Doom ** (2005, Karl Urban, The Rock, Rosamund Pike, Razaaq Adoti) – Classic Movie Review 13,875

Andrjez Bartkowiak’s 2005 sci-fi action horror film Doom is loosely based on id Software’s video game series, and stars Karl Urban, The Rock, Rosamund Pike and Raz Adoti.

Director Andrjez Bartkowiak’s 2005 science fiction action horror film Doom is loosely based on id Software’s video game series, and stars Karl Urban, The Rock, Rosamund Pike, and Razaaq Adoti.

In the story, a troop of military are sent in on a rescue mission to a facility on Mars to lay waste to a bunch of blood-thirsty people-changing aliens, scary demon-like creatures.

The video game makes an in-your-face, simple-minded movie very like the 2002 film Resident Evil, just one long succession of shootings and killings, linked by a situation rather than any coherent story.

A strong, forceful, sympathetic presence, Karl Urban makes the most of his star role as the hero John ‘Reaper’ Grimm,, though it is surprising this is The Rock’s best offer as as Sgt Asher ‘Sarge’ Mahonin, the unit boss who turns into the baddie Urban has to confront: it’s a one-dimensional part he can’t do anything with except be there. Maybe it’s not his fault, but his Golden Raspberry Award nomination is understandable.

The dialogue in the screenplay by David Callaham and Wesley Strick is risible, but, to be charitable, that may be intentional, though that’s far from clear. Tony Pierce-Roberts’ photography is suitably flashy, making the most of the film’s two or three impressive sets.

Overall, it’s just about adequate, but how did Doom zoom to number one movie in the US and Canada on the week of its release?

In the US and Canada, the film grossed $28.2 million and grossed $30.5 million internationally, totalling a disappointing $58.7 million worldwide, against a budget of $60 million – $70 million.

The cast

The cast: Karl Urban, The Rock, Rosamund Pike, DeObia Oparei, Ben Daniels, Raz Adoti [Razaaq Adoti], Richard Brake, Al Weaver, Dexter Fletcher, Brian Steele, Doug Jones, Yao Chin, Robert Russell.

Universal released a direct-to-video sequel titled Doom: Annihilation in 2019.

 © Derek Winnert 2026 – Classic Movie Review 13,875

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