Pixels (2015)

"We're the only ones who can do this! I'm kidding, we're all gonna die."

In 1982 NASA launched a capsule into orbit containing a cassette of popular arcade games.  Years later the capsule is found by an alien race that think the arcade games are a declaration of war.  In 2015, the aliens attack earth in the form of video games.

The military don't know how to stop the problem.  U.S. President William Cooper (James) calls his longtime best friend Sam Brenner (Sandler).  In 1982, Sam was one of the top video gamers in the country with a bright future ahead, but he never met his potential and now works as IT support for a local tech store.  Brenner and gaming prodigy Ludlow Lamonsoff (Gad) are called as consultants to assist the military.  With 1982 gaming champion Eddie Plant (Dinklage) and Lieutenant Colonel Violet van Patten (Monaghan), can they save the earth?


This film has an intriguing premise.  It is unique and provides ample opportunities for nostalgia for 1980s arcade gamers. It isn't a bad film, but it isn't good either... it's ok in the moment but mostly forgettable later.

The film mostly ignores the female cast.  Jane Krakowski is completely wasted the First Lady.  She is a talented comedic performer (see 30 Rock or The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt among other roles), but doesn't get to do anything here.  Michelle Monaghan is the female lead and does get in on the action towards the end of the movie, but the story focuses more on the male characters.

The male cast are fine... Adam Sandler and Kevin James are comfortable in their roles.  Josh Gad and Peter Dinklage are scene stealers and get some of the funnier moments.

Again, it's not a bad movie, but in other hands this could be better... although I did enjoy seeing classic arcade games (like Pac Man and Donkey Kong, among others).

Pixels (2015) 106 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for some language and suggestive comments
Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Adam Sandler as Sam Brenner
Kevin James as President William Cooper
Michelle Monaghan as Lieutenant Colonel Violet van Patten
Peter Dinklage as Eddie Plant
Josh Gad as Ludlow Lamonsoff
Matt Lintz as Matty