The highly touted 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 their summer entertainment. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Gerry O. comments, “This film is fantastic! The special effects are absolutely mind blowing.” Mia adds, “The computer animation is fantastic. The animation is realistic, detailed and just so incredible. “ See their full reviews below.
Pixels
By Gerry Orz, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
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-blowing fantastic. I still can’t figure out how they did it 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 is the only one left and Pac-Man just gets a power up which allows him to eat the ghosts, Brenner pulls off awesome and insane stunts to run away and 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.
Pixels
By Mia A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
This detailed movie directed by Chris Columbus is a fun summer movie full of action! Pixels starts off in 1982 when 3 young teens compete in the Video Arcade World Championships. After the championship, Sam’s (Adam Sandler) life goes downhill. Years later his best friend, now the President of the United States, calls on Sam to help with an alien invasion that could destroy the world. Sam and his team have to defeat the 1980 video games in real life.
The plot is very interesting, unique and original and could lead to a very good sequel. The computer animation is fantastic. The animation is realistic, detailed and just so incredible. I know some people don’t dig Adam Sandler but I really think he is very good in this role.
The audience was so into the movie. They clapped at achievements and laughed at all the funny parts. It was so cool to hear their connection with the movie.
The actors are great and very hilarious. All the actors work like a team. One of my favorite characters is Eddie also known as Fire Blaster (Peter Dinklage). He is very funny and he is very committed to his character.
My favorite part of the movie is when Sam, Violet (Michelle Monaghan) and Will (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. To be the first to see this creative movie, watch Pixels in theatres July 24.
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