The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

SuperDuck · #1 02-06-2008, 03:40 PM

Has anyone seen this?

If you haven't, here's the gist: it's a documentary about the world's record score in Donkey Kong. You know, apes, barrels, Mario.

The funny part is that I can't recall the last time ANY movie, documentary, drama, horror, or otherwise got such an emotional reaction from me. I haven't been more angry, sympathetic, and otherwise emotionally engaged in a movie like this in a long time.

It sounds dumb, but it's true. If anyone else has seen this, maybe they can verify it. I'm sure that most of it was clever editing, but they had me intensely engaged.

If nothing else, it's a movie about video games, so I'm sure most people on the boards would get a kick out of it. (And the people that play them.)

KeithBMI · #2 02-06-2008, 03:46 PM

The South Park episode about the poop contest was based off of that movie. I'm sure a lot of people had no idea what was going on.

Pilgrim · #3 02-06-2008, 03:59 PM

"The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters"..........?

I thought it must be a western about a big ape.

ksandvik · #4 02-06-2008, 04:01 PM

Yes, that was an intriguing movie. Shows human ego as its worst. Recommended watching for anyone dealing with band problems.

--Kent

jrthebassguy · #5 02-06-2008, 05:58 PM

EGM said the movie stretches the truth just a bit too much in the film, and that Billy Mitchell felt like he was portrayed much more horribly than intended.

That being said, I kind of want to see it.

scorpionldr · #6 02-06-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperDuck

Has anyone seen this?

If you haven't, here's the gist: it's a documentary about the world's record score in Donkey Kong. You know, apes, barrels, Mario.

The funny part is that I can't recall the last time ANY movie, documentary, drama, horror, or otherwise got such an emotional reaction from me. I haven't been more angry, sympathetic, and otherwise emotionally engaged in a movie like this in a long time.

It sounds dumb, but it's true. If anyone else has seen this, maybe they can verify it. I'm sure that most of it was clever editing, but they had me intensely engaged.

If nothing else, it's a movie about video games, so I'm sure most people on the boards would get a kick out of it. (And the people that play them.)

this sounds awesome....but then again i really don't have much of a life. lol i go to the speed demos archive online (GOOGLE IT) and watch people that have wasted far many more hours of their lives than I have playing video games for the sole purpose of beating the game as fast as possible. amazing how much of their memories are used and devoted to knowing the exact location of an item or goal and exactly when it will pop up to be taken.

Brad Barker · #7 02-07-2008, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpionldr

this sounds awesome....but then again i really don't have much of a life. lol i go to the speed demos archive online (GOOGLE IT) and watch people that have wasted far many more hours of their lives than I have playing video games for the sole purpose of beating the game as fast as possible. amazing how much of their memories are used and devoted to knowing the exact location of an item or goal and exactly when it will pop up to be taken.

lol, i love watching speed runs. the smb3 ones are amazing!

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #8 02-07-2008, 07:34 AM

I haven't seen it yet, but I know the contest took place at Funspot, an arcade up in New Hampshire. My family goes up there twice a summer, and it's old-school arcade heaven- over 200 old arcade machines. I love it. Can't wait to see the movie.

MJ5150 · #9 02-07-2008, 08:04 AM

Back in the day, I held the record for the highest score on the fast version of Ms. Pacman for the state of Washington.

I do want to watch this movie.

-Mike

bassman1185 · #10 02-07-2008, 10:01 AM

A co-worker of mine saw it and loved it. I'm also interested in seeing this movie.

Vandelay · #11 02-08-2008, 02:44 AM

New interview with Billy Mitchell where he intensely criticizes the film, while at the same time tries to act as if it doesn't bother him. A great read:
http://www.avclub.com/content/featur...kong_continued

DigMe · #12 08-01-2010, 09:59 PM

I know this is a total zombie thread but I finally got around to watching this on the road today. Really enjoyed it but just watching it without hearing any other outside comments I just got the feeling that they were probably portraying Billy in a worse light than what is real.

bc

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #13 08-01-2010, 10:45 PM

Good timing on the resurrection- I was just at Funspot a couple days ago- I took some pics of my little girl playing Donkey Kong there

The movie is great, fwiw. It does (sadly) showcase those moments as a parent when you're trying to get something done for yourself and you totally drop the ball responsibility-wise.