The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) Reviews

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
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Seth Gordon's documentary The King of Kong follows the exploits of the two best Donkey Kong players in America. Billy Mitchell has held the world record for the popular video game for over 20 years. The film covers his rise to prominence, and the circle of associates he keeps in the Twin Galaxies organization, which serves as the official referee and scorekeeper of the electronic gaming world; within the organization, Mitchell is highly revered for his prowess at a number of games. Eventually Steve Wiebe, with time on his hands now that he finds himself without a job, decides to seriously hunker down and challenge Mitchell's record. Gordon gets close to both men, and shows how the passionate arcade subculture harbors very powerful feelings about both of them. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

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Starring:
Billy MitchellDoris Self, (more)
Director(s):
Seth Lewis GordonSeth Gordon, (more)
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG13
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(73 member reviews)  


Member Reviews


Ryan M.

Who knew a movie about Donkey Kong could be so captivating? The first third of the movie is like a Christopher Guest mockumentary. The fact that these are real people whose lives revolve around Donkey Kong (and not actors) only adds to the amusement (the 80-year old woman who dominates in Q-bert is particularly noteworthy). But you may be surprised about how involved you get in the human drama in it all -- and I am writing this with a straight face. It's a classic underdog story. A very clear protagonist emerges, and there is a very obvious villain. It's surprisingly gripping.

Yes   |   No


Bruce P.

This movie will make your Yamaka spin! You just need to see this one to believe how good it is. I saw it in a theater and liked it so much went back with 5 people and it was gone. Ive never been so disapointed. Why do we have to wait until Jan 8th????

Yes   |   No


Garrett F.

Whether you care about video games and the people who play them, or not, this film is a breath of fresh air. This is a tale of "the little guy" trying to make a name for himself, that will have you rooting for its protagonist all the way. Even though it's a documentary, this movie has all the elements of a theatrical blockbuster; complete with the down-to-earth good guy, the villian and his disciples, and a race for victory. Great editing, great story telling, a great movie all around. I've recommended this movie to anyone I've talked to, and regardless of their movie taste, all who have watched it have thoroughly enjoyed it. Watch it today!

Yes   |   No


Jay S.

This is not about Donkey Kong and video games. It's about a man who dares to attempt sit at the table with the ruling lords and their efforts to oppress his valiant efforts. His determination in the face of odds set by the gatekeepers, under everchanging rules, to gain the respect of the community is admirable and we root for his humble persistence. Though ignored and belittled by the society's chosen champion, a buffoonish egotist in dated garb, he eventually comes out victorious and we the viewers bask in the justice that has been done. Feel-good movie. Hilarious display of the socially inept. Mega-douche villain who after this film was made reclaimed the record. Loved it. - j

Yes   |   No


Brandon B.

This is easily one of my favorite documentaries. The film has great pace, and enough drama to keep you waiting for answers. The soundtrack is a symbol of the times it represents, and appropriate during it's respective scenes. The few montage segments aren't over utilized but necessary at their respective segways. For those of you who could care less about the early arcade era, you will still find a movie that is fun and interesting. King of Kong is fun, and has a character we all can identify with. That being said, anyone who loves GAMES, and respects the history of video games, will not only get a nostalgic vibe from this doc, but also a sense of pride and ambition...

Yes   |   No


Oscar B.

Great movie about man vs. man and man vs. machine

Yes   |   No


David D.

I saw this on a trailer show. I thought that it looked kinda interesting. After 2 0 minutes my wife and I were hooked!!! Not for nothing, but Mitchell talked alot and never played........ WATCH THIS FLICK!!!!!!

Yes   |   No


Julie T.

This documentary has a true bad guy and true good guy. It's full of suspense and evokes your emotions. I found myself cheering at the end!

Yes   |   No


Clint E.

King of Kong is a phenomenal documentary. Lets be honest about the 2 players though; Billy Mitchell is a total tool and Steve Wiebe is a cry baby. Both are obsessed over a video game that stopped being cool ages ago. Both can be very likeable, but both can be very unlikeable at the same time. Yet here we have those fact about a couple of arcade geeks and they still star in a fascinating documentary. Walter the score keeper is in the tank for Billy. Steve has to jump through hoops just to get recognized. It's funny to see the tactics used to distract and intimidate. You'd think arcade score keeping was politics. Dirty business - Fun movie to watch.

Yes   |   No


Nicholas T.

Excellent movie...probably THE best put together documentary I have ever seen. The underlying messaging/theme becomes clearer and clearer throughout the movie, leading up to the end you will want to see. Absolutely fantastic movie...never had a documentary put me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - happy, angry, laughing, sad, disappointed, excited....Im not gonna lie, this one did it!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
     
    Ryan M.

    Who knew a movie about Donkey Kong could be so captivating? The first third of the movie is like a Christopher Guest mockumentary. The fact that these are real people whose lives revolve around Donkey Kong (and not actors) only adds to the amusement (the 80-year old woman who dominates in Q-bert is particularly noteworthy). But you may be surprised about how involved you get in the human drama in it all -- and I am writing this with a straight face. It's a classic underdog story. A very clear protagonist emerges, and there is a very obvious villain. It's surprisingly gripping.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Bruce P.

    This movie will make your Yamaka spin! You just need to see this one to believe how good it is. I saw it in a theater and liked it so much went back with 5 people and it was gone. Ive never been so disapointed. Why do we have to wait until Jan 8th????

    Yes   |   No

     
    Garrett F.

    Whether you care about video games and the people who play them, or not, this film is a breath of fresh air. This is a tale of "the little guy" trying to make a name for himself, that will have you rooting for its protagonist all the way. Even though it's a documentary, this movie has all the elements of a theatrical blockbuster; complete with the down-to-earth good guy, the villian and his disciples, and a race for victory. Great editing, great story telling, a great movie all around. I've recommended this movie to anyone I've talked to, and regardless of their movie taste, all who have watched it have thoroughly enjoyed it. Watch it today!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 73 Reviews