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Doom

This movie is not good. I say this first so the reader is not fooled by my high rating. For some people, bad movies can be so good that they bear repeated viewings. Doom is such a film. The movie is based loosely on the video game of the same title.

Man has found evidence that humans used to live and exist on Mars. They traveled to Earth for unknown reasons using a system they developed called “The Ark.” Modern Earth humans discovered The Ark in Nevada and set up a base and archaeological dig at a base called Olduvai. Although there were set-backs initially-–perfecting Ark travel, cave-ins at the dig, etc.-–man persevered and found that some human remains harbored a genetically-engineered extra chromosome. Scientists have been researching and testing their version of Chromosome 24 on murderers and convicts. This was unwise.

Ten percent of the human genome is unmapped. According to some research, this 10% could be the genetic marker for the soul. Dr. Grimm is put in charge of the Marine Unit sent to Olduvai to investigate scientist disappearance and recover the missing scientists’ research data. John Grimm ‘Reaper’ to his fellow marines) and seven others travel through the Ark to neutralize the threat. John hasn’t seen his twin sister (Dr. Grimm) in ten years.

As it turns out Chromosome 24 has an adverse reaction in some people. Those predisposed to anger become homicidal monsters obsessed with infecting and/or maiming and killing others. If one does not harbor this predisposition Chromosome 24 makes them stronger, faster, and heal more quickly than normal 23-chromosomed persons. The number one concern is to keep the monsters from traveling back to Earth.

The script leaves much to be desired, and the cast is hit or miss. In The Rock’s case, complete miss. The twins are both excellent throughout, but the other Marines only have a handful of good lines among them. The action is riveting. At one point, it’s as if the viewer is playing the game-–but it's live-action, not merely CG. Although it strays from the game’s storyline, and borrows “Sarge” from Halo, it entertains in the end.

Written by: Tracy Elledge

Reviewers Rating: 9.5
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 1

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