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RATING: 1 star
Entertainment
'Battlefield' should be extinct
'Battlefield' proves Scientologist should stick to books, rather than sci-fi films
By Gissela SantaCruz Austin 360 Staff
Posted: May 11, 2000
The holographic captive alien in the trailer for 'Battlefield Earth' is enough to keep anyone from seeing the actual film. Yet, there may still be those unfortunate souls curious enough to see L. Ron Hubbard's works on the big screen. (Hint: the movie doesn't offer much more than its marketing ploy).
'Battlefield Earth,' based on Hubbard's novel of the same, tells the story of a futuristic Earth taken over by 9 foot-tall dreadlocked aliens with repugnant hygiene from the planet Psychlo. Hubbard wants you to believe this species invaded and conquered Earth in a mere 9 minutes, but too much of the story line proves this isn't a very intelligent race. For example, the extra-terrestrials take over a resourceful planet, fail to extract any of the riches and then give a human enough information to execute a revolt using much of those precious metals and gases. Not to smart, eh?
In the alien's defense, the problem lays in the hands of Hubbard and screenwriter Corey Mandell's lack of attention to detail. The clumsy writing leads to flat, unbelievable characters and not much of a plot.
Perhaps the most asinine aspect of 'Battlefield' is its dialogue. Thirty minutes into the film, the audience realizes there is no depth to the characters' lines. Sadly, after a while, even the most 'touching' scenes become a joke with such lines as, "I don't believe in fate, but I've always known this was your destiny."
Not even the movie's big-name talent is able to contribute many memorable moments.
John Travolta, who has worked since 1982 to bring this project to futile fruition, is Terl, the Psychlo's conniving chief of security, who eagerly awaits his transfer off of Earth. Travolta takes a theatrical approach with his character, a direction that doesn't set well with the shallow dialogue. It's hard not to argue that while 'Pulp Fiction,' marked Travolta's comeback, a couple of role like this one could easily be credited for his downfall.
As for the film's hero, well that can be summarized in the character's name: Jonnie Goodboy Tyler (Barry Pepper). Nothing exciting -- just bland and ordinary, much like Pepper's performance. Pepper seems very uncomfortable with his role; perhaps it's the constant reminder that this film isn't going to help his career much.
There is good news, however. There weren't any subliminal Scientology messages hidden in the film -- although that may have made it somewhat interesting (or funny depending on your stance).
Unless you're a 6-year-old with not much concept of logic, 'Battlefield,' really isn't something you should spend $7 to see -- wait for the video instead. Even die-hard Travolta fans will be disappointed.
