Writer: Syahida Kamarudin

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Watch this if you liked: “Independence Day”, “Cloverfield” & “Saving Private Ryan”

Ignore the dumb choice of a title that may remind a person of bad 80s action movies because this movie is the answer to every single alien invasion movie question: "Where are all the soldiers when you need them?"

Different than "Independence Day" (1995), the events in "World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles" are inspired by the actual Battle of Los Angeles during World War II. Instead of the usual story of love in the zero hour (like "Cloverfield") or family obligations in the midst of blood-sucking tripods attack (like "War of the World"), Director Jonathan Liebesman depicts this movie in the style of a war film. Instead of the Nazis, the Soviets or the Vietcongs, the enemy is out of this world. Literally. And instead of American soldiers fighting a battle pretending to save humanity from a possible nuclear war triggered by the Iraqis, they are ACTUALLY saving humanity from being turned into grilled meat for alien's dinner.

Despite the slow 10 minutes intro (which is not really important because learning about who these people are pre-invasion is as pointless as Michelle Rodriguez' femininity), the movie starts to pick up the pace and becomes a fiesta of bombs, machine guns and air raids. The first hour of the movie keeps the audience at the edge of their seats and also keeps them guessing excitedly. Though unfortunately, the next hour is only fun only if the potential audience really do love warfare movies.

What makes it an interesting watch is the visual effects and CGI. The film was shot using handheld cameras for practical effect so if some of the audiences are the type of a person who pukes in a car, expect light-headedness and nauseous feelings inside the theater. Despite the fact that the film boosts familiar names from Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, RnB singer Ne-yo to Aisha Tyler, truth be told, it does not matter much anymore when most of the time everybody is running and screaming in pain. Or dead.

In short, this movie deserves four stars because firstly, it is not the usual run-off-the-mill alien invasion type of movie where one can hear a woman scream every two to three minutes. Secondly, Aaron Eckhart's character does not annoy with his 'combat expertise'. Thirdly, because the explosions used in the movie are real and makes the viewers half deaf by the time the movie is over. Lastly, although it is a movie that preaches about bravery and hope, it is definitely not as corny as "Independence Day" or the 'epic' disaster "2012". And it lost one star to make it a perfect five because apparently they still make cliche ugly aliens.

Cinema Online, 11 March 2011