Noobz

I love Gears, i play ever since the first one. I also happen to love road trip and raunchy comedy movies, so this was the perfect movie for me right? Well on paper only.

First of all, the introduction really got me into it, not only there is Gears promo all around, both in Jason Mewes store and room, but he also wear shirts and caps etc. On top of it, even if the movie is from 2012 and by then the game was like 8 years old, there is also posters from Bloodrayne 2, another of my favorite franchises. I actually have the same poster. And he even got a real size cardboard cut out of Sonya from Mortal Kombat reboot (2011). So yeah this room is awesome !

As we are introduced to the players, this is when i noticed the first flaws tough. First, no way these guys would be lev 1 and lev 3 if they are active Gears players. They should had manage to make them appear as level 100 players (if the update/dlc that introduced re-up was not there yet) since it was really not long to get there if you play every day. Then, im not sure on this when it comes to clan matches but Gears 3 is a 5 on 5 game, not sure why they play as 4 on 4.

I guess this is minor stuff for the general viewer so how is the movie itself? Well there is some funny parts, the general story is interesting, but in a way it never seen to fully commit into the subplots it try to go. The only one that somehow feel more developed is the Hollywood subplot wich i won't mention more to remain spoiler free.

Another thing that bothered me as a Gears gamer are the plays, not only the plays are terrible and it looks like actual Noobz or the actors themselves were creating the video game footage, but its VERY unlikely even as a godlike player that 1 dude could go 1 on 4 against other top players in Gears 3. Guy would had been wrecked by crossfire lancers.

I know this review is really all over the place and do not talk maybe enough of the movie but rather the game part, but its flaws that i had trouble overlook, even if i had a decent time and enjoyed the movie while at the same time it surely won't become a classic i watch back every couple years.

Jason Mews is really the brightest spot in it and elevate the movie as well, but thats not surprising, i always enjoy this guy's work.

I watched this as part of the Fantasy Filmfestival in Germany. It's not exactly fantasy, but the Festival is known for their diversity, which I like. And the movie has really good intentions. Anyone familiar with the word "Noob" and those that will learn the meaning of it, might like it's definition. I'm not so sure they will like the movie though.

It's hard to be mad at the guys too of course. Casper van Dien has a nice cameo, where he makes fun of himself. Jason Mewes is as energetic as always and some of the jokes really hit home. But overall there is a sense that the movie is too aware (in a bad sense) of what it tries to achieve. While not completely achieving it. Hits and misses all over the place, make it impossible to dislike (for me), but also impossible to like (have seen better).

I decided to check this one out thinking it can be the next "grandma's Boy" but it turned out to be a dull movie. It really does show it's effort with the very small production value, but it's just not all that creative or funny. The story is about 4 gamers going on a road trip to enter a "Gears of War" competition. There is some weird and love interest scenarios, but it has all been done before and better. Most of the humor come from the 4 guys constantly making random dumb remarks and it's just not funny. Even when it comes to the competition, nothing made it immersive or entertaining to watch. It just constantly just shows the competitors reactions while not even showing what strategy or tactics they use to beat each other. This is a pass even for audiences that are gamers.

2.5/10

Noobz doesn't try to be something it's not. Saw the film during the E3 convention in Los Angeles. Looking at the budget listed here, it is obviously an independent film. I can respect the scope of the world they achieved at any level outside of a studio.

Noobz does a good job capturing the gaming culture, without the usual "nerd trying to get laid" stereotypes. Identifiable characters along with above average acting, sets this film apart from its predecessors.

For what it is, not an art film nor an Oscar pitch, it's the best video game movie made so far.

My score is based on the fact that it is a gaming comedy and not a comparable film to ARGO.

I loved this film! I saw it at the world premiere of the film at E3 in June and frankly wasn't expecting much. I thought it would be another lame gaming movie. But I was blown away by how funny it was and how I could relate to the humor as an avid gamer.

I highly recommend the movie to all gamers, and to anyone in general who like a good buddy comedy flick. Think of it as a "Road Trip" type movie about gamers. Blake Freeman is going to be a breakout star, and I love Jason Mewes, who is at his "Jay and Silent Bob" like best. Casper Van Dien also has a nice cameo in the film and Zelda Williams (daughter of Robin Williams) is very convincing as a sexy female gamer.

In summary, if you'd like a good laugh, this is a great film to rent or VOD, but if you are an avid gamer - this is a must own!