The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

96% of critics liked it
(98 reviews)
92% of users liked it
(27,068 ratings)

Seth Gordon's documentary The King of Kong follows the exploits of the two best Donkey Kong players in America. Billy Mitchell has held the world record for the popular video game for over 20 years. The film covers his rise to prominence, and the circle of associates he keeps in the Twin Galaxies… More Seth Gordon's documentary The King of Kong follows the exploits of the two best Donkey Kong players in America. Billy Mitchell has held the world record for the popular video game for over 20 years. The film covers his rise to prominence, and the circle of associates he keeps in the Twin Galaxies organization, which serves as the official referee and scorekeeper of the electronic gaming world; within the organization, Mitchell is highly revered for his prowess at a number of games. Eventually Steve Wiebe, with time on his hands now that he finds himself without a job, decides to seriously hunker down and challenge Mitchell's record. Gordon gets close to both men, and shows how the passionate arcade subculture harbors very powerful feelings about both of them. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Seth Gordon
Genres: Documentary, Sports & Fitness, Special Interest

In Theaters: Aug 17, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Jan 29, 2008
Studio: New Line Cinema

Critic Reviews

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Is there anything more tiresome than watching people play video games? Seth Gordon's documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters answers that question with a decisive yes: watching a movie about people playing video games.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
A terrifically entertaining documentary about an unlikely subject.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Hilarious and eye-popping.
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
Wonderful, hilarious documentary.
Adam Graham, Detroit News
Directed by Seth Gordon, the film illuminates and draws you into a subculture you never knew existed and makes you genuinely care about its characters.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
Nerds rule.
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media
Amusing documentary duel at the video arcade.
Nick Rogers, Suite101.com
Seth Gordon's unexpectedly engrossing documentary about the quest for a "Donkey Kong" record - a seeming paradise only for the pale and pasty -offered a fascinating, infuriating look at the bleakly funny morass of American social expectations.
Ian Buckwalter, DCist
Even if you've never so much as eaten a single ghost in a game of Ms. Pac-Man, King of Kong is still a remarkable (and remarkably hilarious) film.
Sean Gandert, Paste Magazine
every bit as exciting as any sports %uFB01lm, while also shedding light on how obsessions can combine with corrupt power structures to drive otherwise normal people to ridiculous ends.
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
It's clear that director Seth Gordon is rooting for Wiebe - but it is not just a trick of the editing that means within 30 minutes of the political machinations of Kong beginning, you will be too.
Daniel Etherington, Film4
A great little documentary, full of laughs, drama and tension. It's like Rocky, but with a joystick. And an opponent who isn't actually seen stepping into the ring.
David Jenkins, Time Out
You could hardly call it a paragon of impartial filmmaking, but this is still a compelling and immersive glance into the nature of competitiveness and the corrupting aspects of fame.
James Dyer, Empire Magazine
An engrossing story that plucks at the heartstrings just as hard as it pummels the fire buttons.
Rossiter Drake, San Francisco Examiner
Gordon invites us to snicker at his cast of hardcore gamers, for whom 'Donkey Kong' tournaments are as vital as Super Bowls and as divisive as the war on abortion. But once embedded in their strange world, he finds a compelling story to tell.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
If it weren't for swirling currents of humanity, the film would bore me Gongless. But it turns out to be character thriller with a big finish.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Unquestionably the most engaging and flat-out entertaining documentary since Murderball...
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is
an oddly entertaining and exciting documentary that at times looks like a mockumentary
Marlow Stern, Manhattan Movie Magazine
You could say it's sort of like Murderball, only these guys' disabilities are of the social variety. At any rate, it's a great film
Stephen Himes, Film Snobs
"When We Were Kings" for dorks.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bob S

