Review: Anonymous

Uneasy Lies the Head That Wears a Crown

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: October 28, 2011 – U.S. 

and UK

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama, Thriller, History

Running Time: 130 minutes

Writer: John Orloff

Director: Roland Emmerich

Cast: Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, 

Sebastian Armesto, Rafe Spall, 

David Thewlis, Edward Hogg, 

Xavier Samuel, Sam Reid, 

Jamie Campbell Bower, 

Joely Richardson, Derek Jacobi

"We all know William Shakespeare. The most famous author of all time. Writer of 37 plays, 154 sonnets, several epic poems, and why we are here today. But what if I told you Shakespeare never wrote a single word."

That statement is uttered in a hushed, conspiratorial tone by a historian (Derek Jacobi, making the most of a small part) giving a lecture to a large audience.

That's how "Anonymous" begins, and it's an irresistible hook.

But if Shakespeare wasn't holding the quill, then who was?

According to the film, the actual author is Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans). Supposedly, someone of his high station could not be known as a mere playwright. The thought of a distinguished Royal catering to the lowly groundlings might upset the entire order of the country.

After a series of shadowy deals orchestrated by de Vere, the credit ends up going to a drunken, bumbling buffoon named Will Shakespeare (Rafe Spall). The risk is high.

Despite such heavy stakes, why does de Vere keep writing? He obviously doesn't need the money or what passes for celebrity in the 1500s. He explains that his characters never stop speaking to him; their voices are stuck inside his head. He wonders if he's gone mad. It's a wonderful observation on the art of storytelling. Any writer can relate.

The lead performance by Ifans is quite commanding. He carries the film with his intense portrayal of a tortured artist who can't stop doing what he loves. The sets and costumes are also very impressive. They really bring the England of Shakespeare's time to life.

The conspiracy at the heart of the story – what if Shakespeare never really wrote a single word? – is a fascinating one and it definitely will make you think. However, the movie's clownish depiction of the famed playwright is a fatal blunder. If he was in fact such an imbecile, then how could he possibly pull off a hoax that has lasted hundreds of years? It's hard to imagine this version of Shakespeare being able to write his own name, much less hundreds of enduring works of literature.

But that's unfortunately only one of the many major problems with "Anonymous."

There are way too many characters to keep track of. (In addition to Ifans and Spall, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, and several others are also in the cast.)

The multi-flashback structure is very convoluted, which unnecessarily complicates the plot and makes it a chore to follow. Ultimately, the movie has some interesting ideas – there's wonderful potential here – but it desperately needs a few rewrites and several edits for the sake of clarity.

Because of those deficits, the film's 130 minute running time feels even longer than that.

There's also a distinct lack of action – despite what the misleading trailer indicates – but I can forgive that somewhat.

As an aside, I have to commend the movie's marketing department for coming up with such memorable taglines: "We've All Been Played" and "The Truth is the Greatest Tragedy of Them All." Brilliant! Even Shakespeare – or was it de Vere? – couldn't have done it better. It's a shame the same cannot be said for what's seen on the screen.

"Anonymous" is a pretty ambitious effort, but its flaws are far too numerous to overlook. Because of that, it's likely destined to fade into – you guessed it – anonymity. I suspect there's a great film in here somewhere, but it's still stuck in the editing room.

Review: The Wages of Fear

Will the Longest Ride of Their Lives Also Be Their Last?

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: April 22, 1953 – France

Rating: NR

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Running Time: 148 minutes (Director's Cut)

Writers: Georges Arnaud (novel), 

Henri-Georges Clouzot (adaptation and dialogue), 

Jérôme Géronimi (adaptation and dialogue)

Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot

Cast: Yves Montand, Charles Vanel, 

Folco Lulli, Peter van Eyck, Véra Clouzot, 

William Tubbs

Can you ever put a price on your own life? Is there a right or wrong way to act when fear overtakes you? Does it even make even a difference?

Those are the questions posed by "The Wages of Fear," a gripping 1953 French film that lives on today through The Criterion Collection.

