World Invasion : Battle LA - Movie review

World Invasion : Battle LA
A; Action
Dir : Jonathan Liebesman
Cast : Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez
Rating : ''

Whats it about: Theres a scene where we get a tight close-up of Aaron Eckhart as he's ambushed by a bunch of aliens. He's in a mad rush to blow the bastards to bits, but his expression is so smug that it gives away the fact that this was the cringeworthy moment he didn't get to read in the script. The premise hangs by a thread, which is unfotunate because the plot involves a bunch of marine officers wanting to give up their lives for the great nation: USA. Aliens from a planet we don't know, have landed threatening the existence of mankind (yawn!). This isn't the first attempt at showing an end of the world scenario depicting the cliched battle between man and a foreign race. So what makes this different than the rest? Well, it revolves around LA, and is focused on the team effort of a gutsy group of people wanting to send the encroachers back home.

What's hot: Theres enough bang in this ammo to keep you entertained. Even though it's lethargic, the action is the strongest asset of the film. The special effects are decent enough to get you interested. The camerawork and depiction of central LA at its barest minimum is noteworthy.

What's not: It's really a mixed bag, and not the kinds you would want to open. Is it a sci-fi film or just another apocalyptic drama? Also how convenient is it to thrown in a Caucasian, African American, Asian and a woman trooper to make it "appropriate". It's a sad sellout which isn't even camouflaged well. Till the time we don't see the aliens in their real form there's some level of interest, but once they are exposed in their full glory it fades to zero. Its saddening to see Eckhart play such a hollow and plastic character that does nothing but stare into space, give jingoistic sermons and do everything the American hero is expected to in a disaster film. The climax is a total "blowout" (no pun intended) and the length starts getting on your nerves. It should have been trimmed by at least 20 minutes.

What to do: A dull attempt at making a quick buck at the box-office, this one really doesn't conquer the world forget a small city.