Lights, Camera, Action
Dating all the way back to the golden age of arcade games through to the current generations of console games, video games have enthralled consumers for generations. That is why it naturally makes sense one would attempt to exploit the popularity of the gaming industry through movies. While some of them convey the entertaining essence of the games to the viewer. Some writers are entirely off the mark. Here are five of some of the best movies that exist based on video games.
Pixels (2015)
Adam Sandler stars and is joined by a star-studded cast in this fun and silly look at a group of video game characters coming to Earth. When the inhabitants of other galaxies receive video feeds of famous games as a signal that Earth plans to wage war on outer space, the aliens respond by invading the Earth using real avatars of game characters Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede and even Alphas. Fortunately, there are a team of former arcade champions, led by Adam Sandler, Josh Gad, and Peter Dinklage to help the human race. The movie has perfect nostalgia with ’80s references to video games and has cute inside jokes for fans of vidya games.
IMDB rating: 5.6/10
Where to watch: FuboTV, DirecTV
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
This wonderful animation, produced by Disney is an interesting plot to know what happens to arcade game characters when people stop playing their games. Ralph is voiced by John C. Reilly, the bad guy in a video game who decides that he no longer wants to be a bad guy. He pauses his game for choice of the hero within him and brings mayhem to the aku-location-or arcade. The film takes us back into the childhood roots of video games and also offers the young character of Vanellope Von Schweetz voiced by Sarah Silverman. This is a wonderful entertaining movie for children and young entrepreneurs.
IMDB rating: 7.7/10
Where to watch: Disney+, fuboTV
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Taking ideas from the successful adventure game series, this fantastic movie allows to travel in the Middle Ages to Medieval Persia. In the movie, Jake Gyllenhaal plays the role of the male protagonist character—Dastan—an orphan from the streets raised in the royal family. After he lays his hands on a special weapon known as the magical dagger that has authority over the Sands of Time, he works hand in hand with the Princess Tamina, played by Gemma Arterton to perform amazing stunts. This takes the model to the exotic, including sword fight and time manipulation for a game adventure that should excite game fans.
IMDB rating: 6.6/10
Where to watch: Tubi
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
An intrepid and intellectual archaeologist, Lara Croft comes to entertain in this visually polished sequel of the Tomb Raider video series. The role is played by the fearless and bold, Angelina Jolie. Lara Croft has sixty minutes on the clock and has to follow her around the world to find the fabled Pandora’s Box before that time runs out and falls into the wrong hands. Fans of course can watch out of this world stunts with Lara getting into battles with sharks, dragons on motorcycles and the like. Jolie looks like a heroine: she appears to be the sort of woman who will risk her live for the sake of others, who will handle the situation on her own. Gamers will particularly be thrilled to see this fast action-packed adventure.
IMDB rating: 5.5/10
Where to watch: fuboTV, DirecTV, Plex
The Angry Birds Movie (2016)
Perhaps no game of the current generation mobile gaming industry can compare with the success that was Angry Birds. It only made sense for those grumpy birds to take flight to the big screen as well. The leading voice roles are starred by Jason Sudeikis, Christopher Berry, Lisa Kudrow, and release date is scheduled for 2020. When unbelievably cute green pigs show up on the island, Red and his companions finally have to put aside their rivalry and try to solve the unknown evil plan of the pigs. Bright drawing and a lot of jokers, this rather entertaining movie shows the game’s characters as fans like them.
IMDB rating: 6.3/10
Where to watch: Netflix, fuboTV
In conclusion, these five films capture the spirit and excitement of their video game origins, offering a mix of nostalgia and adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard gamer or simply seeking family-friendly entertainment, these movies showcase the diverse ways gaming culture has translated to the big screen. Happy watching!
