Review of The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) by Kalel J — 27 Apr 2011

Rivalry, pride, and status in the modern battlefield of circuitry and joysticks; 'The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters' is both a nostalgic look at the grounding of a modern entertainment revolution and a classic portrayal of the humbled hero against the empirical antagoniser. Filmic quailties in its depiction of these people and this setting is what pushes this story of simplicity to greater heights. Allowing what is essentially a battle for numbers to morph into a test of character in a person and a show of determination against the uncertainties of fraud in a system, the barriers of an established community, and self doubt. Classical story and character elements are used to great effect in giving the documentary - a retelling of straight facts and lives - into a genuine story of loss and triumph.

But what sets the film into murky (though interesting) territory is its picturing of these lives. The clear painting of Billy Mitchell - the former champion - as a cunning schemer afraid of losing is only the start. The further dragging of the community around him is the ultimate test. The film almost seems at times to make an antagonist of the game community as a whole, with its hero - Steve Wiebe - the man of justice. But we are reminded of it as just a game as a hobby, though a game can turn into an addiction.