The film begins with mysterious meteors crashing into Earth’s oceans. As these objects make landfall, it becomes clear that they are not meteors but alien spacecraft. The climax of the film occurs as the aliens launch a coordinated assault on major cities worldwide, with Los Angeles being a primary target.
Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz (Aaron Eckhart) is about to retire from the Marines when the invasion occurs. He is assigned to lead a platoon that includes Second Lieutenant William Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez) and a group of young and inexperienced Marines. Their mission is to rescue civilians stranded in a police station in Santa Monica and then evacuate from the war-torn city.
As the Marines make their way through the streets of Los Angeles, they encounter fierce resistance from the highly advanced and hostile extraterrestrial forces. The narrative is presented in a documentary style, with handheld cameras capturing the intensity of the combat.
The climax intensifies as the Marines face various challenges, including limited supplies, communication breakdowns, and the relentless pursuit of the alien invaders. Nantz and his team must adapt to the aliens’ tactics and find a way to survive and complete their mission.
The film explores themes of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. As the Marines encounter casualties and setbacks, they push forward with determination and courage.
In the resolution, the surviving members of the platoon discover the aliens’ vulnerability and devise a plan to strike back. The climax of the film involves a final assault on an alien command center, culminating in a high-stakes battle for the fate of Los Angeles and humanity.
“Battle: Los Angeles” received mixed reviews, with praise for its intense action sequences and criticisms for its predictable plot and character development. The movie, however, found success at the box office and is remembered for its gripping portrayal of an alien invasion.