King of Kong, The

Aroview: Hilarious insight into the rarefied world of competitive video gaming, and a showdown (of sorts) for the crown of achieving the world's highest score on the tricky 'retro' arcade game, "Donkey Kong".

From the ever-entertaining (and ever-expanding) doco mini-genre about obsessive young men, this one doesn't disappoint with two memorable characters - the preening, egotistical defending champion, and the endearingly humble challenger - and a fascinatingly freakish sub-culture, all white, male and nerdy. Compellingly told, though the over-emphasis on the underdog's story leaves one wondering about what might have gone on in the 'King's camp when the cameras stopped rolling.

NZ International Film Festival 2008

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