Set in the near future, a time when mind-control technology has taken society by storm. Humans control other humans in a mass-scale, multiplayer online game. Reclusive billionaire Ken Castle has created the controversial form of entertainment, "Slayers," a hugely popular game that allows millions to act out their innermost desires and fantasies -- online -- in front of a global audience. Gaming has evolved into a terrifying new dimension-mind control-manipulation-people playing people. At the center is Kable, the superstar and cult hero of "Slayers," the savage, ultra-violent first person shooter game. Kable is controlled by Simon, a young gamer with rock star status who continues to defy all odds by guiding Kable to victory each week. Taken from his family, imprisoned and forced to fight against his will, the modern day gladiator must survive long enough to escape the game to free his family, regain his identity and to save mankind from Castle's ruthless technology. - skip ad - Genres: Action/Adventure and Thriller Running Time: 1 hr. 45 min. Release Date: September 4th, 2009 (wide) MPAA Rating: R for frenetic sequences of strong brutal violence throughout, sexual content, nudity and language. Distributor: Lionsgate, Lakeshore International Cast And Credits Starring: Gerard Butler, Amber Valletta, Michael C. Hall, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Kyra Sedgwick Directed by: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor Produced by: Eric Reid (II), David Scott Rubin, Michael Paseornek

If you thought that Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (the brain trust behind the “Crank” franchise) had already plumbed the basement of bad taste, be prepared to discover the sub-basement: “Gamer,” a futuristic vomitorium of bosoms and bullets.

Set in a society where pornographic and punitive fantasies are indulged through online games featuring live avatars, “Gamer” pretends to care about Kable (Gerard Butler), the taciturn star of a self-explanatory game called Slayers.

Desperate to neutralize the technology in his brain, along with its billionaire creator (Michael C. Hall), Kable escapes the game environment by stealing a truck and filling the tank with alcohol and urine. (Mr. Neveldine and Mr. Taylor may share the directing instincts of a nerd on house arrest, but they could have a lucrative future in the renewable-energy field.)

Edited to invoke grand mal seizures (the opposite of what you might expect from an editor named Doobie White), “Gamer” is happiest when shadowing the rear of Amber Valletta (playing Kable’s wife and a reluctant sexbot avatar). But as the audience’s surrogate is an obese shut-in sweatily masturbating to Ms. Valletta’s various humiliations, her artistic contributions are finally more depressing than titillating.

In the press materials Mr. Butler informs us enthusiastically that the movie “has all the hallmarks of Neveldine’s and Taylor’s sick, yet genius minds.” At least he’s half right.

“Gamer” is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). Women lift their shirts, and men lower their IQs.