In general, video games that are adapted into movies usually end up with a poorly received end product. Prince of Persia, Super Mario Brothers, Double Dragon, House of the Dead, and more have all been attempted and were met with resounding vitriol from critics and audiences alike. To be honest, for those movies it was for a good reason. They sucked, no doubt about it.
But there are some gems amongst the rough and I really believe that we need to pull attention towards those titles so that the powers that be can see why we love and appreciate them so much.
So, below I’ve selected a few movies that I think were respectable if not well done adaptations of their video game counterparts. When I’m done, be sure to let me know some of your favorites!
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
While the first movie had more of the right feel, Apocalypse, for me, felt more like I was watching a video game in action. Just like a Resident Evil game should have, there were multiple locations (hospital, school, police station, etc…) and multiple creatures (lickers, zombies, zombie dogs, and Nemesis, not to mention the Umbrella Corporation goons).
Had they tossed in a save room and a random typewriter, I would’ve been the happiest of campers.
Silent Hill
I bet you all knew that this was going to show up on the list, right? To be fair, it deserves its place on any similar list. Christophe Gans and company put together a film that truly managed to capture the feel of the fog-shrouded town. From the isolated world to the haunting music and the unsettling locations, Silent Hill is perhaps the very best within this world of film. You can feel the love and passion for the series in every frame.
Doom
Fuck the haters, this movie kicks ass! Sure, we didn’t get the “Hell” aspect from the game but what we DID get was an awesome horror-themed action film with the ever charismatic Dwayne Johnson and Karl Urban, who would go on to play the title role in Dredd. It’s fun, it’s campy, and the FPS scene is badass. Pop this movie on and I’ll happily watch and enjoy!
Mortal Kombat
I might catch some flak here but I thought this was a brilliantly done movie! I know, I know…we didn’t have the outrageous amounts of gore that were in the video games. But what we DID get was a fun arena-styled martial arts movie with horror twists galore. Plus, Paul W.S. Anderson understood that video games are supposed to be fun. Hence, the movie should be fun as well. If you can watch Mortal Kombat and not have a good time, then I just don’t get it.
But don’t make me watch the sequel. Please, for the love of all that’s holy…