The highly toted film, “Pixels,” opens this weekend to much applause. When aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth in the form of the video games. Directed by Chris Columbus and starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, and Michelle Monaghan, this is sure to be a hit with families looking for summer entertainment.
From Donkey Kong to Pac-Man, from Adam Sandler to Josh Gad, this film really has anything you could imagine. “Pixels” is the funniest film of the year so far!
This is, of course, a comedy. However, along with that, there is a lot of drama and a hint of romance all packed into one huge adventure made for the entire family to enjoy.
The story features Brenner (Adam Sandler) who installs electronic equipment for a living. However, when an alien species attacks in the form of 1980s classic video games, Benner and his friends are the only ones capable of stopping them. And, to do so, they must beat the aliens, as if they were in the game.
This film is fantastic! The special effects are absolutely mind blowing. There are no boring scenes, and some special effects are simply mind-blowingly fantastic. I still can’t figure out how they did some of them. The acting is spot on. One scene I really liked is where two kids are competing on classic arcade machines with Donkey Kong loaded on them. The director makes it so you see them playing, their points, and the screen, as well as the reflection of the games in their eyes. It looks amazing!
My favorite scene is when they are facing Pac-Man in Mini Coopers that are designed to be the ghosts who chase and destroy Pac-Man. When Brenner’s car is the only one left and Pac-Man just gets a “power up” — which, like in the game, allows him to eat the ghosts — Brenner pulls of an awesome and insane stunts to run away. It is action-packed and just stupendous to watch!
This film is good for kids, adults, and gamers, of course. I do believe people in their 30s and 40s would like this the most because they can understand a lot of the older game references. I don’t think younger kids should watch this, due to the adult language and mature references. I recommend it for ages 9 through 18 and older, and give it 5 out of 5 pixelated stars.
— Gerry O., age 13
See his video review at https://youtu.be/pHRaEiwcii0
• • •
This movie directed by Chris Columbus full of action! “Pixels” starts off in 1982, when three teens compete in the Video Arcade World Championships. After the championship, Brenner’s (Adam Sandler) life goes downhill. Years later his best friend, now the President of the United States, calls on Brenner to help with an alien invasion that could destroy the world. Brenner and his team have to defeat the 1980 video games in real life.
The plot is interesting, unique, and original, and could lead to a sequel. The computer animation is realistic, detailed, and so incredible. I know some people don’t dig Sandler, but I really think he is very good in this role.
The audience clapped at achievements and laughed at all the funny parts. It was so cool to hear their connection with the movie.
One of my favorite characters is Eddie (Peter Dinklage). He is very funny and he is very committed to his character.
My favorite part of the movie is when Brenner, Violet (Michelle Monaghan), and Cooper (Kevin James) go up against Donkey Kong. All of the computer animation is incredible. It is so realistic, and I found myself wishing I had been part of the action on set when the characters all jumped over the barrels and up the ladders.
This movie is an interesting blend of comedy, science fiction, and action. Even though there is some inappropriate language and questionable jokes, and in one scene kind of inappropriate dance moves, I still enjoyed this film. Since this movie is new, funny, has amazing computer animation, is well casted and transformed me, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this movie for 11 to 18 year olds and think adults will enjoy it, too. I do believe some younger kids still could enjoy this film. It just depends on how much they understand the jokes and if they recognize the video games from the 1980s.
— Mia A., age 11
See her video review at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcdLQ6FZWsU&feature=youtu.be
