Some might say kvetching about this film is like going to a greasy spoon and complaining about a overcooked burger, but eh.
Doom's major fault is that it can't make up its mind about what kind of film it is. Is it a horror film inspired by a game or kind of a cheesy action film adaptation of the game? The movie starts off okay by setting up a suitably creepy atmosphere; who can't resist a base under siege by mysterious monsters with only a handful of soldiers? The director keeps it moving by only giving us glimpses of the beasties and some good 'ol fashioned jump scares help us along.
About midway through, the movie's tone changes. It becomes the antithesis of scary. While some might quail on the movie dramatically changing the game's plot, I was willing to accept that. I was not so willing to accept the ridiculous latter third, which basically was a big "Screw you if took this seriously!" The five minute first person shooter sequence is undeniably entertaining, but is totally out of place in a horror film. Also, the ending showdown is ludicrous and poorly thought out.
Plot contrivances are a staple of horror/sci-fi films, but we are asked to accept too many. To wit, why do different people react differently to being infected (I'm talking about time it takes to change)? Why were so many people on the base infected? What happens with the reinforcement call?
Finally, the performances and dialogue kill what remaining thrust of the film is left. The Rock is capable if very, very one-note as Sarge, while Josh Urban seems mildly embarassed to be in this film as the hero. Rosamonde Pike has nothing to do but look upset and scream. The rest of the cast is pretty darn bad but has not much screen time. The dialogue is cheesy; it's hard to pick a favorite line, but I think it would have to be the Rock's: "Semper fi, mo*****!" at the end of the film.
Man, this movie is SO bad that I would have beaten Luigi to the door in the cinema.
The Rock is ok in it. Urban is a total waste of space. Rosamund is doing nothing for her career either.
The plot is better than AvP until the first-person shooter sequence. Then it makes AvP look like an oscar winning film!
Why was this film not nominated for a Razzie I wonder?