good fun but seemed a little staged for the cameras - ok, very staged.
Lorenzo v

"Don't get chumpatized" Diehard video game fans compete to break World Records on classic arcade games. <center>REVIEW</center>… More
"Don't get chumpatized" Diehard video game fans compete to break World Records on classic arcade games. <center>REVIEW</center> The King Of Kong is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. I might be a bit biased since I'm a long time video gamer but even a non- video gamer would find this one to be utterly interesting. Steve Wiebe, a then unemployed schoolteacher, decides to try and break arcade ace Billy Mitchell's long-standing score at Donkey Kong. He does so and that begins his rocky road to getting a bunch of gaming nerds to recognize him for his efforts. It's amazing to see Billy Mitchell (who comes off as the Brad Pitt of video gaming) using his smarmy charm and stroke to control the nerds who kowtow him when it comes to his beloved Donkey Kong record. All Steve Wiebe wants is recognition for his prowess at Donkey Kong; he doesn't really want to join Walter Day and his merry nerds. However, we see Billy Mitchell (who doesn't play a single game in the film) continually belittle Wiebe, talk about how great he is and use BS tactics to keep Wiebe away from his record. The Twin Galaxy nerds want to accept Steve but they are so under Billy the Egotist's thumb that they can't lest they lose their biggest "star". It's sad to see people simply let one guy walk all over them and think they deserve to be respected. We see a group of people fighting over something so trivial as a video game score record and it's a shock. That something so insignificant is taken so seriously will surprise many people. This is one documentary worth seeing just to see some real hardcore video gamers trading barbs and talking big. These guys didn't stop after the filming. Billy, Steve and a few others are still trying to be The King Of Kong as we speak.
Kalel J

Rivalry, pride, and status in the modern battlefield of circuitry and joysticks; 'The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters' is both a nostalgic look at the grounding of a modern entertainment revolution and a classic portrayal of the humbled hero against the empirical… More
Rivalry, pride, and status in the modern battlefield of circuitry and joysticks; 'The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters' is both a nostalgic look at the grounding of a modern entertainment revolution and a classic portrayal of the humbled hero against the empirical antagoniser. Filmic quailties in its depiction of these people and this setting is what pushes this story of simplicity to greater heights. Allowing what is essentially a battle for numbers to morph into a test of character in a person and a show of determination against the uncertainties of fraud in a system, the barriers of an established community, and self doubt. Classical story and character elements are used to great effect in giving the documentary - a retelling of straight facts and lives - into a genuine story of loss and triumph. But what sets the film into murky (though interesting) territory is its picturing of these lives. The clear painting of Billy Mitchell - the former champion - as a cunning schemer afraid of losing is only the start. The further dragging of the community around him is the ultimate test. The film almost seems at times to make an antagonist of the game community as a whole, with its hero - Steve Wiebe - the man of justice. But we are reminded of it as just a game as a hobby, though a game can turn into an addiction.
Michael S

This is an incredible documentary about two of the most obsessive and unforgettable characters I've seen in ANY FILM! Entertaining, unforgettable and pretty remarkable.
Steve K

Okay, I'm going to be "that guy". I didn't think it was that funny. Sure, funny in moments, and I like the idea that it exists, but mainly I just wanted to punch Mitchell in the face.
Jay H

The best documentaries, I've found, are the ones whose focus is microscopic--the ones try to tell the story of just a few people. This is such a film. It tells the story of one man's journey to break the Donkey Kong arcade game world record. In the process it exposes the… More
The best documentaries, I've found, are the ones whose focus is microscopic--the ones try to tell the story of just a few people. This is such a film. It tells the story of one man's journey to break the Donkey Kong arcade game world record. In the process it exposes the double standards and douchebaggery of the old guard of arcade gaming. It is a fantastic ride and is easily one of the most watchable, entertaining documentaries out there.
Tsubaki S

It will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Also, fuck Billy Mitchell.
Anthony L

This is a great documentary! It?s got drama, comedy, corruption! It?s a classic tale of good vs. evil. It?s like starwars but with geeks and nerds. Steve Wiebe is great hero character but Billy Mitchell has to be one of the greatest villains in cinematic history! He's like the… More
This is a great documentary! It?s got drama, comedy, corruption! It?s a classic tale of good vs. evil. It?s like starwars but with geeks and nerds. Steve Wiebe is great hero character but Billy Mitchell has to be one of the greatest villains in cinematic history! He's like the wicked witch of the west, surrounded by his flying monkeys. This is an ace film, you should watch it this evening! :o)
Sophie B

