Pixels Review
Summary: 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.
- Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Writers: Tim Herlihy, Timothy Dowling, Patrick Jean
- Rating: PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- 3D Type: Post-Conversion
Story:
As expected from most Adam Sandler-featured films, you’re going to get a feel-good fun movie. Pixels is no exception.
The story involves the plot of extraterrestrials misinterpretting video game footage that was beamed into space in 1982 as a declaration of war from Earth and decide to attack the planet using technology based on these old games.
Video game inclusions that I took note of include Pacman, Galaga, Q*bert, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, Defender, Centipede, Space Invaders, Frogger, Paperboy, and Smurfs, just to name a few.
There are quite a few witty, hilarious gags throughout the film, a favourite of mine; Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler) asks his nerdy friend Ludlow Lamonsoff (Josh Gad), “Have you been playing Space Invaders a lot lately?”. To which Ludlow replies “I have, how did you know that?”. “Because you’re invading my space, back up!”, retorts Sam.
Picture:
The picture and visuals are quite stunning. Blacks are deep, colours are razer-sharp and vibrant as they explode and fill the screen in 3D. However, the aspect ratio of the 3D Blu-ray is 2.40:1 (Cinemascope format), so those that do not like black bars will be disappointed.
Sound:
I enjoyed the soundtrack in Pixels and can’t really fault it. Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ belts out at various times such as the 1982 video game tournament.
Also, Josh Gad singing ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ by Tears for Fears is entertaining and was a good last-minute decision to include as he was originally just supposed to interact with the band.
Then you have the credits song ‘Game On’ by Wacka Flocka Flame, a banger and easily my favourite. The only thing negative thing I’ll say is that the 3D Blu-ray includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack rather than the full Dolby TrueHD 7.1 soundtrack in the 2D format.
3D
Pixels‘ concept is a good idea on paper. Old 2D video characters converted into 3D versions of themselves, terrorizing the planet and causing mayhem. Throw in Christopher Columbus as director, starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, and Peter Dinklage. You have a recipe for potentially a great 3D film, and Pixels doesn’t disappoint.
Pop:
The ‘Pixel’ enemies all pop and shatter towards the screen as they are blown up in action scenes. There’s something so satisfying seeing Centipede pixel bits rain down out of the sky as Sam and Ludlow shoot them down with chain guns.
Pacman chomping down cars in New York City, exploding them to bits, and Q*berts nose popping out of the black bar on the bottom of the screen are other examples of the eye-candy in your face effects.
Depth:
Often with 3D conversions, depth of field is underutilized, but not that’s not the case here, I was impressed by the spatial depth in many of the scenes in Pixels. Some examples include the scenes in the arcade with rows and rows of arcade cabinets, utilizing both low and high angles. Panning shots of the beautiful environment outside the white house and soccer fields with centipede cubes filling the sky. A Pacman car chase in New York City showing great depth of the streets and buildings is another highlight.
The Donkey Kong scene is another example of the creativity of Pixels. They made it switch back and forth between 2D and a side-on 3D view of the game as the characters jump over barrels and climb ladders to confront DK.
Verdict:
I recommend Pixels to any Adam Sandler fans. It’s a solid family film with great visuals, effects and humour. Having somewhat flopped at the box office, it won’t appeal to everyone. However, If you or your children are gamers, it could be a decent choice for family night.
Category | Scores |
---|---|
Story: | ★★★★ |
Picture: | ★★★★ |
Sound: | ★★★★ |
Pop: | ★★★★ |
Depth: | ★★★★★ |
TOTAL SCORE: | 21/25 |