Movie Review - King of Kong

It’s ironic, and also very true, that my first film review would involve a monkey. Well, an ape. A gorilla? Whatever Donkey Kong is, he is the main catalyst in the Picturehouse documentary King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.

This 83-minute documentary is sort of a combination of Trekkies and Spellbound (2003), in that it is a story of Steve Wiebe (a down on his luck family man) who challenges the Donkey Kong world record holder Billy Mitchell (who kind of looks like a lion with down syndrome). Wiebe breaks the record at home but is questioned by Twin Galaxies (the national game record keepers) and their high master Walter (the love child of Andy Kaufman and Charlie Manson). Wiebe must battle the “man” and prove himself in a world where dweebs have let their tiny bit of power go to their heads.

The film is a classic battle of good vs. evil told from a completely different perspective. In the real world, Wiebe (a teacher and father of two) is the typical average guy. Mitchell, on the other hand, is the classic Geek Gone Wild! The success and power thrust upon him due to his video gaming abilities have made him into an egomaniacal monster. It is almost as if Wiebe (a one time rock ‘n roller and baseball all-star) is being punished by the inner nerd of Mitchell. Whatever the reason for both men’s journeys into the lair of Kong, the struggle makes for highly entertaining and suspenseful drama with a kick ass soundtrack that includes Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and Joe Esposito’s “You’re The Best” (made famous by The Karate Kid).

Funny and heartbreaking, King of Kong is a simple story and for this classic arcade game enthusiast, a true love song to a time when games were simple and a quarter could buy you at least five minutes of fun.

Grade: A