John
Travolta has certainly hung in there throughout the course of his turbulent acting
career. Since his big comeback as a likable thug in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction,
his career moves have ranged from strong (Get Shorty, Face Off, Thin Red Line)
to adequate (Phenomenon, White Man's Burden) to downright dreadful (Michael, General's
Daughter). With the astronomically expensive and painfully inept Battlefield Earth,
Travolta has sunk to an all time low, making an even worse film than Perfect from
the 80's.
This
science fiction is based on the novel by the late? L. Ron Hubbard. In the year
3000, the human race has been virtually annihilated by a group of inner-galactic
bullies known as Psychlos. Fortunately, there still exists a small number of humans
whom, led by the energetic Barry Pepper (Saving Private Ryan), stage a revolt.
Battlefield
Earth certainly does offer a barrage of special effects, but that's about it.
Travolta seems to take fiendish glee in playing the bad guy, but his over-the-top
antics get on your nerves and stay there. Also turning up as a Psychlo is the
dependable Forest Whitaker (Ghost Dog) who actually is much more fun to watch
in this overbloated mess. You may also want to watch for a fun cameo from Kelly
Preston (Mrs. Travolta) if you decide to waste your money on this picture.
It's
been rumored that Travolta has had his eye on this project for years. Hubbard
disciples have already vented their displeasure with the end result of this adaptation
and it's easy to see why. Although I haven't read the book, the movie seems rushed,
very disjointed, and sorely lacking in energy. In terms of visual style, it blatantly
borrows from far superior works including Blade Runner, Independence Day, and
the Star Wars trilogy. It even has moments that seem to be taken from Braveheart
and even goes so far to borrow from The Postman.
Worst
of all, the so called intellectual Psychlos don't come across as intelligent at
all. Watching Travolta and his onslaught of evil henchmen do their thing, left
me wondering how they possibly could have taken over so many worlds? Perhaps the
book could shed some light on this.
In
Battlefield Earth, the Psychlos manage to wipe out the Earth in nine minutes.
I was ready to walk out of this dismal, joyless disaster in five.
