside Alita, and how Alita's expressive, large eyes, initially a concern, avoided the 'Uncanny Valley' effect, making her feel real and emotive. This integration was a major factor in their positive reception.

Michael noted, 'when we had Kristoff Waltz just there and he wasn't like an animated face, and it wasn't like his face plastered on a mo cap body, I was like, "Oh, okay. Interesting." The people and having the liveaction and then the integration of the CGI really helped it all kind of come together and feel less uncanny somehow.' Vivien added, 'They did a really really good job of integrating it.'

The film's action sequences, particularly the Motorball games and Alita's various fights, were highly praised for their dynamic choreography and effective pacing. The hosts appreciated that slow-motion was used sparingly and purposefully, maintaining the kinetic energy and allowing viewers to follow the fast-paced action without it becoming overwhelming or 'flashy' for its own sake.

Vivien remarked, 'The action was so good. The choreography was so good. Props to all the stunt people and the mocat people... it was insane. It's so hard to make action like that, especially in the derby um arena, look good and believable.' Michael added, 'they almost never used it [slow motion] in the actual like roller derby part... you could still keep up with the action and what was going on.'

The hosts were impressed by the depth of the world-building, from the visual design of Iron City and Zalem to the hints of a larger conflict involving the Martian Republics and 'The Fall.' This extensive lore, though not fully explored in the first film, created a compelling universe that left them eager for more details and narrative expansion.

Vivien stated, 'There was so much world building here and they did not skimp on details at all.' Michael later pondered, 'they've set up a bigger world and now I just want to know everything about the bigger world.'

A significant point of discussion was the film's strong sequel setup, which left the hosts feeling a sense of disappointment and frustration due to the lack of a follow-up film since its 2019 release. They contrasted this with their experience watching completed series, highlighting the pain of waiting for an unresolved story.

Michael expressed, 'that's my one disappointment is like I felt like I was going in for a complete story. I wasn't prepared for there to be a sequel setup.' He later added, 'I'm thankful that I haven't been waiting since 2019, but like who knows how long I'm going to have to wait. And I really really want the sequel.'