Pixels (2015 film)

PixelsOfficialPoster

Pixels is a 2015 American science fiction comedy film directed by Chris Columbus. The film's plot centers around video game characters and icons from the 1980s that attack New York City, following a misunderstanding by alien life forms who interpreted classic arcade games as a declaration of war against them. The film stars Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, and Brian Cox, and features various iconic characters from classic video games, including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, and Space Invaders.

Plot

In 1982, young friends Sam Brenner, Will Cooper, Ludlow Lamonsoff, and Eddie Plant compete in a worldwide video arcade championship, which is recorded and placed in a time capsule that is later sent into space. Decades later, Brenner has become an electronics installer, and Cooper is the President of the United States. When aliens misinterpret the video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth using the games as models. The President calls on Brenner, Ludlow, and Eddie to use their skills to save the world from the alien invasion.

Cast

• Adam Sandler as Sam Brenner
• Kevin James as President Will Cooper
• Michelle Monaghan as Lieutenant Colonel Violet Van Patten
• Peter Dinklage as Eddie Plant
• Josh Gad as Ludlow Lamonsoff
• Brian Cox as Admiral Porter

Production

Pixels was produced by Columbia Pictures, Happy Madison Productions, and 1492 Pictures, with Chris Columbus directing from a screenplay by Tim Herlihy and Timothy Dowling. The concept was based on a 2010 French animated short film of the same name by Patrick Jean. Principal photography took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Reception

Upon its release, Pixels received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized its screenplay, humor, and character development, although the visual effects received some praise. The film was also a box office disappointment, grossing over $244 million worldwide against an estimated budget of $88–129 million.

Themes and analysis

Pixels explores themes of nostalgia, friendship, and redemption, as the main characters must confront their past failures and insecurities to save the world. The film also comments on the cultural impact of video games and their transition from niche entertainment to a global phenomenon.

See also

• List of films featuring extraterrestrials
• Video game culture
• 1980s in video gaming