Contributed By Felicia Hale
The movie poster looks rather messy, even a bit familiar, but in a relatively dry post-Oscar season, this military sci-fi war film makes a splash on the cinema circuit. Literally. When mysterious objects crash into Earth’s oceans, a terrifying possibility turns into reality as a global invasion of alien beings take on the world, city by city.
Aaron Eckhart plays retiring Marine, Sergeant Michael Nantz, who gets commissioned with a new platoon in the battle against unknown forces as they protect Los Angeles, humanity’s last bastion of defense, to the bitter end. Other members of the cast include Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan and Michael Pena, as well as a core of young actors.
There are big-budget scenes of devastation and destruction, complete with drone ships piloted by murderous otherworldly beings scouring every inch of landscape to exterminate human life. As the Marines fight their way across the ravaged city, they join forces with Air Force Tech Sergeant Elena Santos (Rodriguez), who’s on a mission to locate the enemy’s command and control center.
It’s a mishmash of War Of The Worlds, Independence Day and Black Hawk Down—nothing a war flick junkie hasn’t seen before. What will resonate with the audience, however, are its themes of leadership and sacrifice for the greater good of humankind. The centrality of the entire film is anchored on Eckhart’s steely yet warm portrayal. Combined with stunning visual effects, World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles has laid claim to box office victory with USD$36 million (S$45.5 million) this month at the number one spot. It looks set to make an equally victorious run on local screens.
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