Review: "Gamer"

This past week Lionsgate released the action/sci-fi/thriller "Gamer" starring one of today's leading action flick heroes, Gerard Butler. Directed by Mark Neveldine, the man behind "Crank" and "Crank 2: High Voltage", there is plenty of quick-paced action and excitement.

"Gamer" is set in a not-too-distant futuristic society and revolves around the highest rated, gaming/reality show "Slayers" and it's reigning hero Kable (Butler). This, humans in control of other humans show, is the brain child of notorious billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall of 'Dexter'). During play gamers achieve control through a nanochip implanted in thier 'slayers' brain. In a bargain for their freedom, convicts are the technopuppets at the mercy of their players. Kable's weekly survival depends solely on his seventeen year-old, reputable player Simon (Logan Lerman) and his skilled tactical maneuvers.

In the frenzy of this technological nightmare and on the cusp of regaining his freedom, Kable is urged to make a daring escape aided by an underground organization, HUMANZ, intent on terminating Castle's sadistic technology. Armed with only his vengeance and desire to save his family from Castle, Kable must now rely on his own gambit to even the score.

Reminiscent of movies "Condemned" and more recently "Death Race", "Gamer" provided a somber perspective on the advancing desensitization of the human race. Corruption and control valued over human life. I found myself numb having seen this uninspired interpretation of the future. However, "Gamer" provided plenty of action and cutting-edge technological visual delights for even the most advanced tekkie. If you're in the mood for gaming, but don't want to put the skills forward, then "Gamer" is the perfect way to spend ninety minutes.