Saturday, April 12, 2008

Review of "King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters"

Over the last three days (it's been several months ago now) I've had the extreme pleasure of watching "King Kong: A Fist Full or Quarters". You must see this movie.

It is, in my opinion, the quintessential American underdog story set to the music of Donkey Kong. On one side you have Billy Mitchell, a superstar in his own world. Arguably the best gamer of all time, but certainly the best classic gamer of all time. Billy is amazing--He's truly gifted. Unfortunately, like a lot of us in this world, his head is much bigger than it aught to be. (In Billy's case, his hair is longer than it aught to be too.)

On the other side you have Steve Wiebe, an apparent "screw up" (and I mean that in the nicest way possible). Of his own admission, he hasn't lived up to his true potential throughout his live. Highly athletic yet subject to "the chokes", gifted musically but prohibitively shy, highly intelligent yet awkward and sheepish.

"King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters" is their story.

I won't spoil the rest, but I will say this: be prepared for the subculture of classic gaming's superstars, groupies, officials, desperate wannabees, outsiders, insiders, family members, winners, and losers. It's a strange world, beyond description, even for a geek like me. After you've watched the movie, go check out the current record at Twin Galaxies.

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