The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Directed by: Seth Gordon

Cinematography by: Seth Gordon

Editor: Seth Gordon
Cast: Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell and Mark Alpiger
Year: 2007

So rarely does a documentary film grow from a simple curiosity with an idiosyncratic trait or hobby (in this case retro-gaming competition) and evolve seamlessly into an incredibly fascinating allegory of mankind's compulsion to compete, struggle and achieve immortality (and to realize if that's really even important at the end of the day). 

Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe face off in a clash of good versus evil that is nearly biblical. Even if you're someone who's never sunk a single quarter into a cabinet of Pac-Man or DK, the humanity of these people; their desires and fears, are completely relatable and engaging. Just try to watch this film and not get sucked into these people's lives, I dare you. 

By the way, there's a possible kill screen coming up in a few minutes, if anyone's interested...

4.5 out of 5