There's a saying that goes "The story never changes, just the names and faces." That saying could not be more true when talking about Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor's latest action flick "Gamer." The movie itself isn't that bad, if you enter the theater with the right expectations. The movie dishes up lots of gunfire and explosions that is video game junkie's (me included) dream. With some explosive cinetography, like the shot on your right, the dark and gritty scenery sets the stage for a morbid and twisted world where people can control people in a enviroment where some live only to play, and for others playing is the only way to survive. However, there's absolutely no originality to the story, just think along the lines of "The Running Man" and even "Death Race."

At the center of all of this turmoil is Ken Castle ("Dexter" star Michael C. Hall), the creator of the mind control technology that enables people to control other people-- like a human version of "The Sims." People either pay to play this human video game called "Society," or they get paid to be played. Then there is "Slayers," a first-person human game where convicted criminals have the opportunity to win their freedom, if they can win 30 battles. So far Kable (Gerard Butler) has won 27 battles, and the cult hero is on his way to winning his last three, thanks to his teen player simon whose is a celebrity of his own. With the help of the rebel group Humanz, Kable breaks free from the system in an attempt to save his family and himself, brining the game to a whole new level.

Quick pace camera shots/movements and Marilyn Manson's version of "Sweet Dreams" blaring through the theater speakers keeps the adrenaline flowing, but the execution of the story has a few glitches. While the concept itself is not hard to understand, there is a lot more that could have been explored. Explaining how gaming took over society would have things a lot more clearer rather jumping into action. The acting sits on the fence depending on who you want to analyze; while Castle and Butler play parts they were meant to play, rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and "The Closer's" Kyra Sedgwick could have stayed at home, and the movie would have progressed just as well without them.


I hate to say it, but this was just OK, like really just OK. Unless you have you are a hardcore gamer, an adrenaline junkie or just somebody that's a hyperactive person. "Gamer" will satisfy your desires. If not, then it's game over.