Like some of the players it showcases, earns a nearly perfect score...funny, poignant, surprising and satisfying from beginning to end.
The King Of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:93
Fresh:90
Rotten:3
Average Rating:8.1/10
Consensus: The King of Kong is funny and compelling with more than a few poignant insights into human behavior. Director Seth Gordon presents the dueling King Kong players in all their obsessive complexity and with perfectly al dente observations.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for a brief sexual reference.
Runtime: 90 mins
Genre: Education/General Interest
Theatrical Release:06-06-2008
Synopsis: There's more drama in this small documentary than in most serious Oscar contenders. A marriage is on the line, integrity is tested, and friendships falter--all in the name of a video game called... There's more drama in this small documentary than in most serious Oscar contenders. A marriage is on the line, integrity is tested, and friendships falter--all in the name of a video game called DONKEY KONG. THE KING OF KONG may inspire both tears and frustrated sighs, but it's most remarkable for its humor. In the same vein as WORDPLAY and SPELLBOUND, this is a hilarious documentary that enlightens as it entertains. Billy Mitchell is a towering figure in the world of classic video games such as DONKEY KONG and PAC-MAN. He has held records in several games, and his high score in DONKEY KONG (considered the toughest of the old titans) has been unbeaten for decades. But newcomer Steve Wiebe finds purpose in the game after losing his job, and discovers his natural aptitude at the game. The amiable Steve is just as likely to win the "nice guy of the year" award as he is to best Billy's record, and this film casts him as a classic hero that viewers love to root for. While Steve is an audience favorite, Billy is a Machiavellian mastermind that rivals any villain from a narrative film. Even though some might argue that the Super Bowl or NCAA tournament is more important, the competition in THE KING OF KONG rivals the most exciting in sports. Thanks to the film's wonderful characters, it's easy to get involved in the drama. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and the people who populate THE KING OF KONG are as fascinating as any screenwriter's creation. [More]
Director: Seth Gordon
Director: Seth Gordon
Producer: Ed Cunningham
Composer: Craig Richey
Studio: Picturehouse
Reviews for The King Of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
Kong has more humor, more drama and more humanity than all of the summer's top 10 movies combined and even delivers some sly commentary on how out of whack American priorities have become.
One of the smartest documentaries of the year, and easily the funniest.
One of the most fascinating films of the year, and it deserves an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary.
A pretty great trip down memory lane, even if you were one of the cool kids who managed to avoid the arcade scene.
The film magnificently, and almost inadvertently, captures the story of the American Dream.
A stupendously entertaining nonfiction film concerning the cutthroat battle for world records on coin-operated arcade games.
These two go after the record like they're Cal Ripken, and in the competitive community that surrounds the gaming world, no one would call them 'losers.' Just heroes.
The King of Kong is a twisty, wildly entertaining film, and this comes to you from a guy who cares so little about Kong that he had to Google it to make sure it's correct to refer to it as a video game.
Take maniacal classic video game champion Billy Mitchell, questionable video game world-record organization Twin Galaxies and unemployed dad Steve Wiebe vying to usurp the champ and you've got a great story.
Like all great documentaries, this one transcends its subject matter, so that in the end, it's not just about two guys who play videogames, but about the nature of competition, how we cope with winning and losing and what that tells us about ourselves.
When a gamer tears up over a loss or a records auditor declares the significance of his role in the process ("I see world records set in my room every day"), the film creates characters out of clips, asks viewers to participate in story arcs.
Not since 300 have I seen such manly mano-a-manoing as the iron clash of wills in the documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.
About ethics and personal character as much as it is about the weird world of die-hard arcade gaming.
...a fascinating portrait of polar opposites driven by different needs within a freakish world of nerdy obsessives. One not need give a hoot about video games to enjoy this taught, tense and thoroughly entertaining documentary.
Seth Gordon's portrait of obsessive classic arcade game players finds high drama and murky intrigue in the competition for the Donkey Kong world record.
Latest News for The King Of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
November 28, 2008:
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November 17, 2008:
Seth Gordon Talks King of Kong Remake ![]()
"King of Kong" director Seth Gordon has moved into the big time with "Four Christmases" -- but, as he tells Collider, he isn't done with "Kong" just yet. More...
August 07, 2008:
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One documentary from the US last year spoke to avid videogamers more than any other, and in the process told a brilliantly human story about good, evil and Donkey Kong. In this... More...
January 28, 2008:
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