Stars: Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, Liam Neeson and Rihanna
Studio: Universal Pictures
Battleship director Peter Berg (Hancock) reportedly said this about casting pop princess Rihanna in the film: “I spent a lot of time … thinking about who would make sense and who would bring an urban swagger to this character … put a call in, had a great couple of meetings, and she’s a great girl, really hard-working, very smart, wants to be good, really strong work ethic, no attitude, no diva nonsense. She was great.”
Right. And the fact that she’s a global music icon and hot might have weighed heavily in her selection too. Hollywood’s favorite method of drawing people into theaters during the dog days of summer is to release films with lots of explosions, hot women and chiseled leading men. That’s because the industry believes their summertime audience consists mainly of 12-year-old boys. That said, Battleship, based on the Hasbro naval combat game, delivers on all counts. It offers stellar special effects, skillfully filmed action scenes, a telegenic young cast — and Rihanna, the film’s ace in the hole.
Rihanna (Petty Officer Cora “Weps” Raikes) will be the sole reason that many people will go to see the film. Some will want to know if she can act. Others will be hoping she can’t — which will draw even more attention to her — and the film. Either way, the producers can’t lose. Neither can action fans. Or Rihanna’s loyal fan base. Word on the street is that the singer is credible in the film. Oh, and naked. (Get your minds out of the gutter, people, we’re referring to her makeup-free face.)
–p.d. lee
