Is it Game Over for Pixels (2015) before it is even officially released? Critics have not been kind so far. Reviewing this film feels a lot like kicking a kid who has already been shoved to the ground. Writing another review that bashes the film is like adding insult to injury but because this film took away nearly two hours of my life that I'll never get back, here goes.
Let me preface this review with saying that I wanted to like this film. I was rooting for Adam Sandler and crew. Sadly, the nostalgia I felt watching the video game characters I grew up with come to life on the big screen was not enough to make the film enjoyable.
In the film, Pixels, Sandler plays an arcade whiz kid who grew up disillusioned and bitter but who gets a shot at redemption when Earth is attacked by aliens assuming the form of beloved video game characters. Cue classic game characters like Pac-Man, Centipede, and Donkey Kong. Director Chris Columbus (Home Alone) attempts to draw attention from the stale delivery of one liners that miss the mark more often than not with well executed special effects. The effects were a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster film.
The plucky band of heroes dubbed "Arcaders" are led by Sandler on their mission to save the world. The ensemble cast includes Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad and Kevin James. Unfortunately, their collective performances are as unmemorable as this film will likely prove to be when it is released nationwide on July 24th by Sony Pictures.