In a dead-end town somewhere in South America, the desperation is as thick as the heat and as biting as the mosquitoes. Mario (Yves Montand) attracts the attention of an older drifter named Jo (Charles Vanel). Mario is young, strong, and strapping, but also somewhat scruffy; Jo is bombastic, immaculately dressed, and carries himself with a puffed-up air of authority. They're both French and forge an immediate connection because of that.

We also meet Mario's Italian roommate, Luigi (Folco Lulli), who develops an immediate dislike for Jo. Does Luigi sense something that Mario doesn't? There's also a Dutchman, Bimba (Peter van Eyck), and an American, Bill O'Brien (William Tubbs).

The first hour or so of the movie is spent just lingering around and capturing various conversations. This slow start is instrumental in building characters, establishing their personalities and motivations, and showcasing the town as the last stop on the road to nowhere. The area, so hot and impoverished, almost becomes a character in itself.

What everyone needs is money and a way out. Finally, an opportunity comes – courtesy of O'Brien – that will grant both. But there are no guarantees – it's basically a suicide mission. Four men will be chosen to drive two trucks containing extremely sensitive, highly explosive cartons of nitroglycerine. However, these vehicles don't come with the standard safety features. Going too fast or too slow – or even one bump on the road – could spell the end.

What kind of man would accept such a mission? Only one with nothing left to lose. This town is full of such people. Believe it or not, the job is so coveted that one of the men seemingly pulls off some shady shenanigans in order to secure his spot on one of those trucks.

"The Wages of Fear" is initially wide open, taking you through an entire town: its sights, its airy skies, and many of its inhabitants. But as soon as those trucks rev their engines, the scope of the film becomes much narrower and far more claustrophobic. Its focus shifts solely to the drivers and their potentially fatal job. With every tense mile comes the possibility of impending doom.

By now, we know who these people are – or at least we think we do. Fear casts an overwhelming shadow, and what makes the movie fascinating is how everyone handles it.

The acting is stunning all around. Their faces and eyes tell more of a story than dialogue ever could. 

Sixty years later, "The Wages of Fear" is still regarded as a timeless masterpiece. It's easy to see why. There may be no finer example of the physical, mental, emotional, and psychological toll that fear can take on a man. By the time it was all over, my knuckles were sore and bleeding. 

Review: Side Effects

Steven Soderbergh's Paranoid Thriller Keeps You Guessing, But Is It Good?

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: February 8, 2013 – U.S.

Rating: R

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Running Time: 106 minutes

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer: Scott Z. Burns

Cast: Jude Law, Rooney Mara, 

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Channing Tatum

In "Side Effects," it seems like everyone's on something; antidepressants are discussed as casually as which appetizer to order for lunch.

Martin Taylor (Channing Tatum) has just gotten out of prison after four years. My first thought was that someone as pretty as him couldn't have plausibly survived a day. Then he reveals his transgression: insider trading. Ah ha! That makes sense. His long-suffering wife, Emily (Rooney Mara), is there to greet him. That's a lot for one girl to take in, and it isn't long before she lapses back into some of her previous mental illness issues. Her new psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), promises to keep a close eye on her. So devoted he is that he even contacts her old shrink, Dr. Victoria Siebert (Catherine Zeta-Jones), for advice. She recommends a new drug.

At first, the film appears to be a scathing – if overly exaggerated – manifesto on the dangers of mood-altering medications and the deals doctors and psychiatrists make with "Big Pharma" to peddle these pills onto their unsuspecting patients. In one amusing scene, Banks explains to a patient that he's being paid by a pharmaceutical company to promote their new treatment – it's a "study," of course – and he wonders if she'd be interested in participating. It's free for her and she doesn't have to report it to anyone. In a similar situation, I'd find it very hard to say no too.

Then the movie takes a sharp turn, and the web keeps spinning around and around after that.

Steven Soderbergh's latest film is best described as a paranoid thriller. It's very successful in keeping you guessing. You'll almost feel like you're on medication as you try to stay one step ahead of the plot. Because of that, there's rarely a dull moment – at least at first.

It's certainly an actors' showcase. Law and Mara deliver tremendous performances as the layers of their characters are peeled back. Tatum's role isn't a flashy one, but he does a credible job. Zeta-Jones's character can be a bit cartoonish, but it's still fun to watch her work.

