FuzzyTagz
If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
Zlatica
One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
Dana
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
firetoys
Billy Tempest was one of the Main financial investers for Twin Galaxies. If you really want to waste your time on something. Watch this.. Not much of a story, other than the fact he was a cheater. And he manipulated a good arcade into ruining their reputation as a place to hold arcade world records..
zkonedog
Usually, the appeal of video games is "man vs. machine". In this documentary, however, it is reconstituted as "man vs. man" when an arrogant old champion is challenged by an "everyman" competitor on perhaps the most difficult arcade game of all-time: Donkey Kong.For a basic plot summary, "The King of Kong" starts out with a bit of history of the Donkey Kong game, as well the rise to dominance of one Billy Mitchell, who owned the high score for more than two decades. However, in the deep recesses of his garage, middle school science teacher Steve Wiebe begins putting together a run of his own at the high score. The resulting conflict is between Mitchell (the egotistical, reclusive jerk) and Wiebe (just a guy who wants to be the best) played out on the arcade joystick.There are two simple reasons why this is such a great documentary:First, the nostalgia factor. Even if you have never played a video game in your life, you have probably heard of Donkey Kong, and for those who remember it well this doc will bring back a flood of memories.Secondly, this is a human-drama story at its heart, complete with heroes, villains, and even moderators (a video game ref!) to separate the two. Over something so trivial as a video game, a truly emotional human-interest struggle results, making you really care about the major players (one way or the other) in the end.So, while "King of Kong" will obviously appeal the most to hard-core gamers (especially those who grew up in that era), it can also at least be appreciate by those just looking for a compelling, fun, interesting documentary. It has all the drama of a Hollywood production...but in real life.
pkwest17
This film takes what many believe to be a simple enjoyment into a whole other realm of competition, deception, and overall brutality found in the cult of arcade gamer life. Although this is a documentary, director Seth Gordon creates an unraveling tale that could be found in today's blockbuster hits. Steve Wiebe is categorized as the typical underdog character that the audience, and Gordon himself, can't help but root for the entire way through. Conversely, Billy Mitchell is staged as the major villain, who seems to be more of a challenge than Donkey Kong itself. The film is captivating, utilizing dramatic editing and drawn-out scenes in order to not spare the audience from the heat these men are facing. The drama stirred up by these 40- something year old men is hilarious and no more mature than a group of hyperactive middle school girls. The candid moments for not only Steve and Billy, but for all those associated with the history being made, is nothing short of comic genius. The characters are developed, explored, and engaging, struggling with more than just a competition, but on a statement of what it means to be top dog. The film is molded around a seemingly simple plot, however, the people involved and the situations they face are complex and relatable to anyone who's ever wanted to be the very best.
HoverDonkey
As a lover of vintage video games, and having grown up through their development, I have a nostalgic passion for the likes of Pac Man, Space Invaders, Asteroids, Scramble and Battlezone.This documentary brings all that flooding back, but adds real drama and intrigue. Like Star Wars, there is an obvious Dark Side and Light Side, but the outcome is never obvious.Being a sceptical sort, I'm not going to commit without rigorous study, but this movie sure shows the perils associated with trusting evidence without scientific scrutiny.Who am I to judge whether the movie presents a balanced interpretation? All I can say is that this movie is gripping, fun, human and educational.Enjoy.
