Retro games have an appeal that even their AAA titles on the Playstation 4 and XBOX One can’t quite compete with. Things for the original Nintendo Entertainment System, and before, contain a portal back to childhood that’s pretty singular. In crafting a sci-fi film that pays tribute to those sort of games, Max Reload and the Nether Blasters manages to pull off something fairly unique. It won’t necessarily be for everyone, but gamers and those who appreciate the games of an era past will find it pretty clever. Even beyond that crowd, it’s just a solid little action comedy that’s vying for your attention this weekend. The movie is a mix of action and comedy, filtered through a science fiction lens. Set in a small town, video game store clerk and gaming expert Max Jenkins (Tom Plumley) is about to discover a killer game. Long a devotee of the Nether Game series, a copy of the legendary lost sequel arrives at his store, leading him to think that it’s his lucky day. Instead, playing the game unlocks a “Curse of the Ages” and releases an ancient evil force called the Nether, rising from the cartridge and preying upon his town. Teamed up with best friends Liz (Hassie Harrison), Reggie (Joey Morgan), and the game’s reclusive creator (Greg Grunberg), Max is going to need to beat the game before it’s too late. Scott Conditt and Jeremy Tremp team up to direct a screenplay they also collaborated on (the pair also edits). Jesse Mitchell composes the score, while Tramp also handles the cinematography. Supporting players include Martin Kove, Joseph D. Reitman, Lin Shaye, Kevin Smith, Wil Wheaton, and more. Despite not having much in the way of a budget, filmmakers Scott Conditt and Jeremy Tremp think outside the box and manage to stretch things as best they can. The visuals are limited, to be sure, but the script is clever, the nerd-crowd supporting players like Greg Grunberg, Kevin Smith, and Wil Wheaton lend some solid humor, while Tom Plumley is a strong lead (reminding me a lot of Nat Wolff, actually). Hassie Harrison also has a vibe that suggests she could be a star. It all helps to give Conditt and Tremp the ammunition they need to succeed with their ambitious idea. Max Reload and the Nether Blasters is not just a tribute to old games. It’s also is a love letter […]