Dead Trigger

Dead Trigger (2017) is a low-budget American sci-fi action horror film loosely based on the popular mobile video game of the same name. Co-directed by Mike Cuff and Scott Windhauser, the film stars Dolph Lundgren as Captain Kyle Walker, a hardened soldier tasked with training a group of young gamers to battle zombies in a post-apocalyptic world.

The story is set in the near future, where a mysterious virus has wiped out a large portion of the human population, turning the infected into mindless, flesh-eating zombies. In a desperate attempt to combat the crisis, the government creates a virtual reality video game called Dead Trigger, which simulates the outbreak. The twist? It’s actually a recruitment tool. The top players are drafted into a special forces program to fight the real undead on the front lines. A team of these elite gamers is led by Captain Walker on a mission to find a group of missing scientists who may hold the key to a cure.

Despite an interesting premise, the film is plagued with production problems. Original director Mike Cuff reportedly left the project after just two days due to creative differences. The original screenplay, which aimed for a satirical tone with retro horror flair and a synth-heavy soundtrack, was scrapped. The final product bears little resemblance to the source material, apart from the title.

Critics were overwhelmingly negative in their reception. The film was criticized for its wooden acting, weak script, and cheap special effects. Many reviewers pointed out that it squandered its video game-inspired potential and instead delivered a generic zombie movie full of clichés and poorly choreographed action. The plot is predictable, the characters are one-dimensional, and the world-building feels half-baked. What could have been a fun and self-aware zombie romp instead takes itself far too seriously, stripping away any opportunity for humor or originality.

Dolph Lundgren brings some star power to the film, but even his performance feels flat and uninspired. The rest of the cast, which includes Autumn Reeser, Romeo Miller, and Isaiah Washington, struggles with underdeveloped roles and clunky dialogue. The zombies themselves lack menace, and the action sequences are often hindered by low-quality CGI and repetitive choreography.

There are a few moments where the film shows glimpses of its original vision. Some of the practical makeup effects are serviceable, and the idea of recruiting gamers to fight real-world threats has a certain appeal. However, these elements are buried under poor pacing, inconsistent tone, and a story that lacks cohesion or depth.

Released in a limited number of theaters and on-demand platforms, Dead Trigger failed to make an impression with audiences and quickly faded into obscurity. It’s rarely mentioned among zombie film enthusiasts or fans of video game adaptations, largely regarded as a missed opportunity.

In conclusion, Dead Trigger is a film that fails to capitalize on its potential. With a promising concept undermined by weak execution, it offers little for fans of the genre. Unless you're a die-hard Dolph Lundgren fan or a collector of zombie cinema, this is one to skip.