You sank my Battleship!
Based on the ever popular children’s game, Battleship has sailed into cinema screens worldwide. Directed by Peter Berg the film follows waste of space Alex Hopper (Taylor Kiitsch) who upon his brother’s guidance joins the U.S Navy of which he becomes Tactical Action Officer. When the planet is invaded by aliens Hopper and co must save the world against technology they simply cannot compete with.
When the trailers were first released for Battleship it became painfully obvious that the film’s plot was going to be severely lacking. Alas it was true as the film’s plot goes as followed; dialogue, explosions, dialogue, explosions, dialogue, explosions, explosions, dialogue. If it wasn’t for the poor writing, lack of character depth and dire plot in general then perhaps this format could have worked. It really is a regrettable mess however by the time the third act gets going the audience are having far too much fun admiring the lavish explosions that they hardly care about what’s going on plot wise.
The acting through-out is nothing more than mediocre from all the stars. Taylor Kitsch plays main character Lt. Alex Hopper who is pretty much his John Carter character but in another story. Liam Neesen, why on earth did you agree to do this film? Capable of so much more Neesen’s talents are put to utter waste with very little screen time as Vice Admiral Shane. Perhaps the most anticipated performance of all is pop singer Rihanna who apparently ‘feels like the only girl in the navy’. She doesn’t give a ground breaking performance or anything like that yet she wasn’t terrible, that’s a big enough accomplishment in itself. There are a handful of other characters that although feature little character depth are much easier to rally behind thanks to their heroic accomplishments, some even provide small dosages of comedy that are greatly appreciated.
Cinematographer Tobias A. Schliessler takes a page out of the JJ. Abram book as the film excessively uses lens glare. This technique is more often than not an annoyance and poses a distraction from the onscreen activities.
‘a real highlight of mankind’s lack of intelligence…’
The CGI is brilliant throughout the 131 minute run time with numerous battleship components blasting all across the screen. The CGI is also partly responsible for bringing the film interesting take on the alien life form to life. While no were near as adoring as E.T or as scary as Ridley Scott’s aliens they look to be pulled straight out of the Star Trek universe. Battleship takes the same formula as similar film Battle LA, giving very little insight into the aliens and merely posing the fact that they are a threat. The aliens however only attack when need be, a real highlight of mankind’s lack of intelligence as offering a simple helping hand may have saved many characters lives.
All in the all Battleship isn’t really worth going out to see. Sure it’s a film you can watch and enjoy to some extent for its frequent explosions however the poor plot and lacklustre characters have you leaving the cinema no more excited than you were when you walked in.
Popcorn & Soda Rating: 2/5
Did this have your Battleships sinking or simply sailing away?
