I hope I don't get flamed for going against the popular opinion as I'm seeing by the first page responses (I don't think Jeff should attack two of the best selling games of this generation, lol =P), but I think Jeff is right.
I don't think GOW's story is deep by no means. But IMHO, whenever there was a thread asking "What game would you like to be made into a movie?" I quickly replied GOW, along with possibly Splinter Cell (which has a different reason).
GOW has a "Gladiator" kind of plot. It's simple, it's interesting, the characters are 2D but well defined and have distinguishing qualities, has a cool plot twist (?), and is very very dramatic and thematic.
(Spoilers)
I don't know if finding out Kratos killed his family is a "twist", but it was just dramatic as hell when you see the well animated cut scene with him kneeling over the only thing he had left after literally giving up his life, and finding out how he got white skin and the title: "The Ghost of Sparta".
Whereas it takes 4 games, to clear up the confusing and awkward story in MGS4.
GOW has few weird moments that are exclusive to video games (the only thing I felt was weird was the thunder bolt thing at the end of GOW, along with small touches with the dialogues between Ares and Kratos. GOW II had a couple more, although I don't remember them all) and just feels like a straightforward action flick.
Would I expect a GOW film to be an Oscar winner, teach us a life lesson, or a different perspective/philosophy on life? Hell no. I expect a kick ass film that focuses on exciting action, enticing sex appeal, and is held up by a simple, thematic, and decent story.
And Jeff is right, all the other games have kick ass action, but they don't have that foundation of coherent/simple story that can be transferred to the medium of a film.
However to be fair, I feel like games shouldn't have to be measured up against films, nor should films be seen as the "default" medium. Games and books are able to tell a story longer than 2-3 hours, and games have the unique ability to let players choose their own story.
