MovieChat Forums > Beta Test (2016) Discussion > Beta Test: My Honest Take

Beta Test: My Honest Take

posted 8 years ago by centinel822
8 replies | jump to latest

I sought out and watched Beta Test not because the subject matter appealed to me, but because either (1) it deserved the high scores it was receiving or (2) it was an impressive example of score manipulation on IMDb. I admit, the initial evidence pointed toward the latter. The grade distribution is crazy (find another movie with this many scores where more than 50% graded it a 9) and anyone suggesting that the movie was less than stellar was being accused of "not getting it" by reviewers who where either newbies or had never reviewed or commented on another film (as if a movie could be great, and yet not understood by people).

Now for my creds. I know this sounds douchey, but I want to establish that I am not a mouth-breathing idiot who doesn't understand nuance. I am Mensa-qualified (never joined), have an advanced degree from a respectable school, and am a voracious reader and film watcher. I will admit that from time to time I run into movies the leave me feeling a bit confused (such as Primer), but that does not mean I did not appreciate the movie itself. I watch all types of films, from horror to drama, from many countries. I understand that there are truly great low-budget films (Clerks, El Mariachi, etc.) but they are very few and far between.

So, the question remains -- does this movie deserve its current 7.2 rating? No, it does not. As most regular IMDb readers know, any fictional movie above 7.0 is generally considered excellent, and any non-drama above that line should be considered a "must see." The Equalizer and John Wick are examples of similar genre films that are rated 7.2. Saying Beta Test is comparable to those films is, quite frankly, laughable.

That is not to say that this is a horrible movie. The premise, while not mind-blowing, is interesting. While it trods familiar ground, it brings some fresh approaches. I would call it Gamer mixed with some thematic elements of Ender's Game. It is a low budget film with the resulting limitations -- the acting runs from passable to down-right atrocious (sorry, but the long-haired henchman is porn-level bad). There are a couple of small laughs (dialogue with the bank manager) and some half-decent fight scenes, including the long-take scene in the bank. The dialogue isn't so bad, generally, that it distracts the viewer, but it's not Shakespeare. Beta Test is, at its core, a watchable B-grade movie that I would rate somewhere around between 4.5 and 5.5 (certainly not a 1 or a 9). There are some huge plot holes (cops take about half an hour to respond to a bank robbery but a reporter is interviewing the bank manager about 3 minutes after the cops arrive???), and the final fight was ridiculous (the CEO is a ninja-level badass? Come on!). All in all, this is passable late night fare if you are into gaming. However, given the choice, I would suggest the similarly-aimed and far superior Hardcore Henry (or The Equalizer or John Wick).

[–] MirrorImagesLTD 8 years ago

Hey, thanks so much for that thoughtful review. It means a lot when anyone takes time to write up something like that for work I've done.

I hear you regarding the voter distribution. Reading these colorful discussions it sounds like this movie has somehow sparked some pretty vocal people on both sides, and I can only assume that as people who liked the film started voting, they saw all the 1 star votes and decided to try and course correct. Though I'm sure more votes will roll in over the next week that will balance the score out a bit.

Regarding the ridiculous action and plot, etc- that was all intentional, and I feel probably should have been better highlighted in the marketing. This film is an homage to 90s action movies with layers of social commentary baked in to give it some more weight and a unique blend of genres.

The plot is essentially Mario going to Bowser's castle to save Princess Peach. Many elements tribute the best and worst of 90s action films, including the over-the-top henchman, the villain caught monologuing who has hidden fighting skills, etc etc.

As I've read some user comments talking about only the action and the plot while not mentioning the added layers, it does make ME wonder as well whether or not my intentions with the film were made clear to some audiences who might otherwise dismiss it as just late night fare. I do think the elements are there, but perhaps, again, the marketing should have highlighted these elements more strongly.

I tried not to paint these things too directly, as there's nothing worse than a film that's trying to be this or trying to be that, so instead I aimed to tackle some serious subject matter and coat it in a tongue and cheek package- hoping that audiences would see and appreciate what I was trying to do.

The good news is, the reviews have been pretty heavily in the film's favor, and it seems the votes have been as well. I'm just thankful so many people ARE getting it.

