‘Gamer’ is Too Ambitious for its Own Good
-----If there were to be a remake of ‘Death Race,’ but with video games instead of racecars, it would be called ‘Gamer.’ Or at least that’s what I thought going into the film. I’ve never been opposed to straight-up action flicks, but ‘Gamer’ proves to be, or rather attempts to be, much, much more than that; for better or worse.
-----‘Gamer’ follows the story of a prisoner known only to the world as Kable. Currently on death row for murder, Kable has since become a “Slayer.” Controlled almost completely by a “player” at home, “Slayers” are given a deal. If they make it through 50 battles, all the while being controlled by a third party player at home, then they are pardoned for their crimes. Kable has made it through some 47 battles at this point, and is eager to get home to his wife and daughter. And while this is what sells movie tickets, the real plot involves one Ken Castle. Castle is in charge of creating not only the world wide sensation that is “Slayers,” but also “Society,” where “actors” are paid to be controlled by a third party player. In the case of “Society”, those controlled interact in a normal society rather than a battleground. Basically, instead of fighting and killing, they’re screwing and partying. And with Ken Castle looking to use his nanotechnology to control more than just volunteers, it will be up to Kable to break out of prison and stop him.
-----The always likable Gerard Butler plays the film’s protagonist, Kable. Coming off of last month’s romantic comedy, ‘The Ugly Truth,’ Butler is back to the action roles that made him famous. Here he is a hybrid of his typical characteristics, two parts Jason Statham, two parts Russell Crowe, but mostly just Gerard. He doesn’t have much to do here other than put on the usual action hero personality, but he does an ample job with the material he’s given. Michael C. Hall, who many may recognize from his role as TV’s ‘Dexter,’ plays the villain. He plays a brilliant and evil corporate genius who has become world-renowned for his work. His master plan for global domination is a bit much for a film also trying to be a science fiction action flick at the same time. Thankfully, Hall remains strong in the role despite the inadequacies of the overambitious plot.
-----Amber Valetta adequately plays Kable’s wife, though the script requires merely a blank stare in the bulk of her scenes. Also in a small role as a sort of rebellion-ring-leader against Castle’s scheme, is Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges. This is a role that anyone familiar with the actor’s work will be quick to recognize as his ongoing niche in cinema, as he seems to have been in a number of B-List action flicks in the past few years. Other than the chiefly sufficient but hardly significant main cast, there are a number of fun cameos from TV personalities. Those familiar with some of the popular shows of today can expect appearances from cast members of ‘Psyche,’ ‘Heroes,’ and of course, ‘Dexter.’ These actually prove to be quite entertaining, for even when the film is not so great, these cameos provide a few good laughs and surprises.
-----‘Gamer’ tries to be too many things at once. Not willing to suffice as just an action movie, the film instead tries to take on the world. The result is heavy handed, simplified themes intermingling with erratic action, the two of which rarely blend well. The film has neither the script, nor the runtime, to tackle such issues. A preferred version of the film would have seen it either going through with its ‘Death Race’ formula- providing some action in a simple, entertaining way-or have it focus on its epic plot, that is instead wrapped up in about five minutes. Rarely would I argue that less is more with an action movie, but ‘Gamer’ is too many places at once to settle down into anything memorable or worth a second viewing.
-----Technically, ‘Gamer’ is adequate, if nothing special. The cinematography is at times very cool and bold during the action, but it just as soon goes crazy, with quick shots and overly erratic movements. The film takes place in a grim, futuristic setting, but this only works well in a few scenes. The long shots of the city are cool, but many of the other environments seem generic, only occasionally bringing something fresh to the table. There is good use of the contemporary track, “Sweet Dreams,” (the Marilyn Manson version), though most of the music is as forgettable as any other aspect of the film.
-----‘Gamer’ is not a bad movie. And while it’s certainly not a great movie by any means, it should provide solid entertainment to those already sold on the trailer or otherwise intrigued. Unfortunately, the entertainment it does provide is a bit forgettable, and nothing worthy of repeat viewings due to the crammed plot and average execution. It doesn’t even really live up to being a solid action flick like the film its premise so resembles, ‘Death Race;’ because that film lacked the ambition that ultimately hurt ‘Gamer.’ There’s something to be said about movies knowing what they are, and sticking to it. For while ‘Gamer’ gives a valiant effort at being something more than just an action movie, its intriguing premise is put aside by the heavy themes that are all too easily resolved. Overall, if you liked the trailer, enjoy Gerard butler, or appreciate TV stars, then you can rent ‘Gamer.’ However, if you don’t fall into one of those categories, then this one’s probably not for you.
|
