Alienoid: The Return to the Future

The film picks up right where the first left off: smack dab in the middle of chaos. But not just any chaos-this is full-blown Korean Inception on speed, with flashbacks dropping every two minutes, as if the director was terrified you'd forget what you had for breakfast. The first half hour feels like playing Tetris while someone keeps yanking the joystick. It's overwhelming, it's flashy, but somehow, it works.

Apparently, Alienoid 2 is the intergalactic meet-and-greet for secondary characters. There are so many faces crammed into the runtime that even Game of Thrones would throw in the towel. Yet, surprisingly, it holds together. Every character gets their moment-whether it's a slick one-liner or an epic fight scene. But with this many players, it teeters on overload, like a salad where you've dumped the entire fridge out of fear of wasting anything.

The action scenes are pure mayhem. Sword fights, futuristic shootouts, and explosions big enough to make Michael Bay weep-this movie doesn't hold back. The only gripe? The slow-mo. Every punch and every swing gets the Matrix treatment, as if you needed three seconds to process someone getting decked. Once or twice is cool. Ten times? It's a bit much.

Alienoid 2 wears its absurdity like a badge of honor. A mash-up of action, sci-fi, comedy, and Power Rangers on steroids, it's equal parts brilliant and bonkers. Sometimes you'll marvel at its sheer creativity; other times you'll wonder if the director was entirely sober on set. But the beauty of it is that it never apologizes. When it flirts with ridiculousness, it dives headfirst, and you can't help but clap for the audacity.

Visually, it's an intergalactic postcard. The special effects are polished, the set designs are top-notch, and some shots are genuinely dazzling. Even with the relentless flashbacks and slow-mo, the effort behind the visuals is clear. It's just a shame all that eye candy is tied to a plot that occasionally feels like an excuse to blow things up.

Alienoid 2 is like a mash-up of a boozy Cannes festival after-party and a chaotic gaming night with friends. You'll leave slightly dazed, but you'll have had a blast. If you're into films that explode in every direction, embrace their own excesses, and give you a headache with their convoluted plots, this is your jam. But if you prefer something calmer, steer clear-or you might end up as lost as an alien with a broken GPS.

Actually in the movie it is the present. Which would also be the past if you look at it from "reality". So as always: no pun intended. I would need to go back and write that in all my reviews. I watched both movies (the sequel and the original that is) at a Film Festival.

And it is the best setting to watch a movie like this. I reckon if you can: watch it in a cinema. And maybe (re)watch the first movie. There is a recap at the beginning, but if you have it freshly watched, if does make sense. The tone is all over the place (like the movie itself) ... being funny and serious at the same time sometimes ... there are consequences and you have a real threat to humanity here ... which is why the movie either works or breaks for you. Action scenes are really well made and the CGI is also nice ... but is that enough? You decide ... just don't let earth down ...

The film's strengths lie in its visual effects and creativity. The futuristic and historical elements are visually stunning, with a good balance between CGI and practical effects. The action sequences are dynamic and well-choreographed, keeping the audience engaged throughout the film. However, the film's intricate plot, which combines multiple timelines and a variety of characters, might be challenging for viewers who are not familiar with the first movie. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain segments feeling rushed while others drag on a bit too long. This sequel relies heavily on the groundwork laid in the first installment, so it's not very accessible to newcomers. The performances are solid, with the cast delivering engaging portrayals of their complex characters. The film also explores some interesting themes about destiny, free will, and the impact of technology on society, though these are sometimes overshadowed by the sheer volume of the plot.

I found the 1st one being generic and a bit boring, but I watched this sequel anyway.

To my surprise, it is way better than the 1st one. Everything works just fine for me and the way they manage to connect all the characters and stories together in the finale is pretty impressive.

U will need to watch the 1st one, in order to fully enjoy this 2nd latest sequel. Ignore about the bad gossip of Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So Hee, bcos i don wanna it to spoil my movie experience.

Overall, it has average or above average quality, definitely not a bad production or B movie. Still holding the good reputation of korean film industry.

Alienoid: Return to the Future is an ambitious sequel that combines sci-fi action with intricate time-travel elements. My experience watching it was a whirlwind of excitement and confusion, as the film's fast-paced narrative often felt overwhelming.

The visuals are stunning, showcasing impressive special effects and vibrant cinematography that truly enhance the viewing experience. The characters are charming and well-developed, which helped me connect with their journeys despite the complex plot. The film's brisk pace kept me engaged, though I occasionally found myself lost in the intricacies of the storyline.

While it builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, I felt that the plot could have benefited from clearer exposition. Some moments of humor felt forced, but there were also genuinely funny scenes that provided much-needed levity amidst the chaos.

Overall, Alienoid: Return to the Future is a visually captivating film that offers a thrilling ride for fans of the genre. It left me entertained but also wishing for a more coherent narrative to fully appreciate its ambitious scope.