Pixels- Movie Review

Review by: Will Canalizo 

Rating: C+

I love video games. I always have and probably always will. It's one of the very few things I'd call a passion of mine. It's a niche hobby but that's beside the point. I also an affinity for whatever Adam Sandler puts up on the big screen. His movies always fail to deliver and it's like a train wreck you can't stop watching. From Grown Ups to Jack and Jill, Sandler has been on a cold streak. This summer, my interest of video games and Adam Sandler's flops collided with Sandler's most recent film, Pixels. When reviews came in for this movie, I couldn't contain my excitement. Multiple reviews helmed it Sandler's worst movie in years. I was thrilled.

I finally got around to seeing Pixels yesterday in the city and honestly, I was more shocked than anything. I won't say Pixels is a good movie because it certainly isn't. Yet, as someone who has a passion for everything this movie pays homage to, it certainly isn't the worst move I've seen this year. I'm speaking with a bit of a jaded angle here, so take that into regard.

Pixels centers around Adam Sandler's character, Sam Brenner. He plays the standard Sandler character who has the standard Sandler character problems. His life is going nowhere and he hit on a woman who was way too hot. The character is a Geek Squad member who used to be a video game wonder kid during the 1980's. He mastered arcade classic such as Galaga and Centipede. He's flanked by his standard group of goons including Kevin James, who plays the President of the United States, and Peter Dinklage, who plays Sandler's rival Eddie. Probably my least favorite character is Josh Gad's character Ludlow. He plays a stereotypical "gamer" character. It's a trope that I'm bored of seeing, especially as someone who fits into that stereotype. 

The movie follows traditional fare for the most part. As per usual, I regretted spending my twelve dollars on the ticket, but then the last forty five minutes came about. The climax of the film takes place in Washington, D.C. and basically serves as a huge 80's throwback. Seeing all of the stuff that defined my childhood through older cousins and the like appear on the big screen got me incredibly excited. The movie had an extended Max Headroom reference for crying out loud. I was exited to see what they would throw at us next, but the movie never really went anywhere with them. The references were really short and not expanded. I wish they delved a little deeper into them. 

All in all, Pixels is not a great movie. It's not even a good movie. It's not a typical "so bad it's good" film because I did legitimately enjoy parts of this movie. It's a love letter to my favorite era of recent history, but it's a sloppily delivered love letter that got lost in the mail halfway. I feel it's one of Sandler's better movies in recent years. If you're a fan of video games, 80's culture, or fart jokes, I think Pixels is worth your time.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter @Amphabio.