Game

Game-Based Movies: The Good and the Bad

By Jeann Wong

Games often make great premises for movies due to their engaging stories and enthralling settings. Whether they are sci-fi, cyber punk, fantasy, or real world, a great movie adaptation captures the atmosphere of the game and stays close to its roots. The challenge in making a good movie adaptation is to honour the original fan base while also making it entertaining enough for the wider audience. Some movies have done this well, but others have completely missed the mark. We’ll start off with the bad movie adaptations, and then the good ones to show how it should be done.

BAD MOVIE ADAPTATIONS

Street Fighter (1994)

Basing a movie one of the most popular franchises of all time was a great idea, but one that was done poorly. The Street Fighter movie had horribly cheesy dialogue, lame action sequences and an indecipherable plot about psycho M. Bison kidnapping hostages and demanding ransom. The only thing that the movie had going for it was Jean Claude Van Damme who played Airforce commander Guile, but even that didn’t save the movie from total K.O. With Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li released this year, and more Street Fighter movies on the way, when will Capcom learn?

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)

This computer animated movie may have been enjoyable on its own, but there was nothing in common with the popular Japanese role-playing series Final Fantasy. What makes the game series so compelling is the host of characters that come from every walk of life. The universe in Final Fantasy is also extensive and incredibly immersive with character classes, signature creatures, summons, and magic. Sadly, Spirits Within was a typical sci-fi movie that failed to project any of the elements that made the series famous.

Tekken (2010)

So bad that it didn’t even deserve a cinema release, Tekken was horrible because of how loosely it honoured the cult-like arcade fighting game. Many of the pivotal characters were missing from the cast (such as Ling Xiaoyu and Hwoarang) while minor ones are included (Sergei Dragunov). Characters that are in the movie have different personalities and stories, and new laughable mentions of the game have been created such as: Tekken City, Tekken Corporation, and the Iron Fist Tournament. Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken’s game producer, even called the movie ‘horrible’ and refused to be affiliated with it.

Honourable Mentions: Mortal Kombat, Dragonball Z: Evolution, Dead or Alive, Super Mario Bros

GOOD MOVIE ADAPTATIONS

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time shows how a game to movie adaptation should be done. Actors look and behave like the characters from the game, the setting is believable, and the plot is intriguing. The movie not only accurately captured the game’s atmosphere and characters; it took these elements and built upon them. Prince Dastan’s parkour and combat skills were exciting to watch on screen, and the chemistry between him and the leading lady Tamina was believable. Part of the success of the movie was its big name cast, director, and producer. Jordan Mechnor, series creator of the game was also hired as a writer. As a result, The Sands of Time earnt its place as the highest grossing video game adaptation ever made.

Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

The Resident Evil franchise is one of the longest running zombie series with over 20 games. Instead of mimicking the plot of the games, the movies borrowed elements from the game and weaved it into the story of Alice, an original character that was created especially for the movie. Some scenes from the games were re-enacted and characters stayed true to their personalities such as Jill Valentine and Claire & Chris Redfield. Despite harsh reviews from critics, this series holds on its own as a heart-pumping zombie thriller. The fourth movie in the series, Resident Evil: Afterlife is set to be released later this year.

Tomb Raider (2001), Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)

This was the highest grossing game to movie adaptation before Prince of Persia took its place. With the record breaking Lara Croft portrayed by scorching hot Angelina Jolie, this film was sure to please fan boys and the wider audience. The movies feature an original plot reminiscent of the game itself with combat, enemies and treasure to be found. It was filmed in exciting locations such as China, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Egypt, making for an interesting adventure. Jolie also pulled off a sexy and kick ass Lara Croft.

Honourable Mentions: Silent Hill, Resident Evil: Degeneration, Final Fantasy VII Advent Children