Doom (2005)

While far from prize-winning material, the big-screen adaptation of Doom remains a breezy time at the movies that captures the feel of the game but adds little to the franchise's legacy. Taking its cues literally from Doom 3, the movie meticulously translates the game's sounds, images, and even first-person perspective shots into easy-to-stomach celluloid schlock for the masses. Sadly, apart from aesthetics, there's not much more that connects the game and the film. They're both fun rides that wear their inspirations on their sleeve, just as any comparisons to Aliens becomes a no-brainer when one stops and thinks about the source material. As it stands, the movie gives the audience just enough action to chew on without pandering to the audacious special effects that have hampered other video-game adaptations. While the plot is fairly brainless, there's just enough bullet-ridden action and blood-soaked gore to vaguely bring to mind the big-muscle intensity and horror elements that have made the game successful. However, those looking for the ultimate translation will most likely be disappointed with this modestly budgeted production. It certainly tries and is aided by The Rock's never-ending charisma, but the Doom film isn't the end-all-be-all movie that it should be. Fans of the third game have overwhelmingly stated their distaste for the adaptation, which could have been averted if the filmmakers would have only embraced the hellish monstrosities instead of focusing more on half-baked zombie adversaries. Separated from it's source material, though, the film remains a dumb and fun action ride, and sometimes that goes a long way for like-minded audiences looking for a good time. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide