For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world – Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China. But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces. As people everywhere watch the world’s great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It’s up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered before.
This film has been quite anticipated on my end, it really does tick the boxes with the genres of films I enjoy War, Aliens and end of the world scenarios. Now there’s no spoiler there as the trailer pretty much shows and explains that, but what we have here is really a damn good film. From the opening shot I knew I was in for a ride and BATTLE: LOS ANGELES did not disappoint.
There’s just something about this film that makes me think of all similar films past, they all had flaws and massive ones at best, the ‘Transformers’ franchise, ‘Pearl Harbour’, ‘Armageddon’… Plus great films such as ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘District 9’ what I found was the director Jonathan Liebesman who was behind the camera in such films as ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’ and ‘The Killing Room’ pulled the best bits of these films, mixed it up a bit and really made them his own. I know that may sound a bit confusing but there were many scenes that just made me think of those films and as you can see from those movies above they are mainly Michael Bay films, at best his movies are rather terrible but the action sequences personally are right up there some of them I was in awe and just looking at the reaction of people around me they were as well.
Aaron Eckhart to quote some films “Brought the Rain” with BATTLE: LOS ANGELES his performance was amazing, after seeing what he could do with ‘The Dark Knight’ and also ‘Love Happens’ then going onto this sort of film was a great move he just nailed it, emotionally and physically. Do you remember that annoying character from ‘Transformers 2’ Leo Spitz played by Ramon Rodriquez well this time it’s the total opposite! This role was perfect for him also; I was a bit phased originally when I heard he was going to be Battle but after seeing it… He nailed it. There were also great performances by other supporting cast including Michelle Rodriquez, Ne-Yo, Michael Pena and Bridget Moynahan.
This film has had extremely mixed reviews, it’s either loved or hated but really what are you looking for? It’s a film called BATTLE: LOS ANGELES of course it won’t be strong in bits and of course there’s some dialog issues but really.. Just sit back and enjoy it. I for one loved this film from start to finish; I’m not sit here and pick at it like some other critics did. If you love films that involve the Military, Aliens, post- apocalyptic then go see this film you won’t be disappointed.
BATTLE: LOS ANGELES in cinemas tomorrow. I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. Check out the trailer below.