Under The Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story (2011)

85% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
74% of users liked it
(100 ratings)

Under the Boardwalk: The MONOPOLY Story, a gripping documentary narrated by Zachary Levi. For more than 75 years, the game of MONOPOLY has brought friends and families together on countless occasions and created millions of memories. This fascinating documentary shows how the classic board game has… More Under the Boardwalk: The MONOPOLY Story, a gripping documentary narrated by Zachary Levi. For more than 75 years, the game of MONOPOLY has brought friends and families together on countless occasions and created millions of memories. This fascinating documentary shows how the classic board game has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon, and follows the colorful players who come together to compete for the coveted title of MONOPOLY World Champion. -- (C) Tostie Productions

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Kevin Tostado
Written By: Craig Bentley, Kevin Tostado
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: May 6, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Feb 14, 2012
Studio: Tostie Productions

Critic Reviews

Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
On its own modest terms, "Under the Boardwalk" is a pleasant, enjoyable experience...
Neil Genzlinger, New York Times
The film bounces around enjoyably, giving a history of the game, talking to people who love it and chronicling the 2009 Monopoly World Championships in Las Vegas.
Andrew Schenker, Village Voice
Under the Boardwalk is, unsurprisingly, a celebration of all things Monopoly, from its role in American pop culture to the national and international tournaments it has spawned.
Dennis Harvey, Variety
Under the Boardwalk provides an amiable overview of one very famous board game's history and impact, alongside a moderately engaging portrait of players preparing for the 2009 World Monopoly Championship.
Kam Williams, NewsBlaze
Advance token to Boardwalk!
Christopher Long, Movie Metropolis
Strictly a soft sell, a breezy, fan's-eye appreciation of one of America's (and now much of the world's) most popular board games.
Kam Williams, NewsBlaze
Advance token to Boardwalk!
Prairie Miller, WBAI Radio
Fascinating revelations on how the 75 year old game adapted to changing times, and originated as anti-capitalist during the Great Depression, then flipped the script. As it takes up the significant challenges of bringing a board game to cinematic life.
Annlee Ellingson, Moving Pictures Magazine
A slick documentary that juxtaposes the history, politics and cultural influence of the ever-popular Parker Brothers game with brief profiles of the people who play it.
Chuck Bowen, Slant Magazine
Under the Boardwalk is affectionate and inoffensive, but unavoidably disposable.
David Noh, Film Journal International
More than you ever thought you could know about the world's favorite board game is here in this amiable but wandering, factoid-filled documentary.
Jennifer Merin, About.com
Whether you play MONOPOLY or not, you'll be game for this entertaining documentary tha delves into everything about the world's most popular board game.
Beth Accomando, KPBS.org
Kevin Tostado's desire to compete in the Monopoly championships led him to make a delightful documentary about the classic board game for its 75th anniversary.
Alison Gang, San Diego Union-Tribune
Feels as wholesome as a Norman Rockwell illustration, hitting just the kind of nostalgic chord the game inspires in those who grew up playing it.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Everett J

"Under the Boardwalk" is light hearted documentary about all things Monopoly. From it's origins, to collectors, to the world Monopoly championship. If there's ever something you wanted to know about this famous board game, or it's culture, then this is right… More
"Under the Boardwalk" is light hearted documentary about all things Monopoly. From it's origins, to collectors, to the world Monopoly championship. If there's ever something you wanted to know about this famous board game, or it's culture, then this is right up your alley. At 88 minutes the movie doesn't over stay it's welcome. Runs at a better pace than the game itself. I grew up with Monopoly and found this very interesting and entertaining. Last few years documentaries have been getting better and better, and this follows this trend.
Jason V

Light, airy and constantly unearthing new little factoids about Monopoly fandom, Under the Boardwalk intercuts the history of the game with the run up to the National Championships. We meet devoted Monopoly players-some who take the game too seriously-and see how it has affected… More
Light, airy and constantly unearthing new little factoids about Monopoly fandom, Under the Boardwalk intercuts the history of the game with the run up to the National Championships. We meet devoted Monopoly players-some who take the game too seriously-and see how it has affected everything they do. There aren't any deep life lessons here and the people we meet are one note, but this is a fun little diversion, a side note to a classic game.