As a kid, I enjoyed playing tabletop board games that used wits and imagination to determine victory with a given set of rules. It was commonplace to see lots of these innovative titles in toy shops and hobby stores, and I was fortunate enough to play the likes Cluedo, Monopoly, and Battleship. So imagine to my surprise that Universal Pictures actually commissioned a movie of "Battleship" to be made, with Hancock director Peter Berg at the helm. However, seeing the trailer firsthand left me with the impression that this would your typical B-Movie alien invasion flick, only with lead stars like Taylor Kitsch, Rihanna, and Liam Neeson highlighting the cast. It's not as simple as it sounds however, and maybe this review will shed some light on what to expect if you decide to watch this film. Thanks again goes to Solar UIP and Channel V for the screening!
Movie: Battleship
Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Rihanna, Liam Neeson
Release Date: April 11, 2012 (International), May 18, 2012 (US)
In many ways, Battleship feels very much like Michael Bay's Transformers films. It's your kind of invasion film that's coupled with explosions, mechanized weapons, spaceships, and beautiful girls - elements that would attract the typical action movie buff looking for some brainless fun. Set in Hawaii, X-Men Origins: Wolverine and John Carter star Taylor Kitsch takes the lead, playing the role of Lt. Alex Hopper - a talented yet hot-headed Navy officer who learns to become a true soldier as the invaders attack during a naval exercise. Also starring is Alexander Skarsgard as Stone Hopper, Alex's older brother who tries to watch over his kin with less than remarkable results. Pop/ R&B singer and music sensation Rihanna also stars as Petty Officer Cora Raikes, Thor actor Tadanobu Asano plays JMSDF officer Captain Nagata, and veteran actor Liam Neeson ranks in as Vice Admiral Shane, commanding officer of Hopper and the father of his girlfriend and fiancee, Samantha (played by Brooklyn Decker). You got a well-rounded cast of actors alright... But how does the film fare even with them onboard for the ride?
Anyone who's seen the first Transformers film will probably have an idea how this movie will play out: humans fight aliens and do whatever it takes to prevent the world from becoming a planet for them to conquer. It's pretty much like Independence Day in that sense, but the plot leaves a lot to be desired in terms of coherence and appeal. Besides Taylor Kitsch doing his thing, the parts played by the actors and actresses in this movie feel a bit one-dimensional, and there's not a lot to talk about. Liam Neeson barely plays an important role here save for leader and commander, and I guess there's barely anything to root for save for increments of heroism and the final act, where *SPOILER* old sailors and veterans actually play a part in saving the world by reactivating a decommissioned U.S.S Missouri. That I suppose that's where much of Battleship's charm lies in: the navy vessels and fight scenes. Anyone into warfare and ships will definitely get a kick at seeing Destroyers and an actual Battleship do battle, but while it doesn't seem realistic enough that these things could actually stand up to alien invaders and their technology, the film does its best to present it in a feasible manner... For the most part at least.
Overall, Battleship feels like another movie attempting to relate itself with the source material, but it feels like a different beast altogether, with only one particular moment in the film that pays tribute to the game its based on. It's not a bad film, but it doesn't have anything new to offer either, and much of the elements feel cliche and typical at best. To that end, the movie may have a nonsensical atmosphere to it, but it does hold its own as a popcorn flick worthy for the average moviegoer to enjoy. Just like Transformers, this movie is full of things that go boom, which transitions to slow motion moments that make the action seem surreal. If you fancy that kind of film, by all means go and sail with this one while it's still showing in theaters.
Rating - 2/5
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