Tools for this page
Print

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

(2007, Rated PG-13, Documentary, Starring Billy Mitchell, Steve Wiebe, Walter Day)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Amusing documentary duel at the video arcade.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Viewers get to pick sides between the arrogant reigning Donkey Kong champion and a nice-guy family man, dogged by bad luck, who seems to need the affirmation and approval of his peers badly. There are a few female players glimpsed, but women are mostly supportive (maybe slightly exasperated) spouses.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    None, except quick flashes of violent video games over the end credits.

  • Sex:

    A sexy still photo of a nude couple (covering up each other's private parts, barely), is shown, illustrating the sordid past of a video gamer.

  • Language:

    "Bastard" and "kick that guy's ass" used, but the point is made that profanity is actually frowned upon in this milieu.

  • Consumerism:

    Not only are video games, video game parlors, and shop franchises ubiquitous, we also see plenty of the chicken hot sauce sold by one of the contenders in his day job.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Gaming is verbally compared to drug addiction, and some interviewees smoke.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Parents need to know that this is not a King Kong related movie in any form, but a rollicking documentary about extreme video gaming. The PG-13 rating from the MPAA is unwarranted, even though there are a few swear words and brief glimpses of sexy still pictures.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the various arcade champions, especially the flashy Billy Mitchell and his soft-spoken underdog rival Steve Wiebe. Which one do you root for? Do you think they're as legitimate as athletes in professional sports? Should video games (whether they're the vintage Space Invaders or the latest Halo) be this important in peoples' lives? How important are video games to your kids?see this together for some bonding.
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    joeysmom411
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    Life Lesson to be Learned...

    I sat down to watch King of Kong with my two children, ages 11 and 13, only having watched the trailer online. Normally I would never do that, but I figured it was a documentary, so how bad could it be? My son is a video game nut, so I knew he would be intrigued by it, and I know what Donkey Kong is, so I'd be OK, but I wasn't sure about my daughter, age 11. I did have to explain some things to her, not about the gaming, but about the way the adults were acting. My 11 year old daughter was the first one to point out that the adults were acting like they were still in middle school! I have to agree. The contestants in the tournaments were catty, back-biting, jeaslous, and egotistical. I thought the important lesson for her was, some people never outgrow this, and she needs to be prepared for it. Behavior like this occurs in all kinds of jobs, whether you're a secretary in an office, or a judge in a courthouse. The best remark she had was, "But they are grown ups, why are they acting like that? It's a video came, for crying out loud!!!" The film itself was brilliant in showing just exactly that point. The grand poo-bah of Donkey Kong was basking in the glow of something he accomplished more than twenty years ago. He still had the same hair cut! The challenger was in the here and now. He was willing to sacrifice whatever it took to beat the poo-bah, and he did it. David versus Goliath. Classic tale, same ending. Life lesson learned.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 15+
    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.