Who ever thought that a little bitty documentary about a top score on a 1980's video game would ever be worth watching? I have enjoyed such classic games as Pac Man, Ms. Pac Man, Dig Dug, Centipede, and even the most popular title of the era, Donkey Kong. There is, however, a fine line between enjoyment and addiction, and although all addictions are not necessarily unhealthy, the level to which some of these players take it to will simply astound you.
On the surface, King of Kong is a documentary about Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe, who happen to be two of the greatest Donkey Kong players ever to grasp a joystick. The film documents the lives and stories of these two men as they battle back and forth for top score and ultimately world record honors. We, as viewers, are also given a peek inside the window of the competitive gaming industry itself as much attention is paid to Twin Galaxies, the organization that keeps all the world record scores for pinball and video games.
This is a documentary of awesome proportions. I am not sure if it is the editing, or the production, but this thing comes together splendidly and leaves viewers desperately wanting more! The film makers here do a great job of portraying drama, building suspense, and playing the characters off of each other. The way the battle plays out between Steve and Billy is the stuff of legend and this documentary really makes you feel the good versus evil rivalry. Most viewers will surely want to punch Billy’s lights out by the time the end credits roll. For those of you who would automatically discount a film about classic video gaming, I would urge/beg you to reconsider. It would be a great injustice to deprive yourself of such a fun time.
Although to the uninformed eye, this film is simply about video games, there is definitely something deeper going on here that you will surely pick up on once you watch. This thing really touches on the heart individual psychology and just exactly how winning-obsessed our culture has become. Watch this movie. Please.
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