Review of The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) by Michael C — 03 Nov 2009

For anyone who questions the idea that real tension can be generated through any scenario, no matter how frivolous, check out "The King of Kong." Like "Wordplay," the documentary about crossword puzzles from a few years back, this film is an edge-of-your seat ride, incredibly tense, despite the fact that the characters are simply vying for a Donkey Kong record. Yes, a meaningless record for a 30-year-old arcade game which few people even play anymore. No prize. No worldwide acclaim.

But the filmmakers are able to create outstanding portraits of the people involved, and we love/hate them so much that we want them to succeed/fail. Their lives, we come to understand, really do center around these games and competitions, and while there's not much at stake for viewers (I don't care about these records), we do identify with the gamers involved. After all, there are incredibly frivolous things in my own life that I care about immensely...nothing quite so nerdy as a Donkey Kong score, of course.

Amazing film. Funny and emotionally involving.