DVD review: Halo 4: Foward Unto Dawn: The best film to be based on a video game

Video games are a firm fixture in the modern world. They are as much of the modern world as the car, the telephone, and the microwave. Society has embraced games to the point that many of them are commonalities among everyday life. Games like Pac Man, Super Mario, and Mortal Kombat changed the world and made video games more than a past time but a part of the culture. They are at the very heart of the passion for gamers. Over the last decade, Mircrosoft’s Halo has developed one of the biggest and more devout followings that any game has during its same time span. The Halo universe is a multifaceted world that extends beyond the console. It spans game, books, and now movies. Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn is a insightful, engaging convergence of gaming and film making. It’s a heroic story coming of age story that delves deep into the motivations behind war. This perspective on the Halo universe emphasizes on the earliest stages of the epic conflict between humanity and the alien race, the Covenant. It is the second attempt to utilize the fanatical following that the Halo universe has created by conjoining of video gaming and entertainment. The film stars Tom Green (Thirst), Anna Popwell (The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy), Enisha Brewster (Footloose 2011), Daniel Cudmore (X-Men: The Last Stand), Ayalet Zura (Angels and Demons), and Ian Belcher (Radio Rebel).
“Dawn” is the first live action attempt at bringing the Halo universe to film. It shows the earliest stages of the combat with the covenant and the introduction of the Spartans. This is a daring, tale of sacrifice, devotion, and heroism that shows a group of young cadets maturing right before your eyes. It gives an alternate, inside look into one of the multiple aspects of the Halo universe. It does a great job at implementing multiple aspects of the game into film. It really feels like an extension of the game. Weapons, vehicles and even some of the music are used to fully submerge the viewer and give them a true Halo experience.
“Dawn” is a touching inside perspective at the trials of war. It delves into the fight at the center of the story of Halo; mankind’s war against the Covenant. The film occurs in the midst of the main story of the Halo universe. It is told through a flashback as the events of Halo 4 are taking shape. The bulk of this film is told through the eyes of General Lasky. He is one of commanding officers by the time of Halo 4 but this film occurs as he attends Corbello Training academy UNSC. Lasky is one of three members of the Lasky family that has been affectd by the war. His mother and brother are in active duty. Lasky’s turbulent history gives insight into the dedication that it took
Forward Unto Dawn is directly connected with the Halo 4 video game. The opening mirrors the opening of the game. It’s a great precursor to it. Hardcore fans of the game will quickly fall in love and pick up on the intro. The stars of the Halo universe, Cortana and Master Chief (John 117) are not the focus of this adventure but as in the prior film, their presence is felt. It also features other characters such as the Halo ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper)
Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn is a real good direct to DVD movie. I was very impressed. It completely submerses its audience into the Halo universe but maintains all of the elements of a good film. It’s enjoyable enough to grab a hold of any movie lovers attention. It is easily one of the best films of its kind. It’s right on par with the other classic game to film movies like Resident Evil. In actuality, this film is close to being the best film ever made based on a video game. A must see for fans of the game and it even crosses over and becomes just a good movie.

DVD review: Halo 4: Forward Unto DawnDVD review: Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn