I first came across the idea of a fully immersive cinema experience in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, and despite the best efforts of the latest 3D movies, it has yet to materialise and remains firmly within the realms of science fiction. Ghost Machine is another example of virtual reality that uses a head device, such as in Strange Days, except this time it is a device used for simulated military training.

When computer geek Tom (Sean Faris) decides to take the main computer away from the military base for the weekend so he and his mates can smoke some dope and play a highly advanced FPS in an old abandoned prison that was previously used for interrogating (as in torturing) suspected terrorists, they discover that there is literally a ghost in the machine and it is seeking revenge.

It's an interesting concept that is competently executed (like most of the characters) if rather implausible. What is most puzzling is the casting, which includes two Australians and an American. I suspect a lot of this has to do with the funding and marketing of this Irish co-production, to give it an international appeal, for both the backers and the audience.

For a low-budget, independent British sci-fi thriller it is engaging and worth checking out, just don't expect any groundbreaking originality.

Ghost Machine is out now from Anchor Bay and available from Play for £6.99 and from all good retailers.