EDITORIAL: Five of the best movies inspired by video games

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Five of the Best Movies Inspired by Video Games

For video gamers and movie fans alike, these films hit the spot. The combination of two worlds where anything is possible creates the opportunity for some of the best entertainment and escapism imaginable, and here are the best of the best (in no particular order).

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1. Tomb Raider (2018)

We are starting with one of the more recent releases here, but it has certainly already proved its worth despite only being released in March 2018. Alicia Vikander plays Lara Croft, the pick-ax-wielding archaeologist who is the protagonist of both the game and this movie. A traditional adventure, this film hit all the right spots with fans of the classic game and movie-goers who have never heard of the franchise before. The most exciting thing about this film is the way that it has pulled video game movies out of the shadows and into mainstream media, taking $274 million at the box office.

2. Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017)

The third installment of the Resident Evil film franchise, Vendetta is considered the most popular of them all. Featuring the fan favorites Leon S. Kennedy, Rebecca Chambers and Chris Redfield, this Japanese-directed horror flick perfects the mix of modern action movie and old-school horror by combining science-fiction with real-world elements. 

3. Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You (2017)

It may seem an unlikely choice, and many believe that Pokémon is a feature of childhood that would never work as a film. But it was unsurprising that this film was so popular, as according to Lottoland's article, the game industry in Japan was flourishing even as America's interest decreased. Shown in theaters for only four days in November 2017, this highly anticipated film version of the vastly popular Pokémon Nintendo games follows Ash and Pikachu's first meeting. There were issues with the film following its source material and staying true to the anime, too, but ultimately it was decided that it was a fun film that brought video game characters to life in new ways and is worth a watch for any Pokémon fan.

4. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (2010)

A star-studded affair, this film encapsulates what it means to be inside a video game. It follows a young fugitive prince and a plucky princess who are attempting to stop a villain that threatens to destroy the world with a dagger that has the ability to reverse time. Just reading the plot of this blockbuster movie gives you the feeling of excitement that fantasy adventure stories are designed to do.

5. The Angry Birds Movie (2016)

There was a time when everyone who owned a smartphone had Angry Birds downloaded on it. And so, to capitalize on that success, a movie that gave us the origins of those frustrated flappers was created. And, surprisingly, it was fairly successful; designed as a children's movie but marketed towards adults too, there is something for both parties and despite not being that sophisticated, you won't regret watching it. The main adjective for this video game movie is fun. 

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