Battleship

We watched Battleship last night. I wasn’t expecting too much because, well, it’s been crucified in the reviews. A few of my friends have said it wasn’t too bad though so that was enough for me and I’m glad I did watch it.

I thought it was an enjoyable romp. The aliens looked good and had decent motives for their actions while the CGI was very similar to the Transformers stuff (which isn’t a bad thing). Yes, the plot was a bit shabby and some of the acting was extremely wooden but Battleship wasn’t intended to be some thought-provoking drama. It was a high-octane, fast moving, sci-fi, action movie. And it delivered.

Some of the highlights for me included spotting the various nods towards the game it was “based” on. I also thought that the inclusion of injured military personnel undertaking physiotherapy (especially Colonel Gregory D. Gadson) was an interesting counter-point – we see lots of damage and, although off-screen, injured sailors some of whom, in the real world, would end up in similar physiotherapy centres. Finally, bringing in real veterans from USS Missouri was a fun touch. Yes, it edged towards jingoism a bit, but not enough that it spoilt the film.

Speaking of jingoism, a lot of these types of films end with the good old US of A saving the world. Battleship earned Brownie points from me because, while they did, they had help from the Japanese (I don’t want to say too much in case I spoil some elements unintentionally). A small thing perhaps but it’s the first film of its type that I can recall doing it.

So, a fun film and well worth watching. Will it win awards (aside from maybe a Razzie or two)? No, but I don’t care :)