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| Movie Review: The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters Alternate Title: Captain Video
Story: The drama, intrigue,
alliances, passions and long held grudges in the competitive world of
video gamers makes for some terrific entertainment in this fun documentary
by director Seth Gordon. Who knew that Donkey Kong, introduced
as one of the first of the video games back in 1982, has loyal followers,
world record holders, referees and self-appointed watch dogs to assure
that all is Kosher? This fun film covers the history of the game,
all the major characters involved over the years and introduces us to
the rivalry between the egotistical, never a hair out of place, Billy
Mitchell, Donkey Kong's 20 year world champion and Steve
Wiebe, an extremely likable family man and science teacher
from Seattle who wants to chllenge Mitchell's record. Allegiances are
drawn quickly and, like Rocky, you just can't help rooting for the underdog. I will not spoil any of the fun for you but do
stay for the closing credits. Acting: This is a documentary so it is not applicable
but some of the characters seem to be right out of central casting.
Predilection: Absolutely none other than the fact
that I like documentaries. I have never ever played a video game in
my life.
Critters: Does the monkey in Donkey Kong count?
Food: No time for gourmet eating while gaming. The
only food I saw was pizza and Ricky's BBQ sauce, the company that Billy
Mitchell seems to own. Sex Spectrum: Surely this category does not exist
in the geeky world of video gamers except for one of the crazies who
is on the fringes of the gamers society.
Blatant Product Placement: Nintendo, Nike shirts
worn by many of the players and the aforementioned Ricky's BBQ sauce.
Visual Art: The manic visuals of video games does
nothing for my aesthetic sense.
Theater Audience: A handful of laughing fans who
seemed to know more of the in jokes than I did.
Weather: Arcades have no weather.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 3
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I was entertained throughout.
Predictability Level: I was hopeful - but was not
sure of the outcome.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental is a fine way to go.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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