Movie-Holic

Battle: Los Angeles is one of those movies that should have been one of the biggest hits of the year. But, because of the movie critics, it faltered.

I have for a long time had a love/hate relationship with movie critics. You know, those guys who get paid “the big bucks” for going to movies, sitting in premieres, rubbing shoulders with actors, and writing reviews, showing off the fact that they can use dictionary.com, ripping apart movies because they feel it is their God-given gift to do so? And, we, the little people, are suppose to take everything they say as the gospel truth as far as how great, or how deplorable, a movie it is.

Yeah well… movie critics suck.

Battle: Los Angeles Is Not A Critic Favorite

A quick look at what movie critics said about the movie Battle: Los Angeles would lead you to believe that is simply was the worse movie in existence. USA Today, Washington Post and Variety all gave the movie bad reviews. As well as hundreds of other movie websites, magazines, and newspapers. And, because of this, many people missed out on a tremendous fun-filled, chaotic ride.

Battle: Los Angeles – The Basics

There is a reason why I am coming down on movie critics in this review of Battle: Los Angeles. I was swayed by the many bad reviews and missed seeing this in a large theater. Opting instead to wait for Blu-Ray. Never again.

The movie itself is not just another alien invasion film like most of the critics suggested. While the concept is not original, when done correctly it is one that grips your imagination and heart.

Battle starts off with Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz (Aaron Eckhart having his retirement papers signed. After he finishes his current training detail he is out. However, alien invaders have different ideas. As a worldwide invasion commences, Nantz is pulled back into action. Joined with a platoon of Marines, led by newly commissioned Lt. Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez), they are given the task of traversing the streets of Santa Monica to get to a police station where some civilians are said to be taking refuge.

From then on, the movie is intense, chaotic, and at times, heart wrenching. The Marines, after reaching the police station, must hurry to get back to the F.O.B. (Forward Operating Base) before the Air Force levels the area with a enough bombs to sink California. However, the alien invaders have different ideas.

Battle: Los Angeles – The Acting

One of the biggest critical points of many of the movie critics was the actual dialogue throughout. After that was the acting on the part of Eckhart, Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Michael Pena, Ne-Yo, and Bridget Moynahan. And, I will have to agree with some of it to a point.

The dialogue was a little cliche. It was full of one-liners that were cheesy at best. Things like, “I’d go to hell and back for you.”, “I need you to be a brave little marine for me.”, and about ninety-nine calls of “Retreat, hell!” abounded throughout the movie. While many of the critics treated this with contempt. It didn’t bother me. In fact, it added to the craziness that was Battle: Los Angeles

Battle: Los Angeles – Huge Over the Top Action

Because of the bad reviews I was not expecting much out of Battle I even set it for a late night viewing, so if I fell asleep I wouldn’t worry about missing anything. But, as the movie got the action started, I didn’t have to worry about falling asleep. My heart got racing so fast that I found myself having to hit the pause button just to calm down.

As the Marines start onto the streets of Santa Monica the action is non-stop. There are several instances of fire fights, explosions, people being blown up, saving kids from falling, and “painting” the big target. With very little time for letting you catch your breath before the next sequence started, Battle: Los Angeles solidifies itself into action movie stardom.

However, the action is not the only part that gets your heart pumping.

Intense, Heart Wrenching and Heart Warming

Without giving away too much about the movie, there are some kids at the police station when the Marines get there. Just the fact that there are children going through this ordeal gives the movie much more humanity and gives reason for some tugging at your heart strings. There are intense moments where you feel the fear, the pain, and the sadness from the children, and the Marines, throughout each sequence.

But, there is more.

I am opening myself up to being called too soft or sentimental with this. But, there were moments where I couldn’t help but swell up with… not really pride, but… awe. Awe at the strength, the perseverance, and the intensity of the characters. It made me feel like I was going through everything with them.

I realize not everyone will feel that way, but this intensity and the heart wrenching moments were really what cemented the movie as one of my favorites that I could watch over and over again. In fact, I’ve seen it three times within two days!

Battle: Los Angeles – Should You See It?

If you were swayed by the movie critics about this movie and missed out seeing it at the theaters, then I do feel sorry for you. Mainly because I can sympathize with you. I so wish I had seen Battle: Los Angeles on a big screen with theater sound. But, I didn’t.

And for that alone, movie critics suck.

If you like high octane action movies with intense moments, explosions, cheesy dialogue, and a tremendous display of human courage then Battle: Los Angeles is definitely for you. If you feel that District 9 was a good movie (like the USA Today critic), then there is no help for you anyway.

Battle: Los Angeles may not win an Oscar, but it should be seen. It is a fun flick that is great for anytime you want to enjoy an action packed ride at home. Watch it. You’ll be glad you did.

Battle: Los Angeles Movie Trailer