Loved this so much. I really like how it follows a natural narrative and that these are real people being themselves. It's very funny and even though I'm not a gamer myself it was very entertaining. The facial expressions are priceless! Boo Billy Mitchell!
Luke B

Sometimes truth is far more entertaining than fiction could ever be. When a film like King of Kong comes along, you ask "Is this really a documentary?" It's more This is Spinal Tap than Capturing the Friedmans. The amazing thing is just how much conventional narrative… More
Sometimes truth is far more entertaining than fiction could ever be. When a film like King of Kong comes along, you ask "Is this really a documentary?" It's more This is Spinal Tap than Capturing the Friedmans. The amazing thing is just how much conventional narrative is employed. There are the ups and the downs, the twists and the turns. The characters are also familiar. We have the Hero, Steve Wiebe, an everyman. He has his kids, his wife and has lost his job. We have the Villain, Billy Mitchell, one of the biggest pricks you'll ever see. A shameless self-promoter and manipulator. He even abandons his own principles to get to the top. Doris Self is an aging champion, looking to get her title back. Walter Day is the guy impressed with the newcomer, but loyal to the champ. We also have an old enemy of Mitchell's that now supports Wiebe and a wannabe ass kisser. It's great story telling. As a documentary it may be a tad biased, but it's for the best for such entertainment. Had me feeling nervous, disappointed, elated and pissed off. A great experience.
Alexander W

This is a funny and relevant movie documentary that follows Steve Wiebe ( a real guy and not an actor ) and his out of the blue desire to become the world champion..... of Donkey Kong. If you don't know what DK is, then don't even watch this film.
Lewis C

A well made documentary gets the viewer to emotionally invest into the events being shown. The King of Kong does this with fllying colors. Even someone who doesn't have much experience with classic gaming will enjoy watching this movie. Steve Wiebe's quest to be the… More
A well made documentary gets the viewer to emotionally invest into the events being shown. The King of Kong does this with fllying colors. Even someone who doesn't have much experience with classic gaming will enjoy watching this movie. Steve Wiebe's quest to be the world's best at Donkey Kong was nothing short of fascinating. I never knew how difficult these older games could be, or how passionate some people still are about them. The amount of training that the best of these players do is incredible. Steve himself is very easy to root for, as he is so much more normal and well-adjusted than many of his competitors. He just seemed like a really nice person. And as a viewer, I could almost feel the pressure that he was under at the various events that he went to. He was the underdog that had to fight every step of the way to get to where he wanted to be. His main opponent, Billy, was not nearly so likeable. His mind-games and cronies got tiresome very quickly, and he just seemed like a huge coward who was too afraid to go head-to-head with his challenger. The triumphs and obstacles that Steve and his family face makes for a hour and a half of excellent viewing. Buy it, rent it, or download it, but see it somehow.
Tim S

Great documentary. Can't wait for further developments.
Gordon A

Fascinating glimpse inside the obsessive male psyche in all its horror. My nostalgia glands were in overdrive as the film detailed the classic arcade favourites, but its real strength is in navigating the deluded personalities on show. Sub cultures don't get much stranger than… More
Fascinating glimpse inside the obsessive male psyche in all its horror. My nostalgia glands were in overdrive as the film detailed the classic arcade favourites, but its real strength is in navigating the deluded personalities on show. Sub cultures don't get much stranger than this.
Daniel J D

Seth Gordon took an ordinarily boring topic (I mean, Donkey Kong?) into a truly suspenseful documentary. It helped that the actual story and characters involved were rather compelling. That said, it's not one of those movies worth repeat viewing.
Justin Y

