Hey folks, Harry here, never let it be said that AICN ain't fair, we'll show the other side to the coin, JoBlo got a look at BATTLEFIELD EARTH as well as an interview with Travolta and really dug what he saw. I've also received a couple of other people that wrote in saying the liked the movie, but they didn't write it up in review format. So...you should know that there are people that really like the film. So... well, we'll see won't we?
Hey Hares:
I was lucky enough to catch an early screening of "Battlefield Earth" over the weekend in Montreal (where the film was shot), and even luckier to actually get a chance to INTERVIEW Travolta face-to-face (great guy!). I can't post my own review yet (embargo by studio and all), but I thought I would send you a couple of my comments, since I quite enjoyed the film, unlike the two other dudes who reviewed the movie on your site.
Sure, the film has plot holes, is pretty far-fetched and does take some time to get used to the exagerrated accents and laughs. But for some reason or another (mostly because the movie is never dull and is pretty original), I totally got "into" this film about 20 minutes in, and never looked back. It's the PERFECT summer mindless popcorn sci-fi extravaganza, with plenty of action to keep those looking for cheezy entertainment...entertained!
The special effects are way kool! The aliens, Travolta, Whitaker et al, are awesome. They are the nastiest characters to hit the big screen in a while. I really LOVED their alien garb and look, but mostly I enjoyed their "I don't give a f**k about anyone but myself" attitude. And however you feel about the flick, you gotta admire Travolta for having the cajones to try something different for once.
This movie is loud, never boring, has some nice transitions, and despite some plot holes (which I didn't mind too much because I didn't go in expecting 2001), pretty enjoyable.
** A couple of notes from my interview with Travolta. He confirmed that the sequel is a go, and that it would most likely begin shooting in Montreal sometime next year. He claimed to pass on "Quiller Solitaire" because of time constraints, but said that he might still do it one day. He thought the idea of "Grease 3" sounded "fun", and also said that he would most likely direct one day, but only if it was something real personal to him, like an adaptation of his own novel "Propeller One-Way Night Coach".
I also asked him what he was expecting people to get out of "Battlefield Earth"-- popcorn fun or a serious message, and he completely confirmed that he was going only for the POPCORN fun!
This film is DEFINITELY not for everyone, but I think that if you go in with campy and mindless fun expectations, or if you're looking for some cool, nasty characters and solid special effects....this one should quench your thirst for now.
That's it, should have my whole review up in a week or so, and if you want to read more of my interview with Mr. Travolta (who was cool enough to allow me to take a picture with him.....yeeehaaaawwwww!!!!), check out: My Travolta Interview!
Later duder!
JoBlo
