This doc went virtually under the radar during it's brief theatrical release in the summer, but hopefully it will find it's audience on DVD. Quite frankly, this is the best documentary that I saw all year.Almost trivial in concept: a suburban dad gets laid off and decides to break the Donkey Kong record, the classic arcade game. However, what unfolds is an epic tale of the American Dream, good vs. evil and subcultures.
Steve Wiebe got so darn good at the game, he submitted a tape of him breaking the game's record setting off a chain of events so bizarre and heart breaking, you just can't help but get emotionally attached to the guy. After all, he is the epitome of America: a good person that wants to be recognized as the best. Better than anyone else in the world at something - anything.
Then there's Billy Mitchell, the proclaimed high scorer of the game that rests on his laurels from 25 years ago. What makes him worse, is that his ego is as big as his scores. He'll grasp onto anything that will keep him in the limelight. We hate attention seekers.
Anyways, the filmmaking here is wonderful. Great interviews, great observational stuff and great storytelling. Incredibly tight & lean, each scene, each sound bite, each shot gives so much insight into the odd characters, the 79 minute running time is perfect. Not just for gamers, The King of Kong can be enjoyed by anyone for it's fun and insight into the human condition. Like I said before, this is the best documentary that I saw all year.
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