Am in one of the lucky countries who had Battleship released today, and I caught the first show.
And I must say, as a naval enthusiast, it was an incredibly visceral and immersive experience. It thrusts you into the middle of the action, and leaves you at the edge of your seat.
The CGI is stunning, even better than Transformers. While the alien invasion storyline has been beaten to death, the nature of the subject matter (warships) makes it refreshing, and should appeal to most of us here. The action is unrelenting, and you really feel as if you're in the thick of things.
I liked the overall flow an pacing of the movie (though that is subjective to each person). There's also a minor dose of humor at appropriate times.
Yes it's based on a boardgame. Yes the cast (Liam Neeson apart) aren't exactly A-listers. But in my eyes, it is easily among the best big-budget popcorn flicks ever.
You obviously can't compare it with Oscar-type films, as it's crafted for different purposes altogether. You won't get award winning acting performances, perfect dialogue, or though-provoking issues to grapple with.
Judge it for what it's worth - the action, the intensity, the visuals, the imagination-suspending scenario - and it ticks all the boxes.
Battleship is definitely 2 hours of pure entertainment. And I would recommend it to anyone who loves warships (even though its modern era ones) or likes action-packed films. I know i'll be watching it multiple times.
Of course, if you're the upstart, elitist type who plumbs your nose at such 'garbage' of films, do stay at home, or go watch The Artist, War Horse or Hugo instead.
*Spoilers below* (look away now)
The climactic showdown, though short, is a wet dream for all battleship lovers.
