zkonedog
"Video Games: The Movie" is not a bad documentary. Unfortunately, it isn't a great one either. The main problem here is that it tries to tackle "the history of video games" in a sub two-hour documentary. In essence, the subject matter is just broad enough to appeal to pretty much everyone, but not specific enough to appeal to anyone in particular.The general format of this movie is to look at the creation of video games all the way through the "current generation" (PS4, XBOX One, Wii U, etc.). It looks at pretty much all areas of the industry, from its initial creators (the guys in white shirts and skinny ties monkeying around with circuits) to its ever-improving technology, and even delves into the philosophical underpinnings of why people enjoy being "gamers".Like I said, though, this is a very general look at the industry. If you know nothing about gaming industry/innovation, you'll probably get something out of this. But, if you've been at all paying attention over the last, say, 30 years or so, there is nothing new here. Again, not to say that it is bad...just rather bland. The epitome of a three-star rating.When it comes right down to it, I like to appeal my own personal principle for documentaries: Does it cover a subject that A. Someone cares about; and B. Shows something in a new light. "Video Games: The Movie" nails "Part A", but completely fails on "Part B". It got me to watch, though, so the strategy must be working to a certain extent (!). Just don't expect anything deep and you'll enjoy it.
paigebensinger
The movie from my 20 year old standpoint was good but very lacking. It tended not to focus on games themselves and focus more on the hardware. They mentioned a few key titles like street fighter, pong, and mario but neglected to mention things like pokemon or kingdom hearts.In going over the systems they did a pretty poor job, yes i learned about the origions of gaming and about the first consoles but short of a BRIEF and i mean BRIEF commerical they played adverting the Nintendo hand-held and a persons testimonial about how a ds helped him keep amused while in the hospital: they made no mention of portable gaming systems let alone the xbox 1, ps4, vita, wiiU or 3ds.They did a brief overview of most everything they didn't touch too long on any subject and left a overall very lackluster impression to me. In looking at it the best description for the film would be "Gaming technology then and now at a glance" or "gaming 101 a brief overview" the film lacked a good bit of valuable information but it did hold some appeal overall a very middle of the road production
efane
I really loved the documentary. I feel like its something which people who do have a very negative opinion on not only video games but, also technology in general should watch and they might alter their original views. As someone who loves technology, watching the history and cultural aspects of the gaming world was intriguing and inspiring. The way they incorporated the fact that some people believe that video games make murders and cause violence I think was done really well. It shows how much more accepting the gaming industry is compared to mainstream media, who always seem to twist things and show the bad in everything without really looking at the bigger picture. Maybe I'm biased because I do love technology but for me at least I really enjoyed it, far more than most documentaries which a lot of the time is outdated and I find frustrating.
intelearts
Simply a great documentary telling the development of console games from then to now - this is not a film just for geeks and gamers - it really is a great watch in itself. Director, Jeremy Snead with brilliant editing by Kenny Price have put together a film that shines with love and care. Above all this like the best documentaries is informative and captivating - we not only have interviews with some of the best in the game world and its greatest fans - it does so without resorting to cliché or derision - it clearly is made by a team who care and love their project. That it was partially financed by Kickstarter is notable; sure there is an element of ploy in doing that, but it is a commendable one.Above all, it conveys some of the fun and wonder that gaming produces - going from Pong to Ryse and beyond it is filled with gaming clips, music, and a strong streak of both nostalgia and insight - and anyone, gamer or not, should enjoy it - it is simply an excellent documentary - well made and a very good watch.
AD