However, the movie doesn't entirely succeed. As revelations ultimately unfold and explanations are finally given, it all becomes a bit convoluted and illogical. Then throw in a few small scenes that are almost as trashy as "Basic Instinct" – without any of the exuberance displayed by that movie. It's a bit of a mess overall.

I enjoyed the twists and tension of "Side Effects," but as I walked out of the theater, I couldn't help but feel somewhat irritated and hollow. The movie is fun at times, but what's the point of it? 

Redbox Launches Instant Streaming Service

Silver Screen Surprises Investigates the Latest Competitor to Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime Instant Video

By Chris Sabga

Redbox has teamed up with Verizon to launch a new instant streaming service. Redbox Instant is currently in beta and thus isn't available to everyone just yet, but Silver Screen Surprises managed to score an invitation. You can try your luck by entering your e-mail address at redboxinstant.com. If you're chosen, you should get an e-mail after a few days.

Here's the breakdown:

Plans

4 Free DVDs a Month + Unlimited Streaming ($8 a month): This is the default plan. Every membership comes with a one-month free trial, but you're locked into this option for the first month. If you change it, your free trial will end.

Add Blu-Rays + Unlimited Streaming ($9 a month): It's unclear how this works, but I'm assuming you'll get four free Blu-Rays per month and still have the option of using any of those credits on DVDs instead.

Remove DVDs: Streaming Only ($6 a month): No discs, just streaming. This plan is slightly cheaper than similar offerings from services like Netflix. The selection seems comparable, but it's hard to gauge just yet.

From the site: "Each credit is good for 1 overnight rental of 1 DVD. If you keep your DVD an extra night, it just uses another credit. You won't be charged until your credits are all used up. And the next month it refills to 4 DVD credits again."

I'm not sure yet exactly how the physical kiosks will recognize that you have free credits. Presumably, entering the e-mail address associated with your Redbox account will be the trigger. Of course, you can always reserve your rental ahead of time online, but I hope that isn't a requirement. Sometimes you just want to rent something at the spur of the moment after getting groceries, and it would be nice to be able to use your credits right away without any fuss. I will update this post when I've had a chance to rent something from the kiosk.  (Update: Redbox appears to recognize that you have free credits if you use the card associated with your account.)

Compatible Devices

Xbox 360: You need a subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold and at least 130 MB of free storage. This requires a second invitation code, specific to the Xbox, which is apparently being mailed out to registered Redbox Instant users. It seems a bit convoluted to me, to be honest.

Samsung Smart TVs: A list of supported models can be found here.

Samsung Blu-Ray Players: The following 2011 11AV-5 models are currently supported: BD-D5300/ZA, BD-D5500/ZA, and BD-D6500/ZA.

Many Apple iPhone, iPad, and iTouch models: The only detail given is that iOS 5.0 or later is required. I've tested out the Redbox Instant app but it refuses to accept my sign-in information. Glitches like this are to be expected in a beta, but it's not exactly an encouraging sign.

Android Phones and Tablets: No specific devices are listed, but you need to get the app from Google Play. If you have an Android device with its own market (such as the Amazon Kindle Fire), you're out of luck until those stores carry the app too. I tried getting it from a third-party site that has legal apps compatible with the Fire, but it wouldn't install. That is not a red mark against Redbox; outside solutions obviously have only a hit or miss chance of working.

By the way, even though Verizon is involved, the Redbox Instant site has made it clear that you don't need a Verizon phone plan to use the service.

Computers: The usual list of requirements is present here: Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Mac OS X 10.4 or higher. Supported browsers: Internet Explorer 8, 9 or 10, Firefox 3.5 and later, Chrome 21 and later, and Safari 5 and 6 (Mac).

Redbox Instant is currently in beta, so its large list of compatible devices surprised me. I was expecting it to work only with computers for now. Still, I wish it worked with even more devices. PS3 and Wii support would have been nice. If there's some sort of exclusivity agreement going on with Microsoft, I really have to shake my head that companies continue to be conned into accepting deals that only benefit Bill Gates and company. Roku support is also a must, but that too is absent. I will cut Redbox some slack for now since the service is still in beta, but by the time this officially launches, it needs to work with the PS3, Wii, and Roku at the very least.

