Battle: Los Angeles

Release Date: Mar 11, 2011 

Runtime: 1 hr. 56 min. 

Director: Jonathan Liebesman 

Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodríguez, Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo, Michael Peña.

Having survived natural disasters, buddy cops and cheesy rom-coms alike, the city of Los Angeles prepares to face its biggest adversary yet: extraterrestrials. But this is one battle that falls behind neutral lines. Riddled by movie clichés and amateur camerawork, “Battle: LA” does little to improve upon the 90’s favorite, “Independence Day.” But it does succeed in overshadowing its inferior counterpart, “Skyline.” From opening scene, the story propels into intense action that doesn’t relent until the closing credits. The character introductions seem run of the mill as they clearly take a backseat to the heavy artillery and explosions that encompass the film. At the forefront is U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Nantz, played with steely force by Aaron Eckhart, who must save civilians, while simultaneously ward off the celestial enemy. While Eckhart makes the most of his mediocre dialogue and back-story, the rest of the cast seems lost and futile. Bridget Moynahan, with her trivial role, seems like a wasted paycheck that could have been well spent on hiring a more experienced director. But all is well when Michelle Rodriguez is there to save the day, per usual, with her offhand attitude and mastery with guns. With an uninspired score and inconclusive finish, that’s the most you can ask for from a sci-fi war film.

Rating: 2½ stars