Film explores high-tech eXistenZ

The summer theme of a technology-dominated world is carried on in the new sci-fi thrillereXistenZ .

In this adventurous flick, humans are the batteries of the future while a biological entity, which looks like it came out of a Star Trek episode, is the Nintendo of the future. This game console, called a "pod," plugs directly into the user's spinal cord via a "bioport," a hole in the user's spine.

The pod then uses the gamer's energy and nervous system to power the pod and run the game. Through this pod, the game is brought to life and the user actually experiences the game's scenario as it is played out.

Enthusiastic gamers have assembled in a crowded community hall to sample eXistenZ, the newest game from Allegra Geller, the much-loved creator of this and other games. Geller, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, is viewed as the gaming goddess and is asked to lead the test group through the world of eXistenZ.

Before the group can play the game, an assassin makes an attempt on Geller's life and damages her pod. Inside Geller's pod is the only copy of eXistenz, a game to which she devoted years of her life in making. Geller is then whisked away from the community hall by Ted Pikul (Jude Law), a low-ranking employee of Antenna Research, who is serving as a security guard for this event.

Once they are safe, for the moment, Geller convinces Pikul to play eXistenZ with her to make sure that the game is okay. While they are in this seemingly realistic gameworld, the real fun starts.

This movie jumps into the story without setting it up. It was often confusing and assumed that the audience knew what was happening without explaining it.

Although this plot is original and imaginative, it is unbelievable and slightly confusing because of the assumptions that the movie made. The supporting characters' performances are dry and it appears that the actors did not want to be there. Leigh's and Law's performances are acceptable, although the interaction between the two is cold and lacks energy and substance.

It is the surprise ending and the mysterious gameworld plot that make this movie bearable and worthy of at least a matinee showing.

The movie is rated R for adult situations, language and violence.