Movie Review: "Battle: LA"

As always: SPOILERS!


Friday night, the Mrs. and I saw "Battle: Los Angeles."

Setting:
The film is set in the present. The plot centers around a platoon of Marines sent to help fight the threat of an alien attack.

Summary:
The story starts with the premise that you know that aliens are attacking Earth. Let's face it, if you wanted to see this movie, you already knew that. There are several scenes that establish the basics, but not much more. It seems to be as if they wanted to give the viewer enough information, but not too much. The idea is that if you were there, that's about how much you would know.

Soon, we meet our heroes. The main character is a Marine Staff Sergeant who is about to retire from service. Naturally, as the attack happens, he is placed second-in-command of a platoon of Marines who are led by a very young, inexperienced Lieutenant. This is typical in the infantry - new 2nd Lieutenants are paired with seasoned Sergeants, as a sort of learning experience.

The Marines are given a task, which they will ultimately complete. Sadly, not many other Marines in the area are able to complete their tasks. The aliens take the city, and force the heroes to make alternate plans.

Along the way, they pick up some civilians, some soldiers, and an Air Force Sergeant. The Marines and the others are forced to fight the aliens in various urban settings.

The good news is that our weapons are effective against the invaders. The bad news is, predictably, since the aliens are capable of interstellar travel, their technology is more advanced. Nevertheless, the Marines learn how to most effectively fight the aliens.


Comments:
5.56 mm rounds are effective against these aliens.
Grenades and other explosives are even more effective.
This film accurately depicts Marines using proper M16A4's, with correct optics (Trijicon ACOG's) and equipment.
Some characters use, where appropriate, the M4 - which is substantially similar to the M16.
Alien technology is advanced, but not so ridiculous as to make things hard to believe. They use projectile weapons - not sci-fi energy weapons.

The film was generally positive towards the US Military. This is rare in Hollywood.
The film did not have an overabundance of foul language. To the extent that sometimes I forgot these troops were Marines!
Guns were not demonized, as Hollywood often does. In fact, if anything, they were glorified.

I want an ACOG now.

Good action flick.
Easy on the plot - but it was never advertised as a plot-heavy movie.
Some eye-candy, but certainly nothing inappropriate. Everybody kept their clothes on.