Movie Muser

You may have already heard about this film in a less than positive light with comments along the lines of ‘worst film of the summer’ and ‘watching this film will reduce your IQ’. But ask yourself this: what do you expect from an Adam Sandler movie?

Say what you like but Happy Gilmore (1996), The Waterboy and The Wedding Singer (both 1998) are all great films, and Sandler has even had some serious roles in Punch-Drunk Love (2002) and Reign Over Me (2007). That being said I only made it through half an hour of Grown Ups (2010) before switching it off and I haven’t seen many of his other movies from the last decade; mainly due to poor reviews.

It seems that as his career progresses the quality of his films has declined, but there is an active audience for these kinds of movies and as long as they keep making money, the studios will keep producing them.

Pixels is about aliens who have intercepted footage of a 1982 arcade championship, and misinterpreted the games as a declaration of war. They challenge Earth in a series of retro arcade style challenges, and President Cooper (yes, Kevin James is the president) recruits his lifelong friend and former arcade champion turned TV installer Sam Brenner (Sandler) and a few others to save the world by utilising their gaming skills.

It is based on an entertaining 2010 short by Patrick Jean (which you should check out online) and I was surprised to hear that they were developing it into a full length feature. However this practice is not uncommon and to name a few, Alive in Joburg (2005) became District 9 (2009), Frankenweenie’s 1984 short became a full length feature in 2012 and Monster (2005) became The Babadook (2014).

One positive of this film is its nostalgic feel (especially in the 80’s scenes) and use of video game licences. The Pac Man chase is a lot of fun but the Donkey Kong finale seems anti-climactic.

It is a film designed for geeks and you will have fun spotting some of the classic characters from yesteryear. But it also fails in its stereotypical use of overused stereotypical characters, situations and general plot development.

Acting wise Adam Sandler plays Adam Sandler as the underdog held back by the past but whose destiny will have him save the day and get the girl – that girl being Michelle Monaghan as Lieutenant Colonel Violet Van Patten. She is a recently divorced mother who is wary of Sandler until he proves his worth and you know the rest.

Kevin James is worrying as the President but then again America voted in Bush Jr twice, and we’ve voted in Cameron twice.

I do wonder why Peter Dinklage is in this film as anyone who has seen Game of Thrones (2011-onwards) can tell you that he is a fine actor. In this he plays an egotistical douche of a gamer named Eddie Plant, who has his moments, but come across as tedious and annoying. Shame (pun intended).

There are a few other supporting characters who have their moments, such as Josh Gad’s socially awkward ubergeek Ludlow and Brian Cox’s Admiral Porter, but you have seen these characters before in other films and sitcoms, and the portrayal of the British prime minister is borderline racist.

But this film is what it is and I guess the message is that it’s ok to be a dumb, fat, middle-aged male as you will eventually save the day and get the girl. No wonder these films do well in the States.

There are a few laughs, the action scenes play out well and it is fairly enjoyable especially if you enjoy video games. But this is far from director Chris Columbus’s finest.

I did find it strange that it’s rated 12A due to ‘infrequent moderate sex references and implied strong language’ – which are no worse than in any recent family film. In my opinion it should be a PG as it would make more money and I believe kids would enjoy this film significantly more than teenagers and adults.

Tron Legacy (PG – 2010) showed similar ‘pixel gore’ but more violence, and Jurassic World (2015) pushed the boundaries of what’s acceptable in a 12A. However we do see some gory footage from The Last of Us (one of the best games I will ever play) which I think is far more damaging to a child than innuendo.

But is Pixels worth seeing? If you want a dumb film with a ridiculous plot and a few laughs then yes, go and enjoy it for what it is. However don’t blame me if you want your money back.

Overall Verdict: This recent Adam Sandler film seems to fit the standard and is what you expect: it’s not awful and it’s not particularly good either. For ‘turn your brain off, appealing to a dumbed-down cinema audience, full of mediocre jokes’ it is what it is and I’m sure it will turn a tidy profit. But to quote a friend it’s basically a montage of old ideas.

Reviewer: George Elcombe