There are many documentaries out there, but The King of Kong really entertains, rather than just stating the facts. The fact that I enjoy video games doesn't hurt either.The first 10 minutes of this rather short 80 minute flick may steer the viewer… More
There are many documentaries out there, but The King of Kong really entertains, rather than just stating the facts. The fact that I enjoy video games doesn't hurt either.The first 10 minutes of this rather short 80 minute flick may steer the viewer into thinking that this will be some sort of nerd-gamer fest. It will seem as if hardcore gamers will be talking about how gaming is life and the records that they hold is the most precious thing in the world. This makes the first 10 minutes the worst part of the movie.In actuality, the first 10 minutes gives a look at the background of a few of the main people, although it may not seem that way. You really come to appreciate Billy Mitchell and his Donkey Kong record. Not soon after, Steve Wiebe comes into the picture to go for the record and you come to realize how much of a punk Billy Mitchell is. There really is a hero and a villain in this story and it is because of this that the ending is so satisfying.Even with the fact that games of today are radically different, Donkey Kong still serves as the perfect game for this documentary. The concept is simple and a ton of people know about it. Even if you don't, the game takes a backseat to the characters of Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell, and Walter Day. Roy Shildt is an interesting character, but suffers from too little airtime.The King of Kong is a nicely written documentary that many a gamer will enjoy. I think it's time to visit Twin Galaxies now.
_kelly .

I just plain love this documentary. The production crew delves into the lives of classic video games' top players, centering around a rivalry between the first superstar of gaming Billy Mitchell and an unknown newcomer Steve Sanders for world champion of Donkey Kong, a game… More
I just plain love this documentary. The production crew delves into the lives of classic video games' top players, centering around a rivalry between the first superstar of gaming Billy Mitchell and an unknown newcomer Steve Sanders for world champion of Donkey Kong, a game revered by regular classic game circuit players as perhaps the most difficult of the classic games. The crew captures many angles of the involved people's personalities, enough that this feels very narrative at points, which is a marker of good doc. I became involved in the politics of this community, this "unusual and relatively unknown" outlet for proving oneself, and was quite intrigued by the gamers' competitive tactics and somewhat archaic score verification process, which looked easily corruptible by personal bias. At the end of this movie, one feels like you've learned something. Even a seasoned gamer like myself didnt know about "Twin Galaxies" though I had heard of the place they run FunSpot. The "referee" of classic gaming is a very interesting person, quite clearly an artistic word-minded soul interested in a very technical math-centered field, and by finding the balance between the two, he created a new career and a new way of viewing video games. This movie will probably change the way you view video games.
Curtis L

Boy, some people's lives are way better than mine. And that Billy Mitchell, everything he says is as controversial as the abortion issue. What a douche.
Christopher M

Boy, do I ever love a good documentary. Which is exactly what I got with The King of Kong and then some. Generally, to make a really good doc you need a really good subject that hasn't been touched on too much. This is what we have. The documentary follows a budding rivalry over… More
Boy, do I ever love a good documentary. Which is exactly what I got with The King of Kong and then some. Generally, to make a really good doc you need a really good subject that hasn't been touched on too much. This is what we have. The documentary follows a budding rivalry over the top worldwide score record on the classic arcade game Donkey Kong; a record set by Billy Mitchel in the early 80s, who has since went on to became as famous as one can be from such a thing. Set against him is introduced Steve Wiebe - a loving father and husband and everyman who decides to devote himself to beating the record. He is the classic underdog, and the film sets this up so well, the events of the various record attempts and controversy around them unfolding right before us. The viewer should become very involved, rooting for the underdog and booing Mitchell, who essentially becomes the villain of the piece (and with that haircut, it makes sense). The subject matter is simply classic, and surprisingly inspiring, as the film becomes less about the game itself but Wiebe's dream of accomplishing something after a life of failures and half-successes, and the obstacles he faces along the way. It really is a classic story, except that the events and the participants are real, and it happens to involve an arcade game. Entertaining on so many levels, The King of Kong is absolutely a must-see.
Jason S

This is an excellent doc about a guy just trying to make his mark in the world and he proves that he has what it takes to keep going even when the world is against him. This is a made film and really shows the two main people in an honest light. If a guy comes off looking like a jerk… More
This is an excellent doc about a guy just trying to make his mark in the world and he proves that he has what it takes to keep going even when the world is against him. This is a made film and really shows the two main people in an honest light. If a guy comes off looking like a jerk then it stands that it's because he is. Just saying. Watch the doc as it's a fun watch and a great underdog story.