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Average User Score:
8
(29 sources)
This is a great movie. Regardless of your interest in gaming, you'll enjoy watching this film. It's a fairly unique sort of documentary experience that's actually very entertaining.
Posted nov 13, 2008 12:40 pm pt
As I began watching this documentary, two things were going through my mind. The first, who the hell cares about this? The second, an inflated self-esteem watching and listening to the ludicrous priorities of so many 40-something gamers (i.e....
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As I began watching this documentary, two things were going through my mind. The first, who the hell cares about this? The second, an inflated self-esteem watching and listening to the ludicrous priorities of so many 40-something gamers (i.e. nearly everything Billy Mitchell says and does). But, by the end, I was rooting for the underdog (Steve Wiebe) more than I had in any documentary I've seen (which isn't a vast list, but substantial nonetheless). Wiebe (who appears as the average family man down the block) is rightfully positioned as the heroic everyman while a bizarre, ridiculously serious, and often pathetic world of gamers surrounds him. While it's still disheartening to see so many men trying desperately to hold on to a long-forgotten past, the amount of dedication is admirable. In the end, people will connect with Wiebe, even if they don't understand why.
Posted aug 1, 2008 4:34 am pt
Nice film! I downloaded it from http://loadingvault.com !
Posted apr 13, 2008 12:18 am pt
The King of Kong is a fascinating look into the world of competitive classic arcade gaming, specifically the quest for the high score in Donkey Kong. What sounds like a mundane and petty quest (and believe me it is) is turned into a very...
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The King of Kong is a fascinating look into the world of competitive classic arcade gaming, specifically the quest for the high score in Donkey Kong. What sounds like a mundane and petty quest (and believe me it is) is turned into a very interesting and funny film that will entertain mainstream audiences. The film follows Steve Wiebe's quest to beat Billy Mitchell's high score at Donkey Kong, a high score that has stood for over twenty years. The documentary makes no qualms about choosing sides. It clearly paints Wiebe's life as a well-adjusted family man who has too often in life come up just short in big situations. He is a very sympathetic everyman, with whom anyone can relate to. Contrasting him is Mitchell who reportedly through the magic of editing is turned into the arrogant, obnoxious villain of the movie- although with some of the things he says, you wonder how he CAN'T be a jerk. He's completely full of himself, but at the same time, completely fearful of losing his record. A record that he set in the eighties and it seems like he's still living in that time period because he sure dresses like it. The film shines showing the underdog status of Wiebe who seemingly has the entire gaming world against him. Billy Mitchell has quirky "disciples" who clearly want Mitchell to retain the high score. It's absolutely hilarious at times how these people act around Wiebe when he's playing the game trying to set a high score. It's as if these people consider themselves the "cool crowd" not letting Wiebe access to their exclusive club, when in reality, they are most likely the freaks and geeks while Wiebe is the most well adjusted of them all.
By the end, you completely feel for Wiebe who looks like he just isn't getting his fair shot. And Mitchell just comes off as a douchebag repeatedly dodging a live head-to-head competition even though he continuously advocates it. It's a shame this film wasn't nominated for a Best Documentary Oscar. This is not just one of the best documentaries I've seen, it's one of the best films I've ever seen. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and highly recommend it.
Posted mar 3, 2008 11:01 am pt
An excellent documentary following the efforts of Steve Weibe who is chasing the title of Donkey Kong champion up against Billy Mitchell the current world champ. For a gamer like myself it was a treat seeing people taking the old arcade seriously,...
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An excellent documentary following the efforts of Steve Weibe who is chasing the title of Donkey Kong champion up against Billy Mitchell the current world champ. For a gamer like myself it was a treat seeing people taking the old arcade seriously, and then there is the very real effect that this game has on most of the individuals in this film. It can be a tear jerker at times, and then again its really up to how empathetic you are. Many highs and lows keep you fixated to this A grade doco.
Posted feb 12, 2008 9:57 am pt
I really like this docu-movie. Even though its kinda nerdy and some people will not even get it. Its still a well done movie worth a viewing. It tells the story of two men going for the title of highest score in donkey kong. Now some people might...
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I really like this docu-movie. Even though its kinda nerdy and some people will not even get it. Its still a well done movie worth a viewing. It tells the story of two men going for the title of highest score in donkey kong. Now some people might say.. why the hell make a movie on this? Its pretty interesting to see what these two guys go through for that score. If you are a fan of the old school video games you will recognize all of the games in this movie. Yes its nerdy but its still interesting. You see how one man tries to beat the score and when he thinks he got it the other man comes through and he beats his score. The only real problem I have with this movie is that its short. It ends in under 90 mins and there is still more to this story. This movie is worth a viewing if anything just to see the old time video games.
Posted feb 2, 2008 8:55 am pt
not what i thought but still nice to see old arcade machines
Posted feb 2, 2008 2:54 am pt
I'm not quite sure why there is a debate about this film making Billy look like the villian, he did it himself. If he was so great, he should have come out and played Steve, but that's another story. The movie was very good, personally I didn't...
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I'm not quite sure why there is a debate about this film making Billy look like the villian, he did it himself. If he was so great, he should have come out and played Steve, but that's another story. The movie was very good, personally I didn't think I would care about people playing Donkey Kong, but it really drew you in. I found myself rooting for Steve and becoming upset when he would get screwed over. I would highly recommend this movie.
Posted oct 25, 2007 2:30 am pt
I know there is some debate over this film. Many people have said that the film portrays Billy Mitchell as villain and Steve Wiebe as the good guy. Personally I have always thought that Billy came across as arrogant way before this movie was even...
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I know there is some debate over this film. Many people have said that the film portrays Billy Mitchell as villain and Steve Wiebe as the good guy. Personally I have always thought that Billy came across as arrogant way before this movie was even thought of. However, the man is one of the best classic gamers alive and I have nothing but respect for him. With that said, I really enjoyed watching this movie. I loved playing Donkey Kong growing up and I like most viewers enjoyed rooting for the underdog Steve Wiebe the entire film. I think it is hard to make a documentary film about video games and have a main stream audience become interested and stay interested. I think this movie shows that it is possible. I've read rumors that Hollywood wants to remake this movie with actors. I hope this is a joke. As a gamer I really have no interest in watching actor pretend to play videos games.
Posted sep 15, 2007 6:05 am pt
