If you are looking for an action-packed battle of video game characters mixed with some typical Adam Sandler comedy, then “Pixels” is the ideal choice.

Chris Columbus’ latest movie is where classic 80s video game characters come to life, literally. Some well-known 80s cyber friends who make an appearance include Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede and Q*bert.

The story focuses on Sam Brenner, played by Sandler, who was a Pac-Man champion in his youth. After his loss at the arcade game world championship, he begins working for a company that installs software.

After the championship, a time capsule filled with these video game characters is launched into outer space. Aliens discovered this capsule and took the message as a threat, influencing them to attack Earth with the use of the iconic characters.

The story begins to heat up when the alien-life forms, based on the designs of Galaga, cause a pixel character attack in Guam. President Will Cooper, played by Kevin James, calls his life-long friends Brenner and Ludlow Lamonsoff, played by Josh Gad, to come and assist in the upcoming battle with the aliens.

This is the first time that Sandler has done an action movie like this. Not only did he entertained his fans with his funny lines and scenarios, but his battle scenes kept the moviegoers at the edge of their seats.

One comical aspect of the movie was Lamonsoff’s love for Lady Lisa from Dojo Quest. It was funny to see this human character actually marry the pixilated Lisa and have five Q*berts for children.

The laughter continued when Q*bert came to life during the movie. Some of  Q*bert’s shining moments were when he sucked down food and peed during the ultimate battle.

What was most fascinating about the movie was how realistic these pixelated characters looked. It was humorous to see these life-like video game characters attacking Earth.

Battles between the nerds and the alien life-forms had the audience glued to their seats. When the characters faced foes like Pac-Man and Centipede, they used the techniques that would be used  to defeat the characters in their video games, making the movie like a real-life arcade game.

“Pixels” is a great movie night choice by far.

For those who are a fan of these classic games or for those who want a good laugh from the cast, “Pixels” fits the bill perfectly.

Featured image credit: Angela George