The Movies

There's no way to tell just how many movies are available for streaming, but Redbox Instant appears to have many of the same ones offered by Netflix and Amazon Prime. "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," "Thor," and "Captain America" are a few of the recent blockbusters I noticed after a cursory glance. Since there's a free trial, it's easy for you to find out if this service offers what you want. Current Redbox kiosk users will obviously get the most out of it.

I tested out "Rango" and "Swordfish" on my computer. Playback appears to be smooth and solid. I couldn't tell if they were in HD on my PC screen, but they still looked clear and crisp. The highest volume could have been a bit louder, but that may have been me, my setup, or those particular films ("Rango" did sound louder than "Swordfish"). I don't often watch movies on a computer, and I suspect I'm far from alone in that, which is why it's in Redbox's best interests to beef up its list of compatible devices as soon as possible!

TV shows don't appear to be offered by Redbox Instant (as of this write-up), but they aren't available from the physical boxes either.

The Site

It's easy to filter movies into different categories and view the streaming-only options. If you want to rent a physical disc, those are simple to search for too.

Like Netflix's queue, Redbox has a Bookmark system. Amazon took forever to add a similar feature – the Watchlist – to its Prime streaming service, so it's nice to see that Redbox has it right out of the gate. However, it remains to be seen if expired movies will automatically be removed from your bookmarks (Netflix does this, Amazon does not).

Cancelling Redbox Instant is also painless. It can be done directly from the site.

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Worth it? If you're a regular Redbox kiosk user already and have a device compatible with its streaming option, it might be. It's certainly priced competitively. If Redbox can add PS3, Wii, and Roku support and fix its early beta glitches (such as the iDevice issues mentioned above), this service has the potential to become a major player very quickly. 

Review: Stand Up Guys

Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Alan Arkin Relive Their Glory Days

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: February 1, 2013 – U.S.

Rating: R

Genre: Comedy, Crime

Running Time: 95 minutes

Director: Fisher Stevens

Writer: Noah Haidle

Cast: Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, 

Alan Arkin, Julianna Margulies, 

Mark Margolis, Lucy Punch 

Al Pacino and Christopher Walken are old. "Stand Up Guys" works because it realizes that. This isn't one of those movies where aging actors futilely attempt to portray much younger men.

Val and Doc (Pacino and Walken) are tired and weathered. Their best days are clearly behind them. As the movie begins, Val – short for Valentine – is being released from prison after 28 years. Doc is there to pick him up. They're best buddies and criminal cohorts from the old days. It quickly becomes apparent what Doc is up to now. Without revealing anything, let's just say that he still has ties to the criminal world. His boss, referred to only as Claphands (Mark Margolis), isn't quite done with either of them just yet.

In a job gone wrong three decades before, Val took the fall for everyone because that's the kind of guy he is – a real stand up guy. The movie doles out those sorts of clichés with regularity. They lend an intentional air of staleness to these two old codgers, whose bones seem to creak with every step they take.

Indeed, Val and Doc often show their age by using antiquated expressions such as "sonny boy" and "let's blow this pop stand." They also misquote "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's famous line from the movie "They Live" about chewing gum and kicking ass, as if it's the hippest thing in the world to say.

"Stand Up Guys" probably works best if you're 80 and on Viagra, but adults of any age should be able to find some level of humor in the material.

The entire film spans roughly one day – and Val and Doc manage to cram a lot into that 24-hour period. At first, they indulge in the types of things one would expect from a man who has just served a long prison sentence: hot food, hotter coffee, and not-so-hot women.

Most movies gloss over food, but not this one. Val and Doc eat several meals. Their restaurant of choice is an all-night diner. They're always served by Wendy (played by a cuter-than-pie Lucy Punch), who Doc sees every day and feels very close to. She's friendly to all the customers, but she wonders about Doc's life the most.

Along the way, Val and Doc decide to rescue an old associate of theirs, Hirsch (Alan Arkin), from another type of prison – a nursing home. He's on a respirator when they get there, but it doesn't take long for him to regain some lost energy and fall back into the mischievous ways of his younger self. They take a joyride in a stolen car with Hirsch behind the wheel.

