It’s only a matter of time until most good video games are in development as films. Tonight’s addition to the list is Sony and Sucker Punch’s inFamous for the PlayStation 3. Sheldon Turner has signed a deal with Sony Pictures to adapt the video game based on his pitch, even before Sony’s officially acquired the rights. That surely won’t be a problem though, as Sony’s gaming division published the title. Turner’s previous credits are on The Longest Yard and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning while he co-wrote Jason Reitman’s next film, Up in the Air. He’s also attached to a fairly wide array of other projects in development.
The game’s story begins when Cole, a bike messenger, arrives at his destination only to learn that the package he’s carrying is a unique kind of bomb, the Ray Sphere. It detonates, destroying several city blocks but Cole survives and discovers the blast has imbued him with abilities based on electricity. As the post-catastrophe city is quarantined and descends into gang-controlled anarchy, Cole is approached by several people within the government, with varying motives, who are searching for the powerful device that caused the blast. In exchange for escape from the city, he hunts for the Ray Sphere alongside his friend Zeke while attempting to make amends with his girlfriend, whose sister died in the blast. Several twists and turns follow as Cole learns more about the Ray Sphere, the gang leaders and the agents with whom he’s cooperating.
I thought the story was pretty sweet even if some of the plot details and dialogue were on the weak side. I could see this becoming a big tentpole film with huge action sequences. The framework’s there for a good screenwriter to work off, but I have no idea if Turner is that guy. Even if the movie gets made and sucks, hopefully we’ll at least get a video game sequel that continues the desperately-in-need-of-continuing storyline.
