Gamer

Technology has grown increasingly advanced within the past twenty years. With the availability of computers to the general public as well as ease of internet access, there’s not much one can’t do or learn to do. Another form of technology that has become a vastly popular form of entertainment are videogames. One of the first games ever developed consisted of nothing more than a couple of bars and a round ball with the object of the game being for the player to catch the ball with the bar. If the player misses, it’s game over. Now, the world has been introduced to games like “Gears of War” and “Halo” where the graphics are extraordinarily realistic thus gamers have a reason to believe that sometime in the near future, videogames will evolve to a far greater scale.

“Gamer” is a motion picture that tries to capture what the future has in store for videogames. The idea of real people participating inside a brutal game where one could meet an actual demise is a bit far-fetched, but the thought of real people playing inside a videogame universe is not bizarre at all. In fact, Microsoft has come one step closer with their development of ‘Natal’ which shadows the players movement taking the technology of videogames to a level most people never thought was possible.

The two geniuses behind the “Crank” franchise bring “Gamer” to life with slick editing and adrenaline-fueled action sequences. Some of the quick cuts get a bit irritating, but for the most part, the camera work is exceptional and identical to the unique spectacle presented in “Crank”. The soundtrack overlaps each scene tremendously making the action more balls-to-wall and definitely more pulse-pounding.

Perhaps most of the film’s positive impact, however, comes from “300” star Gerard Butler and his performance. Seriously, this guy is right there with Jason Statham in one of the leading choices to headline any action flick. It was until I saw “P.S. I Love You” that I realized how talented this guy really is. Any actor who can go from an affectionate, understanding husband to a pissed off solider out for blood is a tremendous actor in my book.

Despite a few plot-holes and questions regarding logic, “Gamer” is a heart-stopping action thriller and a perfect closure for the summer season. It’s pure entertainment from start to finish and action fans are certain to rejoice!