Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Brief review: Jonathan Liebesman's latest 'alien invasion' flick, "Battle: Los Angeles" falls slightly flat plot-wise, but it compensates with plentiful action, likable characters, and some moments that pack an emotional wallop. Liebesman uses a lot of fast zooms, quick cuts and shaky camera technique, in order to provide a more realistic feel to the movie, and although it's all a bit overused in places, his directional style mostly works. The VFX team behind "Skyline" has done an incredible job yet again, as the special effects in movie are simply astounding - the alien droids are deeply-detailed and skilfully designed, as are their imposing spaceships, and the post-apocalyptic setting of L.A. is as overwhelming as it's frightening. The action scenes are an elaborate blend of huge explosions, massive gun fights and sudden attacks, definitely worth-seeing on the big screen. Aaron Eckhart does does an adequate job as the fearless,loyal and dedicated US marine, though his characters is may be a bit too heroic. Despite his good looks, Ramon Rodriguez plays a rather unlikable character, that you may find hard to feel much sympathy for. However, all the supporting performances are believable and engaging enough to make you care about the characters.
Overall summary: Loud, fast-paced and heavy on explosive action, yet a bit muddled and slightly over-directed, "Battle: L.A." may not be as spectacular and entertaining as it thinks it is, but it still boasts plenty of impressive visual effects, and some truly great action set pieces.
18 comments:
Is this like Transformers 2? I'm not sure if I'll catch up on this film because from your review it seems a little lacklustre besides good VFX.
Great review George! ;)
Thanks, J-SON.
No, thank God no! It was way better than "Transformers 2" and also quite different. Well, it was passable, and the CGIs were astonishing.
The perfect movie for my big screen entertainment. I love when stuff blows up and there's lots of monsters/aliens/mobsters. I gladly turn off my brain. And this has Aaron Eckhart as a marine, so I was sold from the second I saw the trailer. ;) He could never be too heroic for me. LOL
Kick ass review, sweetie. :)
"The perfect movie for my big screen entertainment" - I agree 100% Melissa. Plus I thought the critics were a bit too hard on it. It was well-executed in my opinion, though not exactly enthralling. Oh, Aaron was overly heroic. LOL. Probably more heroic than Superman himself. :)
Thanks, sweetheart! :)
Haven't got around to this film yet mainly because the reviews have been so polarizing. Either someone is wholeheartedly "for" the film or 110% against it.
Your review definitely gives me some assurances that it is, at the very least, exciting. Plus, it does seem like the kind of film made for the theater and not just a Netflix viewing.
Great review. The movie had lots of good action, and was far better than Skyline. So I have a question, at any point in the movie did you feel like screaming out "Yo Joe" or maybe even "Cobra?"
Well its good to hear that the action was done right and the CGI wasn't phony. I have had some friends want me to go with them to this film but I have been very hesitant about it. I think I might have to try and watch it while it is still in theaters. Great Review!
Thanks for my brothers bday wishes!! I used to LOVE House music! I still do but it all depends on my mood at the time.
Matty, I wasn't sure about it either, but I decided to give it a shot nonetheless. And it was pretty watchable. Definitely worth-seeing on the big screen! It reminded me a bit of "District 9", visually, though it wasn't nearly as good.
Thanks, HorrO. Yep, it was definitely better than "Skyline" and much more thrilling. Yes, it did, though G.I. Joe has that comic feel to it, where Battle LA was more, well, harsh.
Nicole, you should see it on big screen for the visuals. I'm not sure though that a sweet chick like you would enjoy this flick. It's basically a war movie.. with robo-aliens :) Thanks, glad you liked my review.
You're welcome, sweetheart. You're both so cute, it's insane :) Oh, house music has always been my favorite genre.. it makes mu heart pump along with the beat :)
Yea I know, but after some of those really dramatic scenes I thought a "Yo Joe" would have been good before returning to fight the aliens. I am just making fun of the heavy dramatics in the movie. I still liked it, but thought they were pushing the drama.
HorrO, I couldn't agree more! It was ridiculously over-dramatic and Aaron was presented as the Messiah or something. LOL.
agree very much with this review, is a fair judgment of this movie. I put it down to a fun popcorn flick but nothing groundbreaking in the alien inavtion movie.
Good read
Robo-aliens... okay you may be right... haha! I like war movies but robo-aliens could be pushing it. However I did make it through Cloverfield and District 9. Wasn't thrilled about District 9, ugh. I do like the first Transformers though! : ) I have a feeling I'll still be forced to see this with someone. As long as the effects are good I think I'll be able to enjoy it. Awe, you're too kind! My brother and I tend to look too much alike or at least thats what we're told haha : ) You're right on House music. It never fails to get me on my feet.
Thanks, Mate.
Yes, it was thrilling and everything, but there was something missing, and just like HorrO said - it was too heavy on drama.
Nicole, it's quite similar to "District 9" in terms of visuals and CGIs. I wasn't crazy about it either, though I enjoyed it, because it was, well, different. Absolutely loved "Cloverfield"! I thought it was incredibly well-made and quite realistic. The first Transformers movie is one of my guiltiest guilty pleasures :) I had too much fun, watching it, though I confess.. it was a mess.
Lol! They treated him like the ultimate soldier. Surprised they really didn't go for the supreme dramatic overkill, and have him on a bed severely injured at the end. Will he live, or will he die? We may never know!
Towards the end of the movie I have started thinking the he might not be a human.. :) No, not an alien - a superhero without costume. LOL.
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