Battle: Los Angeles is a cross between Cloverfield (hand-held camera) and Independence Day (aliens landing on earth). It stars Aaron Eckhart as Staff Seargant Michael Nantz who having lost his platoon on a previous assignment files paperwork to leave active service for a while, but a call that meteors are landing all around the globe, which turns out to be aliens throws him back into the mix. The aliens want to eradicate the human colony for the resources of water, which helps in some way (it's never properly explained) to power their ships and mechanical bodies. Nantz becomes part of a new platoon who includes second lieutenant William Martinez (Ramon Rodrigeuz), Cpl. Jason Lockett (Cory Hardict), Cpl. Nick Stavrou (Gino Anthony Pesci), Cpl. Kevin Harris (Ne-yo surprisingly, whom I didn't even recognise until his name flashed up on the credits!) and TSgt Elena Santos (Michelle Rodriguez). They go to rescue any civilians in Santa Monica who are trapped in a police station and escort them out where also they find where the command module of the aliens ships that controls everything is and try to destroy it.
That's it really, and what is part of my criticism the story is very basic with no real twists, which also does contain some plot holes. Also there is no characterisation for any of the main characters who are as thin as cardboard, the film follows the usual formulaic structure with every stereotype you could imagine with the types of characters involved like "the new guy who wants to impress," and "the guy put in charge of a new platoon after losing his old one" etc. The script as well is truly dreadful, with all the clichés and cheesiness you could expect. But the thing is I was expecting this as this is your typical "America saves the world" trashy film.
I also expected other things that would be positive for this movie and it delivered. The action was exciting and well choreographed, (the best action sequence being on a freeway whilst the platoon try to save the civilians), there was enough suspense and tension throughout added by the great music and general pace of the film, the special effects of the aliens and their ships was impressive, the acting was surprisingly good even with the awful script. Aaron Erckart convinced as a marine leader with Michelle Rodriguez and Cory Hardict delivering solid supporting performances. The biggest strength I would say though is that it was excellently shot and edited. The hand-held camera added to the authenticity of the situation and never was too shaky, though there were a few scenes where it was hard to make sense of what was happening, but generally it was perfect.
Not everyone will like this film, those expecting anything then what I resembled of a decent script and story will be sorely disappointed and even the hand-held camera as pointed out by certain reviewers on here will irritate some people who may complain it's hard to see anything and that would be right in some respects. Battle: Los Angeles wasn't perfect with a story we've all seen so many times before, but if your looking for good action, special effects and reasonable acting, it does deliver. For me I would normally have given this film a five or six out of ten, but the acting and camera-work was a bonus and enough to tip it into a seven. Also there were more positives for this movie than negatives, which worked in the film's favour. Enjoyable action adventure that delivers solidly. A great effort.
That's it really, and what is part of my criticism the story is very basic with no real twists, which also does contain some plot holes. Also there is no characterisation for any of the main characters who are as thin as cardboard, the film follows the usual formulaic structure with every stereotype you could imagine with the types of characters involved like "the new guy who wants to impress," and "the guy put in charge of a new platoon after losing his old one" etc. The script as well is truly dreadful, with all the clichés and cheesiness you could expect. But the thing is I was expecting this as this is your typical "America saves the world" trashy film.
I also expected other things that would be positive for this movie and it delivered. The action was exciting and well choreographed, (the best action sequence being on a freeway whilst the platoon try to save the civilians), there was enough suspense and tension throughout added by the great music and general pace of the film, the special effects of the aliens and their ships was impressive, the acting was surprisingly good even with the awful script. Aaron Erckart convinced as a marine leader with Michelle Rodriguez and Cory Hardict delivering solid supporting performances. The biggest strength I would say though is that it was excellently shot and edited. The hand-held camera added to the authenticity of the situation and never was too shaky, though there were a few scenes where it was hard to make sense of what was happening, but generally it was perfect.
Not everyone will like this film, those expecting anything then what I resembled of a decent script and story will be sorely disappointed and even the hand-held camera as pointed out by certain reviewers on here will irritate some people who may complain it's hard to see anything and that would be right in some respects. Battle: Los Angeles wasn't perfect with a story we've all seen so many times before, but if your looking for good action, special effects and reasonable acting, it does deliver. For me I would normally have given this film a five or six out of ten, but the acting and camera-work was a bonus and enough to tip it into a seven. Also there were more positives for this movie than negatives, which worked in the film's favour. Enjoyable action adventure that delivers solidly. A great effort.