Revisiting the Alien Invasion Film Critics HATED: Is Battle LA Secretly a Sci-Fi Masterpiece?

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Over time, one’s perspective on certain films can change significantly, and this seems particularly true for the movie “Battle: Los Angeles.” Initially met with harsh criticism upon its release in 2011, with Robert Ebert giving it just half a star, labeling it as both ugly and foolish, the film was largely dismissed. Critics piled on, writing exaggerated reviews to hop on the bandwagon, resulting in a poor rating of 37% on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 48%. On IMDb, it managed a slightly better 5.7/10. However, if we were to revisit this film in 2025, there’s a strong possibility that its charm would shine brighter than before.

On a limited budget of $70 million, the film earned an impressive $212 million worldwide at the box office, indicating that there was interest in the movie. Subsequently, DVD sales after its release and future streaming deals boosted the film’s profitability even further. A glance at these numbers, considering both critics’ reviews and financial success, suggests that the movie is worth a second look. However, it’s important to note that in today’s Hollywood, where reboots, remakes, and sequels are common, it’s uncommon for a niche concept like Battle: Los Angeles to receive a theatrical release and take significant risks. Therefore, there is a level of appreciation due to this film that may not have been given when it was initially released in 2011.

Battle: Los Angeles Was a Unique & Bold Concept

The Movie Took Some Big Risks

Battle: Los Angeles was a daring idea that depicted the chaos unfolding in the city of Los Angeles. The movie adopts an unconventional, shaky-camera style, immediately immersing viewers in the heart of the action. From beginning to end, the pace is relentless and dynamic, constantly changing. In terms of structure, the film breaks away from traditional norms, with the conventional three-act structure perhaps discarded for a continuous sequence of intense gunfights. The movie maintains a high energy throughout, pulling viewers along in its wake. These cinematographic and structural choices are essential in portraying what it might truly feel like to be in a war zone, as Los Angeles undergoes permanent transformation.

In a fresh take on the concept of an alien invasion, as portrayed in this movie, is unlike anything audiences have experienced before. From films like Independence Day to Arrival, interpretations of how an extraterrestrial force might descend upon our planet and assert its superiority over humanity have been plentiful. Yet, only a handful of movies have chosen to tackle this theme realistically, with Battle: Los Angeles focusing on the soldiers at the front line who are committed to safeguarding innocent civilians and preventing this global menace from establishing itself on Earth. Although there are typical Hollywood elements present, the human viewpoint the film presents feels strikingly authentic.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the daring leaps in bringing “Battle Los Angeles” to life were primarily taken by an exceptionally gifted crew. I, myself, was captivated by the film, directed by none other than Jonathan Liebesman, a seasoned professional who’s previously worked on blockbusters like “Halo,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “The Shannara Chronicles.” Joining him is Chris Bertolini, a writer whose portfolio includes “The General’s Daughter” and “Madso’s War.” The production was also masterminded by Ori Marmur, renowned for his work on “Escape Room” and “Passengers,” and Neal H. Moritz, best recognized for the “Fast and the Furious” series.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that the diverse team behind this project includes Lukas Ettlin, known for his work on ‘Black Sails’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’, taking on the cinematography role. Additionally, Christian Wagner, who edited ‘The Suicide Squad’, will be shaping our film. The powerful score that breathes life into ‘Battle Los Angeles’ is none other than Brian Tyler, whose career has soared to new heights with hits such as ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, and ‘Abigail’. This movie will be distributed by the renowned New Line Cinema and Columbia Pictures, with Relativity Media, Original Film, and many others joining forces for its production.

Battle: Los Angeles Twists the Genre

The Sci-Fi Edge Brought Something New

The given list of names holds significant value due to each individual’s unique contributions to the genre. These contributions have solidified certain elements, with movies such as “Saving Private Ryan” and “1917” setting many tropes that viewers now anticipate in gritty action films. Movies like “Battle: Los Angeles” continue to honor the genre’s past, but they also make distinct choices to give the film an alien atmosphere. The movie strays from typical expectations suggested by early reviews.

Due to the unique approach taken in “Battle: Los Angeles,” it reexamines several themes from a fresh perspective. The concept of an alien invasion in a sci-fi setting, combined with various other elements, is utterly captivating and adds to the film’s daring nature. In today’s Hollywood, such a movie would be unlikely due to the decrease in popularity of sci-fi and the fact that war movies often don’t carry the same level of risk. Modern productions are subject to certain expectations, and challenging these norms can lead to controversy. However, “Battle Los Angeles” consistently defies these assumptions.

Consider the initial scene of “Saving Private Ryan,” a scene often imitated by less impactful movies. “Battle: Los Angeles” takes inspiration from this iconic start, but offers a fresh perspective as it unfolds against an alien adversary rather than a traditional enemy. Many war films aim to portray the inhumanity of the opposition, and it’s intriguing to observe this concept applied here, given that the antagonists are extraterrestrial beings. With few movies delving into similar themes, “Battle: Los Angeles” deserves recognition for its originality.

Remarkably, the characters in this film also reflect a longing to delve into familiar territory before introducing an unexpected turn. Skilled actors such as Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ne-Yo, Bridget Moynahan, and Michael Peña embody classic military movie personas with a “Top Gun”-like camaraderie. The dialogue fits snugly within these film genres, reinforcing the authenticity of Battle: Los Angeles, given that these dialogues occur amidst an extraordinary sci-fi battlefield that borders on incredulity. This authenticity, in turn, enhances character development, a aspect often overlooked.

When Viewed Today, Battle: Los Angeles Holds Up as an Action Spectacle

The Film Boasts Surprising Grit & Heart

From a contemporary perspective, this movie delivers intense action, featuring explosive scenes, high-stress situations, and heroism in nearly every scene. Elements reminiscent of traditional war films can be found, like the brave rescue of civilians, but what makes it stand out is its focus on character development. The characters at the heart of this conflict often seem oblivious to the world-altering events unfolding around them. There’s fear, apprehension, and a feeling of despair. Remarkably, the fact that their adversaries are aliens takes a backseat in this retro-style sci-fi film for most of its duration.

This depiction of people trying to work and save their planet feels very realistic. It doesn’t seem like they fully understand the severity of the invasion until the end. However, character development is evident throughout. After a brief respite, viewers are left with a sense that this might not be the end, leaving a sour taste. Regardless of the efforts made to protect Earth, it seems that more fighting lies ahead.

In a nutshell, some critics might argue that the movie “Battle: Los Angeles” is gritty, unrefined, and fails to capture the genuine feelings of the characters at crucial moments. However, this film cleverly subverts genre tropes and anchors everything in the chilling reality of what these events imply for humanity. It manages to maintain a human connection with the characters embroiled in the conflict, expressing that connection through understated, humorous or emotional scenes. Consequently, there is a striking familiarity to the people at the center of this narrative, despite its flaws. Despite being a largely overlooked sci-fi film, “Battle: Los Angeles” merits a second viewing for its achievements. It’s unpredictable, fast-paced, and undeniably justifies its 1 hour 56 minute runtime.

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2025-04-27 01:57