A video game obsessed store clerk accidentally unleashes an ancient evil through an unreleased game from the eighties. Now he and his friends have to defeat the evil force and bring peace back to their town and the world.
Max (Tom Plumley) and his friends Liz (Hassie Harrison) and Reggie (Joey Morgan) spend most of their time gaming, even while working. Thankfully they all work at a used video game store run by Chuck (Kevin Smith), who is just as game obsessed as they are. While Max is working the late shift, a mysterious man in a suit drops off a box filled with old gaming equipment. As Max sifts through the box, he finds an unreleased game from his favorite developer Eugene Wylder (Greg Grunberg), that was thought to be lost forever.
Max takes the gaming equipment home and boots it up, recording the gameplay for everyone to see. He finishes the game he’s waited his whole life to play in one sitting. Wanted everyone to have the experience, and become a gaming legend, he decides to upload it onto his website.
When he arrives at work the next day, his friends can’t believe he actually got to play this long lost video game.
Things take a turn when Reggie begins to play. Max and Liz suddenly see their best friend turn into something else. His eyes turn red, and he starts charging after them. As they’re trying to escape their friend, a man bursts through the door and shoots Reggie with a laser type gun. Whatever was controlling him leaves his body, and Reggie comes back to himself.
The man turns out to be Eugene Wylder; he explains that the game is controlled by The Harbinger, a demonic force that possesses whoever is playing the game. They attempt to destroy the game, but Max’s rival copied the code and releases it, and evil quickly spreads through their small town. Max and his friends team up with Eugene to defeat The Harbinger and save the world.
Let’s get this out of the way; this movie is cheesy, but that’s what makes it awesome. This film doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s what I enjoyed about it. You can tell the cast had a great time together, and that everyone involved was there because they wanted to be.
The only word that can describe this movie is fun. Max Reload is a passion project that panders to fans. There are video game and movie references littered throughout the film. Sure it’s cheesy and low-budget, but that’s the charm of the movie. It’s not trying to be some epic blockbuster. It’s a love letter to geek culture and a throwback to the ’80s with a modern twist. And even though it’s a small film, it has many big names and great cameos.
The main cast of younger actors were fantastic, and they were all given moments to shine. A standout for me was Harrison as Liz because she did well with what she was given, which wasn’t much. She gave that character an extra life when it could have easily faded into the background. I also enjoyed Reggie. He has a great sidekick moment that really tugs on the heartstrings.
This is a low budget film, but it hides it well. The CGI is decent and the 8bit transition sequences are adorable. My biggest gripe is some scenes look a bit out of focus, but not enough to take me out of the film.
In conclusion, Max Reload may not be for everyone, but that’s the point. This is one of those unexpectedly good movies. It’s not a big-budget action flick, but if you’re feeling nostalgic for the eighties and you’re a fan of video games, you’ll probably enjoy this. I know I had a smile on my face from start to finish.
Review: Max Reload and the Nether Blasters
Score
Review Nation Score
This is a super cheesy movie, but that's part of the charm. The CGI is decent, but there are a few scenes that look a bit out of focus. That being said, It's a great little movie with a ton of throwbacks that will have you smiling from start to finish.
