Battle: Los Angeles tells the simple story of a platoon of U.S. Marines that is sent into the heart of an alien-invaded Los Angeles to rescue trapped civilians. But what the writer, director and cast accomplish within that simple premise is monumental. The result is a fast-paced, science fiction thriller that surprisingly explores a full range of human emotions and, particularly well, the human side of what it means to be a soldier. For the many who were disappointed with similar-themed sci-fi film Skyline, Battle: Los Angeles is a must-see, blending Skyline's action with the depth of similar-themed indy film, Monsters.
Battle: Los Angeles Star, Aaron Eckhart - Give This Guy an Award Already
Audiences may not have noticed Aaron Eckhart in The Missing, where he played a small but noteworthy role. Fans of The Dark Knight may overlook him - where he was next-to-perfect as Harvey Dent/Two-Face - in light of Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance. In both Erin Brockovich and In the Company of Men, his showings were top-notch. And as Nick Naylor in Thank You for Smoking (for which he rightfully earned a Golden Globe nomination), Eckhart deserved the Oscar nod.
As Marine Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz, Eckhart's performance is once again impeccable. He leads a young but talented cast, featuring Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ramon Rodriguez, Ne-Yo, and Jim Parrack amongst others, as the fight for humanity's survival against a seemingly unstoppable invading force.
Battle: Los Angeles is Action-Packed Science Fiction with a Realist's Touch
Battle: Los Angeles, through Jonathan Liebesman's direction, pulls off a rare feat for science fiction films - its premise, plot, and overall execution are believable, meaning the events of the film could take place in contemporary L.A. Sure, there's some mainstream, aggressive action that may take some liberties with physical science, but as a whole, the film is nestled securely in a sort of gritty realism.
The film's action and acting go beyond the norm for alien invasion films. Liebesman's direction is smooth, and the special effects far exceed average. The ruins of L.A. are perfectly depicted, a worthy playground for the battle that unfolds. Battle: Los Angeles lacks the bad CGI that takes away from many of its contemporary sci-fi films.
Fans of science fiction and war films should check out Battle: Los Angeles. It came without a lot of hype, but the film more than delivers. Battle: Los Angeles will be available on DVD and Blu-ray on June 14, 2011.
Jason Parent - Jason Parent earned his Bachelor's Degree in English in 2000 and his Juris Doctorate in 2006. He currently works as an attorney with a ...