Maybe try giving it another watch someday and come back with some more thoughts. Thanks for sharing :)

Nicholas

[–] centinel822 8 years ago

I always appreciate it when a director interacts with his audience, so thank you. I approached this film with no real marketing beyond some of the shouting going on in these comments, so I really didn't know what to expect. I admit, I am not a gamer, so I will cede that that specialized group might appreciate this film more than I do (much like Christians tend to overrate "feel-good" religious movies like Woodlawn and Indians overrate anything Indian). I get that your film is an homage to older Actioners and appreciate that, but let's face it, those movies, while undeniably fun, weren't that good to begin with.

I think you accomplished what you set out to do, and I have certainly seen directors do less with more. I recognize that this isn't a big budget movie, and take that into account. I don't mean to insult you when I refer to Beta Test as late-night fare -- I think that's a valid subset of movies in which I lump films like Bloodsport, Under Siege, and Robocop. It's a bit kitch, a lot over-the-top, and a the tone is sometimes inconsistent (the school scene, for example, while visceral and important to the plot, definitely took away from the "Mario Bros." aspect).

I don't really know what is going on with the voting, honestly. Clearly, there are mixed reviews. I just wanted to put my two cents in without resorting to either extreme. That said, I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

[–] MirrorImagesLTD 8 years ago

Well there you go... I grew up on those movies, and I think maybe the audiences that are liking the film might have as well. So, to those viewers, that tongue-in-cheek approach might be more appreciated.

I'd say, at least so far, the positive reviews are vastly outnumbering the negative. Just take a peek at the critic reviews posted. I think close to all of them share the perspective of the people who "got" this movie and enjoyed it for those reasons.

On another level I'm finding audiences enjoy it for the discussion about violence in media/society/games, and our desensitization to it as a culture, as well as the conspiracy elements and the twist on the gun control debate. On a deeper level, it was meant to be a bit socially relevant. So, I think many of those positive reviews are people who are enjoying that two-fold nature of the film.

On one hand you've got an homage to the cheesy movies of the 90s. On the other is a commentary on game culture and violence.

Obviously to a smaller group that wasn't clear or interesting. I'm finding most people who don't enjoy this film are people who tend to gravitate towards films like Fast and Furious or Taken as their examples of quality action entertainment. And while those films are certainly successful in their own right, Beta Test is certainly not trying to be anything like that. It's, in a perfect world, trying to be something a little deeper.

[–] centinel822 8 years ago

Well, I certainly appreciate your commitment to your craft, even if we do not see eye-to-eye on the nature of your work. I'll be honest with you, Nicholas, I'm not so much interested in the quality of your movie as to what the heck is going on with the support. I was more interested in figuring out why a film of, well, this objective quality was getting unnatural subjective support. As I pointed out in my initial post, the numbers just don't add up. Over 50% are giving it a 9 -- not a 10. That just seems odd, and I have never seen anything like it. We have all seen grade manipulation going on, but the more votes there are, the harder it is to control. Between that and the aggressive attacks against dissenting voices, it seems like some weird cult is pumping up your film.

You insinuate that the film appeals to a group, and you may be right. I doubt, very much, however, that the group is made of cinema-files. I took your advice and looked at the "reviews," and to be frank with you, calling most of those people "film critics" would be like calling the fry cook at McDonald's a chef. I notice that IMDb has linked to the prestigious reviewer "Slack Jaw Punks" (who, I believe, represents the microcosm of people who "get" this movie), but somehow forgot to link to the less-prestigious Variety, who referred to the film as "preposterous," and "nonsense" and called the intended viewers " B-movie fanatics with a deep-rooted fondness for the sort of ’80s direct-to-video concoctions that once littered shelves at Blockbuster outlets." The Irish Film Critic called it "trite and cartoonish." The Chicago Daily Herald stated the film "squanders a brilliantly inventive action premise with a comically silly disregard for necessary realism." Mike McGranagham at The Aisle Seat stated, "Beta Test is one of the stupidest movies I've seen in more than twenty years as a film critic." Reel Film News states, "the movie is so thoroughly ridiculous that you forget why you're watching." Yeesh. In fact, every reputable critic I could find hated the movie and yet there are no links to most on the reviewer page.

