Film Review: The King of Kong

Just writing this review is probably going to say a lot about my level of geek. I just finished watching The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. It is a documentary about the world of competitive arcade gaming and the rivalry that developed between two players competing for the world record in Donkey Kong. Please insert 25 cents to continue.

My love of gaming was part of the reason I was drawn to the film, but the reason I watched it actually was due to the recommendation of a friend. I am so glad that I listened. The King of Kong is a fascinating documentary that actually kept me on the edge of my seat more than many suspense films. Let me give a little background about the film and the world it takes place in.

Today when someone says ‘Donkey Kong’ it usually brings to mind a character Super Smash Bros., or another similar Nintendo game. Some of the more veteran players will recall the Donkey Kong series on the Super Nintendo. The actual origins of the character go back all the way to 1981, in the arcade game titled for the now famous ape. The title was also the first appearance of universally beloved Mario, though he was then called Jumpman. It is this original arcade cabinet which is the focus of the documentary. Rather, it is the cabinet that is the cornerstone in a battle of skill and dedication we get the privilege to witness during the movie.

The movie does an excellent job providing background information through interviews, so even if you have never touched a joystick you can quickly get brought up to speed. This allows the developing story to be followed in a very full context. Due to this presentation we can truly identify with the participants, even though they may be completely different. It also guarantees that the film is appealing and entertaining to all viewers, even those outside of the gaming world.

In fact, the experience a new world is one of the great achievements of The King of Kong. Just as in many other “underground” hobbies, there is an entire community that the viewer is completely immersed in. It is not just a group of nerds playing videogames…it is that, but it is also much more. This is a glimpse into a world that not many people live inside. It is a nationwide collection of individuals who commit their lives to their craft. There are no drafts. There are no steroids. There are no signing bonuses. In fact, there is rarely even a paycheck. These guys play for nothing other than pride and a pure love of the game. As much as it blows me away to say it, this is competitive sport.

I am confident that there will be one of two reactions for everyone who watches The King of Kong. There will be a few that watch the film and still will have no respect for what these men (and one eighty-year-old woman) have achieved. The majority though will see things like I did, and be inspired and impressed by these feats of digital domination. The characters are almost too perfect to be real, and since everything is real-life it is even more engrossing. You will find yourself rooting for and against several competitors (and sometimes the system itself).

I highly recommend this film. It is excellent both in its execution, style, and story. I applaud the director for his exciting and fair presentation of this real-world series of events. Between The King of Kong and Helvetica, I have realized how compelling a documentary film can be.

9/10