There are some excellent video game-influenced movies out there.
They’re just not based on video games.
No, no, this isnt a list of the worst movies ever made.
Its a choice selection of films from the last 20 years that have been based on video games.
And as you could see, it makes for grim reading.
But before we get into that, some brief history.
Video games can never be art.
Long story short, this kicked off a robust debate.
This is despite the fact that Roger himself had never played a video game in his life.
But his sweeping declaration seems to reflect gamings current status within the arts.
TheTransformersseries is the poster child for this complaint, but its been used to describe everything fromThe Matrixto300and beyond.
Suddenly it became hip and accepted.
Being a gamer no longer meant you were a friendless loner.
It was something even the cool kids got up to.
And thats where the problem begins.
They only wanted to cash in on a popular brand.
The only reason 1994sMortal Kombatholds up reasonably well is that Paul W.S.
Anderson is a gamer, and infused it with some of that sensibility.
Be sure to say hi to Uwe.
The closest the genre might come to itsCitizen Kaneis Christophe Gans 2006 adaptation ofSilent Hill.
TheHitmangames give you control Agent 47, a genetically-engineered assassin.
You use your wits and cunning, with no gunfights or needless violence.
So naturally, none of this was in the first adaptation ofHitman.
Released in 2007, it starred Timothy Olyphant in the title role.
The Agent 47 from the game is a stern, calculating figure with no friends or personal attachments.
And while the movie did decent business, the reviews were not kind and a direct sequel never emerged.
So along comes the rebootedHitman: Agent 47, thats due in cinemas later this year.
But its a shame that theres a noisy, cartoonish action movie slotted in around him.
Within the first minute, its already ripped offThe Matrix(twice!)
Action movies are allowed to be dumb, but do they have to bethisdumb?
If anything, theyve just been amplified.
The final cut of the film may yet prove us wrong.
One that honors the source while working as a movie in its own right?
Strangely, its already been proven that this is possible.
Its just that none of them have actually been based on videogames.
The most recent example of this is the underrated Tom Cruise actionerEdge of Tomorrow.
Just from the description, the video game parallels are clear.
And the finished product is practically a live action version of the gaming experience.
You have Tom Cruises inexperienced character thrown headfirst into a chaotic,Call of Duty-style battle.
He respawns, forced to fight again.
But he starts to figure out how to fight, so he lasts a little longer each time.
Throughout the story, he also experiences combat training, where he levels up to become a better warrior.
The visuals are closely linked to video games, too.
The robotic battle armor wouldnt look out of place in theF.E.A.Rseries.
Even the ridiculously oversized sword Emily Blunts character wields throughout bears resemblance to the one seen inFinal Fantasy VII.
Of course, none of this happened by accident.
It has a stealth section, a vehicle level, and even boss fights spread throughout.
The enemies, from the SWAT teams to the Agents, are mostly faceless, empty ciphers.
Even the setpieces ape game progression, such as the building assault finale.
Oddly enough, the much maligned Paul W.S.
His adaptation ofMortal Kombathelped kick off the trend, and games have been a steady inspiration on his output.
Obviously, there are theResident Evilmovies.
Its a clear concept, allowing for a lean, stripped down narrative.
It even, intentionally or otherwise, mimics the game series trademark stilted acting and dialogue.
Yeah, lets pretend that was intentional.
The most game-inspired film on Andersons CV is 2008sDeath Race.
And hes not alone.
Films may have inspired video games a great deal, but the influence is clearly a two way street.
Reset
Theres reason to be optimistic that it can.
The next wave of video game movies have been attaching some quality talent.
Michael Fassbender will headlineAssassins Creed, with Marion Cotillard co-starring.
And Doug Liman and Tom Hardy are attached to a live action take onSplinter Cell.