Pacino and Walken inhabit their characters with an exhausted monotone. No matter what they're saying, their voices are always slow and controlled. That leads to some very funny scenes where they describe their outlandish criminal exploits with a straight face and complete lack of enthusiasm. They may as well be discussing the weather. Those moments mostly involve Hirsch's daughter, Nina (Julianna Margulies), who is a nurse. Another hilarious conversation involves Pacino's character and a priest at a confessional booth. Even career criminals sometimes feel the need to atone for their sins!

There's more than just silly hijinks going on here, though. By the time it's all said and done, you'll find yourself caring deeply about the fates of Val and Doc.

On the surface, "Stand Up Guys" is a comedy about two washed-up criminals who have a great night out on the town – and it works solidly on that level. But what it's really about is the decisions we make in life, the regrets that come with age, and the fact that it's never too late to make different choices.   

Review: My Girl (Fan Chan, 2003 Thailand)

Two Best Friends in 1980s Thailand

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: 2003

Rating: NR

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Running Time: 110 minutes

Directors and Writers: Vitcha Gojiew, 

Songyos Sugmakanan, Nithiwat Tharathorn, 

Witthaya Thongyooyong, Adisorn Trisirikasem, 

Komgrit Triwimol 

Cast: Charlie Trairat, Focus Jirakul, 

Charwin Jitsomboon, Wongsakorn Rassamitat, 

Arnudsara Jantarangsri, Nipawan Taveepornsawan, 

Aphichan Chaleumchainuwong, Preecha Chanapai, 

Anyarit Pitakkul, Yok Teeranitayatarn, 

Chaleumpol Tikumpornteerawong, 

Thana Vichayasuranan

In the early moments of "My Girl," Jeab (played briefly as an adult by Charwin Jitsomboon and as a child for the majority of the movie by Charlie Trairat) receives a phone call from his mother, who tells him that his childhood friend Noi-Nai (Focus Jirakul) is getting married. This causes him to think back to the times they shared together as kids in the small village of Petchaburi, Thailand during the 1980s.

For those of you wondering, this version of "My Girl" (known as "Fan Chan" in its native country) has no direct relation to the more famous 1991 American movie with Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky. There are some obvious similarities, though. They're both about two best friends – a boy and a girl – and their painful separation. That isn't a spoiler because the movie makes it clear from the outset that something happened when Jeab and Noo-Nai were young and they haven't seen each other in a very long time.

Flashing back to the '80s, Jeab and Noi-Nai have been best friends since birth. They generally do what she wants because she's bigger. That usually means playing house or baking imaginary cupcakes. But Jeab is torn and longs to be "one of the boys." However, a "gang" led by chubby three-time 4th grader Jack (Chaleumpol Tikumpornteerawong) wants nothing to do with him because he's a "sissy" who plays with girls.

Jack isn't the only interesting character Jeab and Noo-Nai interact with. Both of their mothers (Arnudsara Jantarangsri and Nipawan Taveepornsawan) are very close, but their fathers (Wongsakorn Rassamitat and Preecha Chanapai) are rival barbers two doors away from each other. So petty is their feud that they'll refuse a customer who's had his hair cut by the other. Small touches like that really breathe life into the world this movie inhabits.

Jeab's father indulges him, giving him a ride to the school bus every morning because he oversleeps. His mother goes too far in the other direction, physically punishing the child - whacking him with a stick - to keep him in line. Despite their different philosophies on child-rearing, Jeab is a good boy – albeit a bit confused about his place in the social order of the village.

This film isn't a tense thriller in the least, but the final childhood sequence will have you on the edge of your seat.

"My Girl" appears to depict the '80s accurately. I recognized a "Nintendo Game & Watch" toy from my own childhood.

The passing of time is also handled very well. When Jeab returns to his village as an adult and goes to the market, we see that the modest corner store from his childhood is now gone. It has been replaced by a 7-11. Even in the '80s scenes, there are subtle references to Americanization. But those moments aren't intended to be political statements; they simply illustrate the inevitable changes and evolutions that take place over the years.

In another nice touch, the cutting of hair is powerfully used as a symbol to denote changing moods, attitudes, and fortunes.

