Understanding that this is based on the Hasbro board game "Battleship," and these are the same people who graced the cinematic landscape with all those "Transformers" films, it would take very little intuition to realize that the film "Battleship" is not going to be all about serious storytelling or cinematic craftsmanship. At first glance, it looks stupid, and most folks will agree that it is as stupid as it looks. Just another uninspired alien invasion story, based on the standard and hollow formula of spectacle and style over substance for an instant cash grab. And to think so would be correct; you know what you get with "Battleship," and it's like cinematic junk food.
But, heck, I enjoy junk food now and then. As anticipated, "Battleship" heaps on the cinematic calories with massive, potentially unhealthy doses of incredible special effects, explosive mass destruction, and huge sea battles. The action is quite impressive and well-filmed; combined with some humor, the film succeeds at being an entertaining and eye-catching thrill ride. Above all, this film has a tone and style that never takes itself more seriously than it should. There's no pretension here; the film knows it's junk food, and never strives to be anything more. In spite of that, the film remains a fun, upbeat, and lighthearted adventure.
Now, for the negative criticism: the story is marginal at best. It has just enough substance to service the action, and just enough characterization to understand who the heroes are. However, the main hero proves to be a total jerkwad for the first half of the movie; he acts to arrogantly and aggressively that it's impossible to believe that he could be an actual naval officer. The assumption is that the character endures some change by the end, beefing himself up internally to rise as a proper military leader with discipline and teamwork abilities (which would be very befitting of a film with a cast of military characters), but this change is purely contrived. That's pretty much my sole complaint; the problem is that the film is so light and thin that the audience can easily point out the stupidity of the characters, situations, and concepts. If you don't get hung up on such things, then you can sit back and just enjoy the onslaught of explosions and sea battles. Otherwise, you'll be in for a miserable ride.
The film looks really nice, with lots of slick photography and quality editing. Acting and writing are marginal at best; Taylor Kitsch plays a rather unlikable hero, while the talents of Liam Neeson, Alexander Skarsgard, and Rihanna are thrown into the pot for added star power, and little more. Many of the film's lines are pretty dumb. However, this production spares no expense on the lavish sets, props, costumes, and special effects. Music is nice; Steve Jablonsky formulates a standard, high-impact music score, while lots of rock music is thrown in for the occasional feel-good sensibility.
Like I said, you can probably deduce whether you'll like it or not just from the film's title, trailers, posters, etc. It's a fine romp of an alien invasion film, but if you're wanting more to it, then you're setting yourself up for disappointment. If you aren't sure, then you better give it a rent and see for yourself. It comes more highly recommended to those audiences who can turn off their brains for a while and gape in awe at the massive 'splosions and the pretty alien ships.
3/5 (Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Poor | Film: Marginal)
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