Review - King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

by Mr. Blunderson

I have heard of flicks described as "stand up and cheer" movies, but this morning as the final moment of King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters played out I literally jumped off my couch and did a victory dance I reserve specifically for when Devin Hester (Chicago Bears star special teams uber kick returner) runs one back, and that's a big deal. I didn't plan it, it just sort of happened.

King of Kong documents the exploits of Steve Wiebe as he goes up against the records of Billy Mitchell, one of the most iconic figures (and hair cuts) in retro gaming and reigning Donkey Kong champ. In the process it displays a portrait of gamers who have (and I know I'm going to offend with this one) lives beyond their passion for 80's style arcade games, even though it's clear that among the elite some certainly see the sun less than others.

Prepare yourself for and 79 minutes that has it all: heroes, villains, shady conspiracies, a tight knit cadre of old timers who guard the "keys to the kingdom" as it were. There are triumphs and failures and real people I wanted to see come out on top and total douche bags I wanted to see crash and burn. Kong also sports one of the best documentary soundtracks I've heard in years. Not just a bunch of cool songs tossed in for good measure (they are pretty cool) but music that enhances the experience by bringing even more depth and heart to the film.

Forget that this is a documentary, Kong is one of the best movies period from 2007, and certainly will find it's way into my top ten if the world doesn't end before I get around to seeing more movies from last year. I can't believe how invested I became in the story and the characters (okay, only really Mr. Wiebe) as the drama played out.

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters rates an "oh hells yes" on the Mr. Blunderson scale. I may very well spend the next five days watching this one over and over and over again.