Adam Sandler fans get their money’s worth with “Pixels”
Raider Times photo / Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Pac-Man is just one of the many 1980s-era video games come to life in Adam Sandler’s newest film, “Pixels”.
July 24, 2015
Personalities can bring some films to incredible heights, but can only keep some afloat. In the case of “Pixels,” Adam Sandler’s newest project, it’s the latter that applies.
When aliens perceive a NASA videotape of the 1982 Video Arcade World Championships as a declaration of war, now-US President Will Cooper (Kevin James) has to turn to his childhood friends Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler) and Ludlow Lamonsoff (Josh Gad) for help to fight the alien invaders, who attack in the form of various retro arcade games, such as Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Galaga.
If you think that sounds ridiculous, that’s because it is.
It’s not exactly the most complex or moving of films, but it’s certainly fun, and about what you’d expect from a movie with Adam Sandler at the forefront. Anyone who has enjoyed any of Sandler’s usual immaturity over the last 20 years will likely enjoy “Pixels,” with enough juvenile laughs and a great performance from Peter Dinklage to keep the film from totally falling apart. Think a hastily thought-out “Ghostbusters,” with less substance and more cheap comedy, and you’ve got Sandler’s latest film in a nutshell.
Despite the rather ridiculous and uneven, plot, “Pixels” does have its moments, usually in the form of Sandler’s childish remarks or Dinklage’s intentionally absurd portrayal of Eddie Plant, self-nicknamed the “Fire Blaster.” The action of the film isn’t half bad either, and you can’t help but get a little excited as Sandler goes to battle with a real-life Donkey Kong to the tune of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
The film has a pretty obvious demographic — teenage boys with a less-than-sophisticated sense of humor — as well as adults who grew up in the early 1980s with the featured arcade games. There are a couple of inappropriate moments, so it may not be the most suitable film for younger children, hence its PG-13 rating.
One final note; 3-D can enhance the experience of some (or, more accurately, very few) films. This is not one of them. If you’re like me and despise anything 3-D, I would certainly avoid the glasses if you can.
Overall, despite its insane and uneven plot, for those who can suspend their disbelief for two hours may enjoy Sandler’s usual on-screen behavior. (Rating 3 stars out of 5.)
–July 24, 2015–
