Hooked (2009) User Reviews

WAY better than expected

[brubonch · 7/10 · 13 December 2009]

I would've never watched this particular movie for a number of reasons, not the least of them being that all or almost all previous films based on interplay between game and reality proved to be complete and utter failures.(Gamer is just the latest example). However despite my vehement protests, my friends almost literally dragged me into a movie house, claiming it was worth it. No wonder I was EXTREMELY doubtful at first, but totally unexpectedly all my fears proved completely unfounded. THIS MOVIE IS DIFFERENT!

In a nutshell: the winners of a gaming contest receive a bonus prize in the form of a video game which happens to have a glitch, as a result of which the above winners (senior teenagers, btw) assume the skills of their game characters which they can use in real life. And so the show begins! But no more spoiling - just go and watch it, particularly if you are under 30 and/or not a stranger to video games.

Pros:

1) original, solid, reasonable,unconventional, logically well-built plot 2) fast-paced, no time to get bored 3) acting ranges from very good to acceptable, never falling into the deadpan category 4) likable characters (well, some of them at least:)) 5) well-directed, impressive camera-work 6) good action sequences, particularly considering the meager budget 7) ended halfway, leaving you bemused and intrigued as to what happens next (second, and final part, is actually promised)

Cons: 1) visceral violence, not to say gore, particularly in the second half which I find completely unnecessary (although I admit many from the target audience would argue) 2) bigger budget would not be unwelcome, particularly when it comes to special effects.

Summing up - it's a surprisingly good, innovative movie which delivers as promised. Go see for yourselves: you will be entertained.

NB: DO NOT TAKE CHILDREN!!

Surprisingly Fresh

[bakharev · 10/10 · 9 January 2010]

A surprisingly fresh and well made action movie from Russia. Quality of production is practically on par with big Hollywood action flicks.

I guess it should not come as a real surprise as Russians have produced other decent action/sci-fi movies in the recent years such as: Day Watch, Night Watch, Paragraph 78, The Inhabited Island and others.

This is not a movie to watch with your kids as there is plenty of violence and blood, but violence ads a more real feel to the movie and is not just violence for the sake of the violence.

If you like action and sci-fi movies this movie will not disappoint you.

The sea of an action and pleasure from viewing

[skorpion-2008 · 10/10 · 19 December 2009]

Having looked a film I has received weight of pleasure! This is the best Russian insurgent of second half of 2009. I was convinced of it practically since first minutes of this remarkable film. Here there is no latent implied sense, anything that forces to ponder strongly upon a plot, to search for any intricate details in it Here all it is visible clearly — it is necessary to finish thinking nothing most, all founders have presented before us.

Separate admiration I wish to express concerning special effects, music underneath on a course of all film and staginess, an event saturation on the screen. All is made very professionally, at high enough level. Ah, yes, and all for any 3 500 000 dollars! The soundtrack is perfectly entered in each detail of a plot. This film on two, and even three heads above than «Zapreshchennaya realnost» in which budget have enclosed 7 000 000 (twice above!), and return have received very small — both in gathering, and in popularity. Then what not the budget the main thing, but the main thing is quality of shooting. In a picture «Na igre» it is accurately looked through — as for rather small money it is possible to make the qualitative insurgent.

Actors have played the roles too at high level. To tell the truth at me such impression is made that roles have been written specially for them.

I thank all who took part in creation of this fine creation, for the received huge pleasure from its viewing!

A hard hitting but extremely well done sci fi actioner!

[chrichtonsworld · 8/10 · 24 December 2011]

Without having any knowledge about this particular production one could think this was a less serious production or aimed at a more youthful audience. At least that was the impression I got at the start of the movie when the viewer gets introduced to the main characters,a bunch of teenagers competing in games like Counterstrike. Since I did know in advance it was going to have sci fi elements I was expecting some sort of Matrix rip off. Especially when this unknown individual rewarded the youngsters with a special bonus prize a DVD with a special game on it. Of course something was going to happen when this DVD was going to be used. When this disc for some unexplained reason enhances them in a way that their gaming skills have become real it is actually funny to see how quickly they adapt to their situation. But then it is over with the fun and games and it gets quite serious. The movie gets more fast paced and tightens the grip on the viewers.At one point I did had trouble with some of the actions of the main characters since some of the motivation was pretty poor. Then I realized that this could be one of the points the director was trying to make. Even if it was unintentional I am sure of it that people will have discussions about it although most of the events are completely over the top when morals are concerned. The action for the most part looks realistic (as in barely use of CGI)which is superbly choreographed. Even the acting is very good. One thing you have to realize is though that this film concludes with a cliffhanger as it is meant as the first film in a two parter. Do check out my review on the second film.