Gamer (2009)
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29% of critics liked it
(75 reviews) -
42% of users liked it
(244,236 ratings)
Reality and video games merge in this high-concept sci-fi action thriller from Crank creators Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. In the not too distant future, mind-control technology allows humans to control the actions and movements of other humans, allowing reclusive billionaire Ken Castle (Michael… More Reality and video games merge in this high-concept sci-fi action thriller from Crank creators Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. In the not too distant future, mind-control technology allows humans to control the actions and movements of other humans, allowing reclusive billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall) to create the ultimate video game. It's called "Slayers," and it's a mass-scale, multiplayer online first-person shooter that's as controversial as it is popular. In the world of gamers, Simon (Logan Lerman) is a rock star; miraculously managing to keep his character alive week after week, he racks up frags like Billy Mitchell jumps barrels. But unlike Mitchell's Mario, Simon's video-game avatar is a living, breathing human being named Kable (Gerard Butler). Defying the odds to keep Kable running and gunning though even the most explosive battles, Simon captures the imagination of a global audience. Torn from his family, thrown into prison, and forced to fight against his will, Kable realizes that his only hope of ever seeing his family again is to somehow escape the game, reclaim his identity, and expose Castle's dehumanizing technology on live television. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
- Written By
- Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- Sep 4, 2009 Wide
- On DVD
- Jan 19, 2010
- Studio
- Lionsgate Films
Critic Reviews
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Keith Uhlich, Time Out New York
Crank's Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor direct with their usual flashy brio, and basso profundo Keith David has a sublime cameo as a cop indignant at the thought of a pistachio peanut butter sandwich.
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Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
In the press materials Mr. Butler informs us enthusiastically that the movie "has all the hallmarks of Neveldine's and Taylor's sick, yet genius minds." At least he's half right.
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Jason Anderson, Toronto Star
Bodies and buildings blow up but this is carnage of the most lacklustre sort, with any momentum petering out long before it's "game over."
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Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times
It's a deeply cynical and joyless point of view, completely lacking in the winking visual style that made Crank worth a look.
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Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
Crass, nonstop action triumphs over narrative and character in this movie-length simulation of a video game.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Gerard Butler
as Kable
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Amber Valletta
as Angie
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Michael C. Hall
as Ken Castle
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Kyra Sedgwick
as Gina Parker Smith
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Logan Lerman
as Simon
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Alison Lohman
as Trace
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Terry Crews
as Hackman
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Ramsey Moore
as Gorge
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Chris "Ludacris" Bridges
as Humanz Brother
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Aaron Yoo
as Humanz Dude
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Jonathan Chase
as Geek Leader
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Dan Callahan
as Backup Geek
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Brighid Fleming
as Delia
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Johnny Whitworth
as Scotch
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Keith Jardine
as Mean Slayer
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Michael Weston
as Producer
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Joe Reitman
as Board Op
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John DeLancie
as Chief of Staff
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Milo Ventimiglia
as Rick Rape
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Zoe Bell
as Sandra
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John Leguizamo
as Freek
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Noel Gugliemi
as Upgrade Guard
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Jarvis W. George
as Brown Soldier #1
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Jai Stefan
as Brown Soldier #2
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Richard Machowicz
as Blue Soldier #1
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Ken Smith
as Lifer
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Henry Hayashi
as Razorblade
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Dylan Kenin
as Train Guard
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Keith David
as Agent Keith
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Maggie Lawson
as Female News Host #1
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James Roday
as News Co-Host #1
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Sam Witwer
as Caseworker
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Rebekah Tarin
as Dale
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Kate Mulligan
as Sorority Chick
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Med Abrous
as Pig Face Ron
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Ashley Rickards
as 2Katchapredator
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Nikita Ramsey
as Kumdumpsta #1
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Jade Ramsey
as Kumdumpsta #2
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Mimi Michaels
as Stikkimuffin
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Sadie Alexandru
as Society Victim
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Ariana Scott
as Sissypuss Shelley
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Cynthia Robertson
as Porn Girl
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Antoinette Antonio
as Female News Host #2
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Donnie Smith
as News Co-Host #2
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Lloyd Kaufman
as Genericon
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Stephanie Mace
as Geek Girl
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Adam Loeb
as Ben Richard
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Efren Ramirez
as DJ
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David Scott Rubin
as Lab Tech
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Fred Loeb
as Society Concierge








