Rated R for frenetic sequences of strong brutal violence throughout, sexual content, nudity and language.
Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor
(Crank 1 & 2)
Starring Gerald Butler, Michael C. Hall and Kyra Sedgwick
It appears that directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (Crank 1 & 2) are capable of only making one kind of film…Gratuitous.
Reality and video games merge in this high-concept sci-fi action thriller from the creators of Crank. In the not too distant future, mind-control technology allows humans to control the actions and movements of other humans. Reclusive billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall) creates the ultimate video game called “Slayers.” This multiplayer first-person shooter game is as controversial as it is popular and the most popular character is Kable (Gerard Butler). Kable’s “controller” is Simon (Logan Lerman) who miraculously manages to keep his character alive week after week. Torn from his family, thrown into prison, and forced to fight against his will, Kable realizes that his only hope of ever seeing his family again is to somehow escape the game, reclaim his identity, and expose Castle's dehumanizing technology on live television.
There really is not a lot to say about this one. I knew it would be violent but when I saw it was directed by Neveldine and Taylor, I knew it was going to be VIOLENT…with a lot of sexual images thrown in. That’s exactly what I got.
The story of “Death Row inmates who are given a ‘chance’ at freedom if they can just overcome insurmountable odds and survive a game of certain death” has been over played (Running Man, Death Race, and The Condemned). Just like in the other films, “no one has ever survived…but all that’s about to…” Come on, I can’t even finish that sentence without insulting your intelligence.
I make no apologies for saying I’m a Gerald Butler fan and that I think Michael C. Hall is one of Hollywood’s most underrated actors. But as good as they are in Gamer, there is just no way they could save this sinking ship.
Gamer was so over-the-top that it lost any real entertainment value for me…it’s a coaster.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Definitely not a good idea.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
