I’m bias to a film when I have friends who worked on it or get the pleasure of seeing the majestic beauty of Diamond Head, Kane’ohe Bay or exciting new views of historic Pearl Harbor (thanks to camera tricks). Based
I’m bias to a film when I have friends who worked on it or get the pleasure of seeing the majestic beauty of Diamond Head, Kane’ohe Bay or exciting new views of historic Pearl Harbor (thanks to camera tricks).
Based on a Hasbro game from the ‘80s, “Battleship” is directed by Peter Berg (“Rundown”). I must admit, I had mixed feelings upon viewing this film. However, it is because science-fiction is not my type of film. I do give credit to this movie for its visuals and original direction of a genre film.
There is a Hollywood genre of too much money, too many toys and senseless explosions. I really enjoyed all the actors as well.
This is a film where Hollywood could have taken an easy out. I remember when I first heard they were making this movie, I thought, “Battleship? The board game?”
They did set up an interesting way to make the movie like the game. One side of me says, “This film was 15 minutes too long.”
However, on the surface, I know making movies is hard work. We all have to take what we see as the creation of something from nothing. Should we demand too much from a team of thousands? Or are we automatically owed greatness for our money?
This movie is the perfect example of something I’d love to watch on a big-screen TV. I didn’t dislike it, but I can’t say it’s a “must see.”
There is some amazing aerial photography of O‘ahu, fantastic fight scenes and this is one of the first special effects films I’ve seen where certain shots looked real. I mean, not every shot that could have been created using Computer Graphic Image technology was. The editing and sound effects made the movie.
I give “Battleship” my complete seal of approval in these areas. The post-production team did a fantastic job.
It helped to have guitarist Tom Morello (Rage against the Machine) lend his mind-blowing style to the score and Rick Rubin (producer of countless Grammy winners) produce the music for the movie.
At the end of the day, we must support our local film industry. Since much of this film was shot in Hawai‘i and used Honolulu crew members, it is always special to see Hawai‘i in a movie theater.
Should you pass on “Battleship” go see something else at Kukui Grove Cinema. I used to end this column with “see you at the movies,” but for this one, I’ll say “see you on Netflix.” I’d love to say something cool like “Battleship” sinks, but we’ll save the corn for popping at the cinema.
To me, I believe it would have worked if they cut that 15 minutes off the running time. For those who are going to see it, be prepared for a special ending, which is why I said catch this movie when it hits Netflix or the Redbox. The ending is special because of and for our servicemen and women.