I am not busting your balls here, but IMDb is a website for movie buffs -- not for genre buffs. I just want people to be able to rely on IMDb's ratings. I do have a theory here. If you asked a group of Juggalos about the latest Insane Clown Posse album, I am sure they would all tell you it was brilliant, but I have no doubt that every decent music critic would tell you it was schlock. You have apparently latched on to a similar subset of movie viewers as ICP has done with its music. While the movie's "brewski"-drinking and "microwave burrito"-eating fan base (Variety's assessment, not mine) may have found the genius in your art, I do not believe the general public will agree with the assessment. Since IMDb is a source for the general public, I am writing this as a cautionary tale for the average movie fan to, as Public Enemy stated, "don't believe the hype."

That said, clearly some people enjoyed this film immensely. It is my sincerer hope that those types of people continue to find this movie, and that you continue making films. I am glad I watched your movie and will look forward to seeing you grow as a film-maker. You clearly have vision and drive.

[–] MirrorImagesLTD 8 years ago

First, there are many movies out there that have significantly higher votes in the 10-8 levels than below... that's why their ratings are higher... As to why the majority are choosing 9, I'm not sure, but I'm sure it'll balance out as time goes on and more people get a chance to see the movie and vote... the movie just came out. And as you should know, when movies first hit the most vocal supporters and detractors tend to speak first.

Feel free to add links to any reviews you find that aren't listed. After all, IMDB relies on updates from others. All those reviews were added by others. And while you might move to neglect the importance of these reviews, I'll dissent there. Established critics at outlets like Variety, etc. aren't always in tune with what audiences are responding to. The more grounded "movie geek" critics, I find to be far more reliable for what audiences will enjoy. That isn't to take away from the validity of opinions from major outlets like Variety, but look at how many arguably good films a lot of major outlets aren't responding to of late. There's certainly a disconnect at times. If someone writes thoughtful reviews for a film then they are a critic, regardless of what website its for.

Lastly, as a movie buff, I trust that you supported the industry you love and paid to watch this film, right? I would hate to be having a discussion of the validity of this film and whether or not its score is fair with someone who chose to pirate the film so many worked so hard to make.

[–] TheDarkKnightMatter 8 years ago

Sorry to burst your bubble but giving that right now it sits at 6.9 is complete BS. This movie is no where near a 6.9 rating. This movie deserves a 3.9 instead. Who ever rigged the ratings should be beaten to death. The movie is pure trash. If given a fair rating, I wouldn't be so offended with this pile of *beep*

BvS wasn't that great, but this movie is on par with it is beyond stupid. Everyone with an account that talks about it being a 90's homage film, makes me wonder if it's not the same person writing these positive reviews.

Don't get hurt kid. I'm not your daddy, I'll beat you senseless.

[–] Boudreaux76 8 years ago

This genius posted an IMDB avatar with a picture he took of his (not even brand new) BMW key, his android cell phone, and a GUN. That should say enough about what a tool he is. Just a word of advice - if you're going to show off what kind of car you have, at least make sure it isn't a car that's DATED.

This genius threatened to kill me, and threatened to attack others because they like a movie. Really? Like really? Do you have no friends? Can't you at least go to your mom's house so she can give you a cooking lesson? You know, do something productive.

Just because you don't get this movie and can't see what people are liking about it does not mean it's some giant conspiracy. Get over it.

Your account is going to be banned anyway so I guess we'll just listen to your unintelligent crap until then.

[–] cryogaijin-502-146121 8 years ago

I also appreciate your honest take.

I watched the movie, and found some aspects enjoyable, some over the top, and some ludicrous. I don't feel bad about giving the movie a 6.

For me 6 is "watchable but deeply flawwed."

The biggest flaw was, imo, the defend the school shooter scene. It didn't really tie in well to the story, and would probably have been the breaking point for many people.

There were many minor issues: Mistaking tactical vests for armor vests. Having the Beta Tester of The Year not using a wheel and pedal set for the driving sections. General use of the console controller at all. Console controllers lack the granularity you get with a mouse and keyboard, which is why most games either don't mix PC and console players, or they give the console players some sort of advantage. (Usually some form of aim assist.)

I enjoyed the bank scene (except I can't recall ever visiting a bank that had windows that opened. . .) but the Lobby scene didn't work for me. Too much of the security guards all waiting and attacking one at a time, and not enough believable incapacitations. For a good example of a similar scene, only better, check out the classroom scene at the beginning of Fist of Legend.

As centinel mentioned above, they totally broke police response times.

Also, you don't clang clang clang clang clang duel Katanas. They'll break. Especially *beep* replica ones.