Avalon

Occupying a hazardous fantasy war zone located somewhere between David Cronenberg's eXistenZ and the Matrix trilogy, Mamoru Oshii's Avalon is an ambitious Japanese entry in the subgenre of virtual reality thrillers. Combining live-action set in a dystopian near future (filmed in Poland with a largely Polish cast) and digital imagery set within an addictive, state-sponsored virtual combat game called Avalon, this sluggishly paced but visually dazzling film is another brainteaser from the director of the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. The action focuses on a maverick Avalon ace named Ash (played by the lovely Polish actress Malgorzata Foremniak) who advances to the game's highest and most mysterious level, "Class Real," a virtual world so exciting and seductively convincing that some addicted players--called "the Unreturned"--remain helplessly stuck there until their inevitable deaths. As with the Matrix trilogy, Avalon is more intriguing in premise than execution; filled with hushed tones and heavy-handed portent, it's the kind of movie that only game-addled teenagers could take seriously. Still, the amber-hued ruins of Oshii's virtual landscape are oddly alluring as a means of escape--a warning from Oshii, perhaps, that even the most exciting virtual reality is a trap that can ruin the lives of those who fall into it willingly--although it's doubtful that X-Box or PlayStation-addicted viewers will heed the warning. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include a solid audio commentary by the director and executive producer Frank Doelger, as well as cast and crew text bios. Bottom line: a small extras package for a small but winning film.] (J. Shannon)