The pitch for the Gears of War movie must have been challenging. It's a mixed bag. On one hand, the draw of the franchise rests entirely on the gameplay. No one watches longplays or lore videos. This is an experience for the person holding the controller. Conversely, the visual component of the action can be spectacular. A film adaptation needs something beyond fire and blood to succeed. Ironically, the fact that war is the only string to Gears' bow is a narrative statement within itself.