Films like "My Girl" are fascinating because they provide a window into another world. There are so many differences – and even more similarities. I cannot possibly have a personal frame of reference for what life was like in Thailand during the 1980s, but early friendship is a universal theme that transcends all countries and languages – and it's portrayed beautifully here. The closing shot of the movie perfectly captures the timelessness and wonder that can only exist in the friendships we make when we're very young. 

Prepare for the Super Bowl: Fantastic Football Films

Before Baltimore Plays San Francisco, Get Warmed Up with These Gridiron Greats

By Chris Sabga

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, and there's no better way to prepare for the big game than by watching a few great football films. The following list is by no means comprehensive; like a small platter of chips and dip, it's merely designed to whet your appetite.

Rudy: Most of you have likely already seen "Rudy," but no list of great football movies can begin without it. Despite being smaller than the average football player, Daniel E. 'Rudy' Ruettiger (Sean Astin) dreams of getting on the field for Notre Dame. Needless to say, it's one of the most heartwarming and inspiring stories ever put to film – about sports or otherwise. Movies about scrappy underdogs fighting for their dreams are a dime-a-dozen in Hollywood, but stellar performances by Astin and Charles S. Dutton (TV's "Roc") elevate this material. They're the reason why "Rudy" is as beloved as it is.

The Longest Yard (both versions): The 1971 original starring Burt Reynolds is one of the most dramatic and tense sports movies ever made. The 2005 remake with Adam Sandler and several pro wrestlers is the exact opposite: it transforms the story into a silly comedy. While Sandler's version is not a great movie, it is a perfect example of how remakes should be handled. The Reynolds original is still around, still easily viewable, so there's no need to rehash it. Sandler's take on "The Longest Yard" manages to be very faithful to the source material – including some fun nods to the 1971 version – without ever seeming repetitive.

Hometown Legend: Despite being written by Jerry B. Jenkins ("Left Behind") and featuring Terry O'Quinn ("Lost") in a prominent role, no one gets taken by the rapture or stranded on a strange island in this lesser-known film about a small town's final season of high school football. A coach (O'Quinn) finally returns to the school after the death of his son during a game ten years earlier. Now he must guide a new player (Nick Cornish) with problems of his own. Together, they will try to give a small Alabama town one last hurrah.

Gridiron Gang: In one of the best – and most underrated – performances of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's career, he plays a coach who tries to transform the lives of teenagers at a juvenile detention facility by putting them on the football field. Based on a true story, "Gridiron Gang" is raw and real.

Lucas: A small-for-his-age 14-year-old high school freshman (Corey Haim) has a crush on an older girl (Kerri Green), who of course likes the captain of the football team (Charlie Sheen). Is this incredible coming-of-age story from 1986 really about football? No, but the DVD cover does its best to make you believe otherwise. "Lucas" may not be a football movie, per se, but its young hero does try out for the team in a very memorable scene.

Two for the Money: There's more to football than what happens on the field. With powerhouse performances by Matthew McConaughey and Al Pacino, "Two for the Money" explores the cutthroat world of sports gambling. The astronomical numbers they play with are more riveting than the high score of any Super Bowl game.

We Are Marshall: On November 14th, 1970, a plane crash took the lives of coaches, fans, and almost every player from Marshall University's "Thundering Herd" football team. It remains one of the most heartbreaking chapters in sports history. "We Are Marshall" tells the story of a school and a town dealing with unimaginable grief while attempting to rebuild its football program. It tackles the tragedy from every angle. With incredible performances from Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie, David Strathairn, Ian McShane, Kate Mara, and Brian Geraghty, I personally consider "We Are Marshall" to be the greatest football movie ever made.

That small list only scratches the surface, but if you don't like football at all, here's a fantastic film about more of a thinking-man's sport:

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters: The World "Donkey Kong" Championship is serious business. This 2007 documentary covers the kongpetition between Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell, both of whom were locked in "mortal kombat" to become the reigning "King of Kong." Bad puns aside, this is actually a fascinating look at an interesting subculture. Most people under 50 enjoy a good round of "Donkey Kong" every once in a while, but very few know the nuances of the game. If you've never heard of a "kill screen," you will after watching "The King of Kong."