Movie Review: Battleship

Directed by: Peter Berg

Written by: Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber

Stars: Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna, Liam Neeson

After initiating contact with an alien race Earth finds itself under attack. The fight to save humanity begins at sea  as the US and Japanese Navy engage in a competition that turns into a real fight to the death. At the core of the battle is Lieutenant Alex Hopper (Kitsch), a reluctant naval officer who is forced into a role of leadership despite his ineptitude.  Motivated by his love for his beautiful fiancé (Decker) he discovers the strength and courage to forage ahead.

Battleship is a traditional summer blockbuster filled with action, laughs and large scale explosions.  As with most end of the world movies the final battle takes place in the good old U S of A with American soldiers and officers saving the world from devastation. One brilliant twist is that the Americans are joined by Japanese sailors in the same waters where the Pearl Harbor attack took place. Scene to scene the movie is an enjoyable thrill ride with amazing special effects. The cast for the film is especially unique as it features the USS Missouri a real naval vessel as well as actual war veterans. Gregory D. Gadson a double amputee who survived war in the middle east makes his acting debut as Lieutenant Colonel Mick Canales a patient of Sam (Decker) wrestling with his loss of mobility.

This film hits theaters just in time for Memorial Day and makes a great night out with friends.  Despite the violence of the film, it is not so graphic that children under 13 shouldn’t see it. The movie may serve as a great opening for dialogue on war and the sacrifices people make in keeping our country safe. If not for the patriotism see it for the intense battle scenes and sheer enjoyment.

Battleship hits theaters this Friday, May 18th, 2012!