Battle: Los Angeles
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Will Rothhaar, Ramon Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Cory C. Hardrict, Ne-Yo
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Rating: 4/5
The alien invasion/sci-fi movie is a genre that we have seen quite a lot of in recent months - but Battle: Los Angeles is a movie that really should not be missed.
For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world - Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China.
But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces.
As people everywhere watch the world's great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected.
It's up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they've ever encountered before.
Yes I have to admit that Battle: Los Angeles is a movie that I have looked forward to for many a month and it really has not disappointed.
It may be billed as an alien invasion flick, which to a certain extent it is, but it really is more of a war movie as the U.S. Marines tackle a hostile enemy.
In many respects we have seen this story done a hundred times before but Liebesman has delivered a movie that looks awesome and puts you right in the heart of the action - it's District 9 meets Black Hawk Down.
Leading the cast is Aaron Eckhart, it's great to see him step into the action genre, as an ageing Staff Sergeant who is haunted by his time in Iraq and the lives that were lost under his command.
It's a very tortured performance from Eckhart as he is once again thrust into battle, something he wants to escape from, and viewed with suspicion by the young Marines that fight beside him.
Eckhart is perhaps not the obvious choice when it came to casting the lead role in this movie but he commands every scene that he is in and really delivers a tremendous performance.
He is supported well by the likes of Ne-Yo and Michelle Rodriguez - who find themselves in the fight of their lives - and civilians Michael Pena and Bridget Moynahan who just want to stay alive.
But the real winner in this movie is the special effects - which really are out of this world!! Battle: Los Angeles is a loud, gripping, edge of your seat ride that puts the human race in an almost impossible position.
But it's a great war movie and it's a great survival movie as the human race band together and fight to survive and protect those around them.
Ok so it's not oozing with originality but Battle: Los Angeles is an exciting two hour romp that does not disappoint. Hoo-rah!!!
Battle: Los Angeles is out now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw