Battle: Los Angeles is the latest high budget alien invasion film to come out of Hollywood. It’s starring cast and different approach to the classic tale made it a very appealing release but with a director relatively inexperienced out with the horror scene, this always had the potential to be another so close yet so far fairytale. Having said that, I went to view this full of excitement and with high expectation. It is one of my favorite genres and although not everyone will agree, I actually liked Liebesman’s Texas Chainsaw and really hoped he could pull this one off.
Without giving too much of the intricate details away, this in essence is the classic alien invasion tale. Aliens invade, they are stronger and better equipped than us and begin pummeling out military might. When it all seems over a near miracle happens and boom we send E.T back home to lick his wounds. Yeah it is a little unoriginal in that department but don’t fix something if it isn’t broke right? Where this film really comes into it’s own is the style in which the story is shot. Imagine for a second “Black Hawk Down” mixed with “Independence day”. The plot basically follows a small force of Marines who are tasked with evacuating a group of civilians from the oncoming wave of alien invaders. In and around the suburbs of LA, the team are met with problem after problem and are slowly whittled down to just a few remaining members. As I am sure you have guessed, this team provide the miracle and the finale and become national heroes… hooray! and the story simply ends. Disappointed right?
The plot was potentially fantastic and the cast was packed full of stars. Some of the cast live up to their usual standard and yet some spoil the party for us all. The film is literally filled with cheesy, inspirational “US Marines never give up” moments and although seemingly one of the most disciplined units on earth, petty handbag fights break out throughout the entire film. The film in actuality ends up being some sort of weird Jeremy Kyle meets Ross Kemp in Afghanistan compilation with a US army recruitment video thrown in for kicks. It started so well, but it was just too fake, even for a sci-fi.
In the end, my initial fears were right. This was yet another close, yet so far tale and for that I feel really frustrated. Battle: LA could have been one of the releases of the year yet small sub plots detracted from the value of the grander scale. A good effort from a strong cast with an enjoyable outcome but petty arguments and inspirational moments killed it’s chances of joining the elite.
Overall Verdict Win (just)
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Release Date: March 11th 2011
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo
Genre: Sci-Fi/War
For more information on Battle: Los Angeles visit: http://www.battlela.com