Battle: Los Angeles Review

Overview
When you think of alien invasion movies your mind immediately jumps to the generic plot of: aliens land, aliens kill people, people find a weakness, people fight back, people win. The new film, Battle: Los Angeles does not stray too far from this plot but does bring some refreshing uniqueness to the table. It is in fact one of the most realistic looking (if you can say that about an alien invasion movie) and exciting science fiction movie I have ever seen.

Visuals and Audio      
        Firstly, the design of the aliens themselves was truly unique. They look exceptionally strange and otherworldly. They are unlike anything I have ever seen before in any other science fiction movie. On the human side, a wide variety of weapons, vehicles, and other equipment are displayed throughout the movie. The sounds of gunfire and explosions are very realistic and really help set the hectic, chaotic them of the film. Visual effects are also very well done as the explosions and gunfire look very realistic and other effects (namely fog and smoke) are used well.

       Many scenes in the movie (mainly the first 45 minutes - 1 hour) are full of suspense due to the speed and positioning of the aliens as well as the thick fog. The battle scenes (a good 85-90% of the film) are hectic and chaotic. The film is shot in a fashion similar to Black Hawk Down which also features the chaotic battle scenes. If you enjoy action movies, you will most likely enjoy this movie.

       The acting was fairly solid throughout the movie. The standout actor was Aaron Eckhart (who you may remember as Harvey Dent from the Dark Knight) who delivers an excellent performance as Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz. These characters spoken lines were limited to the frantic shouts of "Get Down" and "Take cover" typical of war movies. However there are several inspirational, well written speeches delivered by the aforementioned Aaron Eckhart. However, some of the dialogue and acting throughout the film is just awkward.
      
       There are a few minor problems with the film. Firstly, the talking scenes and speeches feel dragged out after all the action. Also, the limited perspective of the soldiers (you only know what they see) creates suspense well but it would have been nice to see a bit more of the unique alien ships and soldiers (you do not get to see much of either).

       In closing, Battle: Los Angeles is a fairly standard alien invasion movie that does not much new to the table, but does deliver on action and suspense.

Battle: Los Angeles gets   7.5/10