I can’t think of the last Adam Sandler movie I enjoyed, much less admired. (“Punch-Drunk Love,” obviously.) But what makes “Pixels” an enjoyable ’80s nostalgia ride is that it’s not, in its primitive 8-bit code, an Adam Sandler movie. Rather, the filmmakers are adapting a clever short film (by Patrick Jean, all two-and-a-half wordless minutes of which you can find on Vimeo).
So while Sandler is typecast as Sam — former ’80s arcade-game champ; now a tech-support drone in need of redemption — “Pixels” doesn’t feel like his usual angry man-child vehicle. The chip on his shoulder isn’t so large, and Sam’s childhood pal Will grows up to be less Kevin James-ey than expected (though still played by Kevin James).
Hold on — am I actually giving this movie a positive review? Critics generally hate Sandler and James; only their director, Chris Columbus, is a comedy pro who counts among his credits “Mrs. Doubtfire,” two Harry Potter movies, and “Home Alone.” He’s not from the Sandler combine, though Sandler (as producer) and his writers have infused the cheerful family comedy with familiar shadings of class resentment and triumphant mensch-hood.
The premise and effects matter more than the casting, anyway. Earth is being invaded by “intelligent energy” that models its attacks on the 1982 video games NASA sent on a space probe (never mind why). Thus we see London, Guam, Agra, New York, and D.C. under assault by Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Centipede, and Space Invaders.
The sky lights up with colorful pixelated foes, and even the game scores, as Sam and ’80s-uniformed company — including the impressively committed Josh Gad and Peter Dinklage — blast away with very Ghostbusters-ish light cannon. (A royalty check is also surely due the “King of Kong” team.) It’s silly, bloodless fun — unlike “Call of Duty” or “Grand Theft Auto,” as Sam paternally lectures the young son of his military love interest (Michelle Monaghan, doing a lot with a little).
Much money and programming power have been devoted to making modern CG approximate old ’80s arcade icons, and the effect is blocky, nostalgic, and not a little charming — right down to the retro arcade sounds. (Yes, the 3-D is worth it, though less for the games that the smashing sight of Serena Williams in an azure ballroom gown.)
It’s near-impossible to be frightened by a giant Pac-Man gobbling up Manhattan; so much so that its Japanese creator makes the mistake of trying to tame the rogue beast (a lift, surely, from Young Frankenstein). If there’s good to be found in that avaricious yellow creature, so, too, can Sandler earn validation in his baggy orange cargo shorts.
“Pixels” (3 stars)
Look past the fact Adam Sandler and Kevin James play integral roles, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” this is not. Adapted from a clever short film, “Pixels” is a nostalgia-fest for anyone who played Atari in the ’80s, with Pac-Man and Donkey Kong taking down American cities.
Rating: PG-13, for language, suggestive comments
Showing: Alderwood, Everett Stadium, Marysville, Stanwood, Meridian, Thornton Place, Woodinville, Cascade Mall
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