Joysticks
Joysticks

Joysticks

1983Movie88 minEnglish

A successful businessman attempts to shut down a video arcade he believes is harmful to the mental health of children.

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Insights

IMDb4.5/10
Director: Gregg HaleGenres: Comedy, Action

Plot Summary

A group of high school friends attempts to save their beloved local video arcade from a greedy property developer who plans to tear it down and build a shopping mall. They enter a video game competition with a substantial cash prize, hoping to win enough money to buy the arcade themselves.

Critical Reception

Joysticks is widely regarded as a low-brow comedy and a relic of the early 1980s video game craze. It received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, who often cited its predictable plot, juvenile humor, and uninspired performances. Audiences generally found it to be a forgettable entry in the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its nostalgic look at early arcade culture.
  • Criticized for its thin plot and reliance on tired comedic tropes.
  • Seen as a cheesy, dated film that caters to a very specific niche.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available often highlight the film's dated humor and the nostalgic appeal of its setting. It's generally considered a 'so bad it's good' movie for those who grew up with arcade games.

Fun Fact

The film features early appearances from future stars, including a brief cameo by Jim Carrey, though he is uncredited.

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