Battle : Los Angeles
116 min - Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller - 11 March 2011 (UK)Director: Jonathan Liebesman Writer: Christopher Bertolini Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez and Bridget Moynahan
Rating ; d+ (The entertainment factor was just about enough to make it a high D). See new MR rating system HERE
Synopsis; A Marine platoon faces off against an alien invasion in Los Angeles
When my brother showed me the trailer I was quite surprised by the PG-13 rating. It showed quite a lot of violence and although not much blood it still seemed like they could have knocked up the rating to a 15. When my brother then suggested we go watch the movie I was unsure. With all the disaster going on in the world, in regarding the Earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan on Friday that I'm sure you are all aware of I wasn't all to sure if I wanted to go. After some convincing I decided why not. I had been quite depressed since hearing of it and thought maybe some distraction would do some good.
It was twisted and ironic that this movie happened to release so close around the time of the disaster in Japan
More than an Alien based movie, it seemed much more of a war movie in my opinion.
After this Alien Invasion Los Angeles becomes one of the last remaining cities in California
Upon hearing that replacing their previous Sergeant is Sergeant Micheal Nantz everyone is a little pissed of. All are aware of what happened to his previous platoon. They wound up dead only - he happened to survive. Already he is being labelled as unreliable and not trustworthy, and they have not even set of for their mission! Soldier Cory Hardrict has a personal problem with the Sergeant. His brother happened to be one of the marines that died that day. He can't stand the Sergeant; who notices this and the other looks that come his way all to well.
Once aboard their location is a deserted gas station that is suspected to still have some survivors. In which case they happen to come across USAF Technical Sergeant Elena Santos (Michelle Rodriguez) and a few other soldiers. A family, and a father and son who perhaps are the two people who I connected with at all and showed sign of emotion towards.
I was most excited about Neyo (the singer) and Michelle since she rocks at being badass - being in the movie. Although they had their parts I couldn't help but feel as though they were left in the background. I wanted to shout; like Camera dude give them more camera time, can't you see that they are completely awesome? It was enough I suppose to notice that Neyo is a pretty great actor, but I wanted more of him.
The movie overall? Taking into account the lack of character development and bad script? It was "decent" I am not going to say that it wasn't decent because it was. It had me jumpy and covering my eyes quite a few times. Then again I scare real easy, so no surprise there :P But there were these scenes though, where the typical dramatic music would kick in, in would come the over the top emotional scene. (yes it was pretty cheesily done) I knew exactly what was expected from the audience in that moment. To kick, scream and cry their heart out. This. Would. happen. Had it been not only more convincing, but acted out better. Yup I went there; the acting just wasn't on point. There would be face offs between the soldiers that instead of making me tense up made me want to laugh. "That all you got boy" I wanted to shout. Be a little more convincing dammit!
I just didn't get it, how could such an intense driven movie, just fail? I am not one to over analyse nor am I a movie buff. If this was so obvious to me imagine how those hardcore movie critics must be feeling. Damn. Watching movies like Saving Private Ryan and then this just doesn't do it for you. I needed and wanted to be moved when someone awesome died. I wanted to freeze up when something was supposed to be suspenseful. Although there were those moments the odd times, it was the surprising factor where an Alien would jump out of nowhere that got me. Being one who gets freaked pretty easy, your average movie lover I would think wouldn't be too impressed at all.
I walked away thinking that the movie had so much more potential. With actors that were on the brink of being bad actors but not quite there yet- hung somewhere in the middle, and with a story like this to fill out you simply; I would think, can't afford that.
The graphics were amazing but you can't just solely count on that. We notice when something isn't right like I did with Battle ; Los Angeles
Oh and dude the movie could have done with some major eye candy! I mean the men looked rather dashing in their uniforms and all, but I would like a face to match thank you very much! Did Mr/Miss casting person not think of this when they cast the men? They were either all too; skinny, weird, or just awkward looking! Where my confident gorgeous looking men at huh?! You cast a babe like Michelle but what about us girl huh, huh?. *sulks* #justsayin
Despite the trailer looking very promising due to the bad dialogue and cliche's the movie is basically a no brainer and just full on action. Whilst entertaining; many will leave remembering not one name, and feeling nothing for any that died or survived. Say what you will but this is always a bad sign. I was not emotionally connected to one character apart from that little boy, and even then just about. Wait for it to come out on DVD I would suggest, and if your overly curious heck go watch it. It's a decent movie IF your into your action in which case " BOYS" will be booking their tickets instantly upon hearing this I suppose, but honestly? Not worth spending your money on. I would recommend you insert your DVD of Saving Private Ryan and appreciate truly amazing cinema at it's best.
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