We've had a lot of movies based on weird things. A movie about dream theft sounds strange, but Inception was one of the best movies of the year when it released. They've made hundreds of movies based on various video games, and people seem to watch them even though they are not necessarily any good…we're looking at you, Tomb Raider films. Hell, they've even made movies based on theme park rides, but at least Pirates of the Caribbean is a decent set of films if all you are looking for is 'a film with some pirates in it.' But it isn't terribly often that they make a movie based on a board game.
Especially a boring board game like Battleship.
In a strange sort of 'Through the Looking Glass' move that would leave even M.C. Escher confused, we're also getting a video game, based on a film, that is based on a board game that I can't believe anyone actually likes. Unlike the board game, the video game adaptation will feature strategic naval combat and first person shooting. Also aliens.
I know it's supposed to be my job to be impartial, at least until there is something substantial to work from, but I have a hard time picturing the film or the game being an incredible success. If they can prove me wrong and make me look like a fool, nobody will be happier than I am.