Doom (2005)


REVIEWER RATING: 
7/10


This project was first announced a couple years ago, and a lot of fans were skeptical. Especially with the fact that director Andrzej Bartkowiak was behind it, considering most of his films were cheesy urban action thrillers like Exit Wounds and the horribly-titled Cradle 2 the Grave. Then later on it was revealed that the project would also have an exclusive FP (first-person) sequence with one o f the characters. The film was just oozing with failure from then on. It was released on October 21st in the U.S. with a sad $15-million box office weekend total -- a far cry from the $60-million budget.

Although the film's a failure to critics and fans-alike, I personally enjoyed it. Sure it's brainless and the storyline doesn't really follow the game, but I watched with an open mind, and liked what I saw. I have to admit that I've only played the third game in the series, but from what I hear it's basically an upgraded remake of the first game. Either way, I can't really offer a valid comparison of the game and the film, but it seems that they kept certain aspects the same, like some of the creatures and small details around the facility.

The film basically follows "The Rock" and his crew of elite marines, as they head to Mars after all communication within a research facility has ceased, leading people to fear the worst. Upon entering the facility it's clear that the worst is exactly what happened. We soon realize that strange murderous creatures are roaming about, and not even Sarge and his men can stand a chance. Or can they?... In terms of an entertaining brainless action/horror flick, this takes the cake.

It's thin in story, and packed with clichéd scares and predictability, but somehow manages to keep the pace goin' and entertainment-factor high; at least for me it did. When it came time for the movie to reveal the infamous FP sequence, I was amazed that it actually worked. Well, sort-of. Although it's silly in terms of how the rest of the movie plays out, it's still a cool nod to the video game. It still beats what horrible director Uwe Boll tried to do with incorporating actual videogame footage for the House of the Dead movie.

Although it's predictable and un-scary, it's a surprisingly entertaining action/horror flick. Check it with an open mind.
OVERALL: 
Although it's predictable and un-scary, it's a surprisingly entertaining action/horror flick. Check it with an open mind.


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