Battleship (Movie Review)

The latest film Battleship is based on the classic Hasbro naval combat game. While expectations for a board game adaptation typically lean toward mindless explosions and shooting, the film fulfills exactly that premise. Beyond the impressive special effects, there is little substance to be found in this high-budget spectacle.

The storyline revolves around Alex Hopper, played by Taylor Kitsch, a reckless underachiever who lacks clear goals. His older brother Stone, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård, is his complete opposite and pushes him to enroll in the Navy. Years later, Alex has become a lieutenant participating in a major naval war exercise in Hawaii.

During these games, the crew gets involved in an extraterrestrial sea battle for the survival of the Earth. The supporting cast includes R&B singer Rihanna in her feature film debut. The first 30 minutes of the film are heavily dedicated to building a backstory through romance and sibling bonding, though much of this feels like unnecessary Navy propaganda.

The most outstanding element of the production is the design of the alien spaceships. They are incredibly detailed, and the action sequences they deliver are the highlights of the experience. The aliens themselves feature original designs that feel more tangible than most, despite their technologically advanced nature.

Liam Neeson appears in the film, though his screen time is limited to roughly ten minutes of total footage. Rihanna plays a tough officer who follows orders, and while her lines are flat, she avoids the typical eroticism found in her music videos. Kitsch and Brooklyn Decker primarily serve as eye candy, as the script offers very little intellectual depth.

The movie heavily emphasizes patriotism in a way that feels somewhat cheesy and forced. The narrative structure is weak and often contradicts itself toward the end, leaving the aliens’ motivations unclear. It results in an all-out war of shooting and destruction without a solid explanation behind the invasion.

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If you enjoy action for the sake of visuals and do not prioritize a strong script, there is fun to be had here. Otherwise, you may want to wait for the other alien invasion films arriving this summer. For more on the cast, check out our Cowboys & Aliens review .