10 Best Motion Capture Performances
7. Rosa Salazar As Alita (Alita: Battle Angel)
Alita: Battle Angel was one of 2019's most pleasant surprises, exceeding (admittedly low) expectations and delivered the requisite blockbuster thrills, stunning visuals and a sense of fun rarely seen in movies of its kind these days.
The glue holding the film's seams together was the titular character, infused with charm, innocence, and strength by the capable Rosa Salazar. The anime-inspired eyes were first seen as a dangerous dip into the uncanny valley, but they seamlessly blend into the cyberpunk world created in the film.
Salazar gives Alita a wonderful sense of innocence, grace, and strength, not unlike the titular heroine in 2017's Wonder Woman. Her amnesia lets her act as the audience surrogate as we discover the wonders and threats of Iron City and Zalem alongside her.
Her portrayal convincingly sells the fact that Alita can adorably fawn over an orange and yet go toe-to-toe with highly advanced killer cyborg gladiator in the deadly Motorball tournaments and come out on top.