Review of The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) by Aaron P — 23 Jun 2009

Some documentaries try to pretend that they are above being entertainment or being "interesting". Others try to stuff their subjects with meaning instead of letting the current of reality to carry the story.

"The King of Kong" is NOT one of those documentaries. While not great in all regards, the film does a really good job telling a story with the facts it has been given. The story line is not forced, the "characters" seem genuine and real.

..because they are genuine and real! There are lines in the film that no writer could have thought of, and the characters have a depth beyond what many actors could portray. What is amazing about this film is that you will find yourself totally enwrapped in what's going on, despite wether or not you find video games interesting or not.

The director does a great job of bring out surprising Western tones of "good vs. evil" or "David vs. Goliath" within the story (his aspect is shadowed by the title's nod to a classic western movie).

My brother Josh put it well when he wrote in his review, "A great view of the struggle of one man's dream and the deception of another to keep his own." Overall, "The King of Kong" could be enjoyed by many.

..and it should be.