BATTLE: LOS ANGELES (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Battle Los Angeles struggles deeply with character development, a difficult to follow storyline, and establishing rapport with its audience. After viewing the film, the only character one seems to remember is Hector who is played by Bryce Cass. This movie seems ‘rushed’ as if hurrying to complete itself. The technique of news blurbs that tell the story before viewing ruins the prize component of good story telling, audience anticipation building due to the uncertainty of how the scenes will unfold. One may feel like—where did that guy come from…do I know this guy…he just seems to drop out of the sky and die. One wants to care, but the next scene is there with no time to remove oneself from the previous scene. Transitions are poor for good audience tracking.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Marines defend Los Angeles.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Jonathan Liebesman for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jeffrey Chernov and David Greenblatt for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz (Aaron Eckhart), Second Lieutenant William Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez), Corporal Lee Imlay (Will Rothhaar), Corporal Jason Lockett (Cory Hardrict), Lieutenant Corporal Peter Kerns (Jim Parrack), Corporal Nick Stavrou (Gino Anthony Pesi), Corporal Kevin Harris (Ne-Yo), and Lieutenant Corporal Steven Mottola (James Hiroyuki Liao).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. This action movie has some well done explosion scenes, but the potential of its concept is not realized.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers