Doom (Unrated and Extended Edition) (DVD)

Okay, so I pretty much gave Doom a wretched review after seeing it in theater. What did you expect? This movie is not a movie worth your money at the multiplex. It has a horrible script, the storyline is designed only to give the characters more opportunities for gunfire and bloodshed. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy gore and guts just as much as the next guy, but I need a story to go along with it. This movie is no more than what the game offers, except with this one there aren't any puzzles to solve. Simple is the word to use here, but that does not mean this DVD is a total loss.

Instead of my traditional review of plot, features and reaction I am going to give you a "for instance". A "for instance" in which I am going to give you reason to buy this movie, or at least rent it.

Every week I get several DVDs to review and I always place them in order of importance based on when the DVD hits the street, how interested in the movie I am, how many special features there are, etc. For the most part though, I watch what fits my mood best. This is where Doom comes in handy.

You see when Doom hit my doorstep I had two other options, Thumbsucker and the soon-to-be reviewed classic All the President's Men. Now the order of quality is obvious here as All the President's Men is certainly the best of the bunch, followed by Thumbsucker with Doom barely holding on. That said, Doom was the first one I watched. Why? I was simply in the mood to be entertained and not use any of my brain. Doom fit the bill perfectly. I think my brain may have even shut down, at least on the first viewing I fell asleep, but I blame that more on the alcohol than the movie.

Anyway, Doom is a perfect example of a movie to put in when you want to just shut down, but out of my collection it wouldn't be my first, second, third or even 45th choice. That is what makes this the perfect rental movie after that shitty day at work. You have just had it out with your boss and the last thing you want to do is watch a movie that is going to further aggravate you, making you think when all you want to do is end the day. But after that rental viewing is over you will most likely forget this one entirely.

Now, I said I was going to break the mold on this one but I have to talk a little about the features since... well... that "is" my job... Right?

Truthfully, there are a couple of features here that ain't half bad. The best of the bunch are the special look at the first-person shooter sequence that mirrors the game and even gives you a slightly longer, uncut look at the scene. Secondly, you get a look at the game itself and the timeline it has gone through from the first version of "Doom" up to its latest version, "Doom3". The making of featurettes aren't that great, I have seen monster development before and I have even seen actors learn how to shoot guns... nothing new here.

Overall, this DVD is probably best for hardcore "Doom" gamers. They are going to love it as a break after 24 hours of playing role-playing games online. Other than that, it is like I said, this is a rental at best. If you are pissed at the world and want to see violence for no real reason... Doom is your answer. Otherwise, ignore this title. Especially if you value your IQ.