Pixels

UK Release Date: 12th August 2015

When aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth in the form of the video games (www.imdb.com).

Director: Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone)

Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Brian Cox, Sean Bean

The least convincing aspect of Pixels is Kevin James as President of the United States. Did someone vote for Paul Blart, who thought this was a good idea? Sandler's his dorky friend whose stuck in his old, gaming hay-days. In the late 80's he was a gaming phenomenon, but was out-championed by a cocky kid (later played by the almighty Peter Dinklage). Nowadays, he's a wash out, with no real aim in life. Lucky for him then, that aliens start attacking earth in the form of video games. Video feeds of retro arcade games were sent in to outer space as a peace offering, not a admission of war. Sandler, his geeky friend Josh Gad and nemesis Peter Dinklage are the ones leading the defence. Just as unconvincing is the world relying on three gaming wizards. The acting hits all sorts of levels from mediocre (Sandler), to good (Dinklage, Monaghan), to over the top (Gad). Pixels is a lavish, easy to look at yet underwhelming comedy that's only appealing to gamers. At least we get to see Pac-Man and Donkey Kong on the big screen.

2.5/5