Review of Gamer (2009) by Zachkoch — 09 Sep 2009

I'm experimenting with a new form of movie review that I'm calling "If you like...". The idea is that there are a few factors that would lead you to see a film and I want to try to identify and expand on these in an effort to provide a more useful and spoiler free review.

Basically I want to give you a reason to see or not see this movie without giving away any plot if possible. I think there's a real need for this type of review and if you do too, please leave some feedback at ezekeal.blogspot.com.

For my first "If you like..." I will review the movie "Gamer".

Should you see Gamer if you like...

Greard Butler.

If you were a fan of the testosterone infused, over-the-top confidence and love of violence of Butler's Leonidas in 300 or the thuggish wit and comedic dance style of One Two in RocknRolla, you may be disappointed. While there is a lot of personality in Gamer very little of it comes from the stoic Kable. His primary job in this movie is to look like a badass and he handles it well.

Michael C. Hall.

Hall has made a name for himself as the king of premium channel programming. Known primarily for his soft spoken, introspective, gay mortician character in Six Feet Under, and his soft spoken, introspective, asexual, serial killer character in Dexter. His character in this film is anything but soft spoken and probably one of the most enjoyable parts of this film. The southern accent he carries is a little over the top, but absolutely appropriate. If you're a Hall fan and want to see him really break out of his shell I think you will enjoy this film.

Bonus: A keen eye will spot actors who played particularly violent bit roles in both Six Feet Under and Dexter.

The Crank Series.

This is a very polarizing series and relevant considering that Gamer is the first follow-up by the team that wrote and directed the Crank films, Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor. Crank was an over-the-top non-stop action film to end all over-the-top non-stop action films and Crank: High Voltage made the first one seem boring. Gamer seems to be their first attempt to tame the fast-paced action and rhythmic cutting into a true feature-film narrative. I can't say that it provides the same level of adrenaline, being a somewhat slower paced and darker film, but there are definitely still some "oh sh**" moments. And if you dismissed Crank for a lack of story this may be your chance to see what you've been missing in a more familiar format.

Bonus: Also like Crank you will see a slew of "that guy" actors. This movie is great if you're like I am and enjoy saying "That's the guy from...".

Shooter Games.

Basically if you enjoy shooter film you will enjoy this movie. However, that does not mean that this movie is just fan service to gamers. I think aside from Ludacris's performance, my biggest fear was that Gamer would be a parody of shooter culture with blatant winks, nods, and stereotypes sprinkled throughout the film. I'm happy to say that with a couple small exceptions there was nothing like that. And even better...no catchphrases! How far we've come from hackers. On top of that the movie actually made me want a giant talking Ludacris head on my wall.

The Trailer.

The trailer was actually my primary reason for seeing Gamer and, as it turns out, was very true to the film. It is indeed cut fast and hard, so if the flashiness bugs you, it might be a problem. The film like the trailer and Crank does have a rhythmic, musical quality. It's a rare quality in action movies, but seems to fit very well. The only things missing are some of the more humorous and sexual elements, but overall it's a very good representation of the mood.

Please leave comments and let me know how useful/spoiler free you found this review.I'm experimenting with a new form of movie review that I'm calling "If you like...". The idea is that there are a few factors that would lead you to see a film and I want to try to identify and expand on these in an effort to provide a more useful and spoiler free review.

Basically I want to give you a reason to see or not see this movie without giving away any plot if possible. I think there's a real need for this type of review and if you do too, please leave some feedback at ezekeal.blogspot.com.

For my first "If you like..." I will review the movie "Gamer".

Should you see Gamer if you like...

Greard Butler.

If you were a fan of the testosterone infused, over-the-top confidence and love of violence of Butler's Leonidas in 300 or the thuggish wit and comedic dance style of One Two in RocknRolla, you may be disappointed. While there is a lot of personality in Gamer very little of it comes from the stoic Kable. His primary job in this movie is to look like a badass and he handles it well.

Michael C. Hall.

Hall has made a name for himself as the king of premium channel programming. Known primarily for his soft spoken, introspective, gay mortician character in Six Feet Under, and his soft spoken, introspective, asexual, serial killer character in Dexter. His character in this film is anything but soft spoken and probably one of the most enjoyable parts of this film. The southern accent he carries is a little over the top, but absolutely appropriate. If you're a Hall fan and want to see him really break out of his shell I think you will enjoy this film.

Bonus: A keen eye will spot actors who played particularly violent bit roles in both Six Feet Under and Dexter.

The Crank Series.

This is a very polarizing series and relevant considering that Gamer is the first follow-up by the team that wrote and directed the Crank films, Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor. Crank was an over-the-top non-stop action film to end all over-the-top non-stop action films and Crank: High Voltage made the first one seem boring. Gamer seems to be their first attempt to tame the fast-paced action and rhythmic cutting into a true feature-film narrative. I can't say that it provides the same level of adrenaline, being a somewhat slower paced and darker film, but there are definitely still some "oh sh**" moments. And if you dismissed Crank for a lack of story this may be your chance to see what you've been missing in a more familiar format.

Bonus: Also like Crank you will see a slew of "that guy" actors. This movie is great if you're like I am and enjoy saying "That's the guy from...".

Shooter Games.

Basically if you enjoy shooter film you will enjoy this movie. However, that does not mean that this movie is just fan service to gamers. I think aside from Ludacris's performance, my biggest fear was that Gamer would be a parody of shooter culture with blatant winks, nods, and stereotypes sprinkled throughout the film. I'm happy to say that with a couple small exceptions there was nothing like that. And even better...no catchphrases! How far we've come from hackers. On top of that the movie actually made me want a giant talking Ludacris head on my wall.

The Trailer.

The trailer was actually my primary reason for seeing Gamer and, as it turns out, was very true to the film. It is indeed cut fast and hard, so if the flashiness bugs you, it might be a problem. The film like the trailer and Crank does have a rhythmic, musical quality. It's a rare quality in action movies, but seems to fit very well. The only things missing are some of the more humorous and sexual elements, but overall it's a very good representation of the mood.

Please leave comments and let me know how useful/spoiler free you found this review.