+++ Opinion +++
When I look at how “Battleship” was received by my acquaintances (and colleagues from the DashFUN editorial team), I quickly have to realize: not at all. Because the majority consists of 0.5 and 1 star ratings. It doesn’t get much worse. But is Peter Berg’s Battleship movie really that bad?
Anyone who instead gets smart about DashFUN will get a different impression anyway. Then in our criticism there is for the “‘Transformers’ at Sea’ a solid 3 out of 5 stars. However, as someone who found Michael Bay’s robo-saga more and more unbearable from the second part, I would even go one step further and say: “Battleship” is better than “Transformers“ – or at least better than parts 2 to 5.
If you want to give your brain cells a break or just want to let your neighbors feel your home cinema system again, you should take a look on Netflix, where the film is currently included in the subscription. Because especially on a visual level, the alien action fun is an absolute stunner.
An international fleet of warships is conducting an exercise in the Pacific Ocean when they encounter an alien spacecraft. The military around Admiral Shane (Liam Neeson) and his son-in-law-to-be, Alex Hopper (Taylor Kitsch), approach the unknown object curiously – and finally bring the colossus to life.
An unleashed battle ensues on the high seas, but this is far from over. Because the aliens are on earth to build a massive energy source – and humanity seems to be standing in their way…
Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty much the first person to have an allergic reaction to USA hurray patriotism in a serious film. But “Battleship” is definitely not to be taken seriously. I mean, we’re still talking about Battleships The Movie here.
If you’re hoping for a complex film that might also make you think, you’ve come to the wrong place. “Battleship” is classic brain-out cinema, where you don’t have to or shouldn’t worry. And every now and then that’s just the thing.
For me, the fact that the whole thing is fun in the end is not least due to Taylor Kitsch, who was unlucky enough to have played in three financial flops in 2012 (besides “Battleship” there were also “John Carter” and “Savages”). It’s a shame, because I liked all three films, also because kitsch was able to win me over as a sympathizer, as a clumsy and yet somehow cool guy who doesn’t really get anything done. A guy who fits into Battleship like Johnny Depp fits into a Tim Burton movie.
Aside from that, you’ll also get to see plenty of other Hollywood stars, from late bloomer action hero Liam Neeson to True Blood vampire Alexander Skarsgård and singer Rihanna.
Some of them may be terribly underchallenged, but they often keep the audience happy with their presence alone. And if you don’t give a shit about the stars of the movie, that’s okay too. First and foremost, “Battleship” is a breathless firework of action – with special effects that are still convincing almost ten years later.
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This is a re-release of an article previously published on DashFUN.
