The Unheard of Film That Makes Resident Evil Seem Like a Masterpiece

Video game movies have a built-in audience, which ensures attention, both positive and negative. If Warcraft or Five Nights at Freddy's were given any other title, they would go unnoticed. Unfortunately, Dead Trigger falls into the category of video game adaptations that failed to make an impact. It is a zombie action movie that pales in comparison even to the worst Resident Evil sequel.

Mobile games have a unique position in the market. Despite outselling blockbuster console titles by 200 times, they are still viewed as a less prestigious medium. When Blizzard announced that a highly anticipated Diablo sequel would be exclusively for mobile devices, the live audience responded with boos. Phone games have a poor reputation, even though they are the most commonly played titles.

What are the Dead Trigger games?

Dead Trigger and its sequel are minimalist zombie games for mobile devices. These games are developed by Madfinger Games, a Czech publisher known for their involvement in other titles such as Samurai: Way of the Warrior and Shadowgun. Madfinger Games emerged after the decline of 2K Czech, the studio behind the popular Mafia franchise. In 2008, some former employees of 2K Czech formed Madfinger Games. Another group of former employees created Warhorse Studios, the developers of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Out of all the games released by Madfinger, Dead Trigger has been the most successful. It is a first-person shooter game similar to House of the Dead.

Dead Trigger 2 introduces free movement for players, departing from the linear gameplay of its predecessor. Neither Dead Trigger nor its sequel have a strong narrative focus, as mobile games typically prioritize gameplay over story. In the first game, players assume the role of Kyle, a survivor with military training who joins a community called New Hope. Kyle develops a strong bond with Julian, the leader of the community, and together they fight zombies and gather resources to improve their situation. Towards the end of the game, Kyle uncovers a shocking revelation that the zombie outbreak was intentionally orchestrated by the wealthy elite. The sequel takes Kyle on a global journey as he wages war against the undead in multiple nations. Both games received positive reviews on platforms like Metacritic. However, the first game faced significant issues with piracy, although the exact extent of the problem remains unknown as the developers have not disclosed specific numbers.

The piracy rate on Android devices was alarmingly high. Initially, our aim was to make this game accessible to a wide audience, which is why we priced it so affordably.

However, its immense popularity led to the creation of a feature film.

What is Dead Trigger about?

The narrative of Dead Trigger is partly influenced by the first game, but it takes a unique approach. Instead of following a typical storyline, the game incorporates itself as a plot device. Similar to The Last Starfighter, the game serves as a means of recruiting individuals for the ongoing war against the undead. Players who achieve high scores will be given the opportunity to wield real weapons and join the fight. Within the game's universe, the government is responsible for its development. Returning to the game is Kyle, played by Dolph Lundgren. Kyle Walker, aka Captain Kyle, is a character who embodies a comically "cool" persona. Before becoming a zombie-fighting revolutionary and super soldier, he was a rock star. Kyle leads an army of gamers-turned-marines in their battle against the zombie hordes, while also searching for a team of scientists who might have developed a cure. Behind the premise, however, lies an otherwise unremarkable plot.

Where did Dead Trigger go wrong?

One critic approved by Rotten Tomatoes has reviewed Dead Trigger. Bobby LePire, from Film Threat, gave it a rating of four out of ten. Only a small number of audience members shared their opinions, resulting in a meager 5% positive score for the project. Contrary to popular belief, Dead Trigger is not the worst video game movie ever made, not even breaking into the top ten. Instead, it feels like a cheap imitation of Resident Evil: Apocalypse, resembling a product from Asylum. The story is slow-paced and lacks creativity, while the action fails to impress. The characters are either lifeless or borrowed from other games. Lundgren, who has more significant roles in his Expendables films, is poorly showcased. Despite the cheap and monotonous visuals, Dead Trigger is not an awful film. It simply doesn't try hard enough to evoke hatred, resulting in a cold and tedious waste of time. It is more akin to a lifeless corpse than a zombie.

Dead Trigger's release generated no reaction, illustrating its lack of vitality. Saban, the company responsible for Power Rangers, quietly brought Dead Trigger to theaters and digital on-demand platforms, to an indifferent audience. How does a movie with a recognizable star and a well-received video game companion fade into oblivion? It's a consequence of modern film distribution. No one showed enough interest in showcasing Dead Trigger to viewers who might have enjoyed it. This lack of interest extended to both the filmmakers and the audience. It is not even worth watching for the purpose of mockery. Dead Trigger should remain buried.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of zombie movies, I was intrigued by the concept of a film based on the popular video game Dead Trigger. However, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment as I realized that the movie falls short in almost every aspect. The plot is weak and unoriginal, with characters that lack depth and development. The acting is wooden and unconvincing, with Dolph Lundgren's performance being particularly cringe-worthy. The action sequences are poorly choreographed and lack any sense of tension or excitement. Overall, Dead Trigger is a forgettable film that fails to live up to the potential of its source material.

Despite its flaws, Dead Trigger does have a few redeeming qualities. The special effects are impressive, with the zombie hordes looking suitably gruesome and menacing. The film also benefits from some stylish cinematography and editing, which helps to create a sense of atmosphere and dread. Additionally, the movie's fast-paced, action-packed nature may appeal to some viewers who are looking for a mindless zombie flick to pass the time.

Overall, Dead Trigger is a disappointing film that fails to live up to the potential of its source material. While it may have some redeeming qualities, such as impressive special effects and stylish cinematography, these are not enough to save the film from its weak plot, poor acting, and lack of tension. If you're a fan of zombie movies, I suggest you look elsewhere for your next fix.