Pixels

In 1982, a group of gifted kids used their skills in arcade games to win a trophy at the local mall. Years later, aliens discover video feeds of these games and interpret them as a declaration of war. The aliens launch an attack using the games as their attack models. The group of friends, now adults, must come together to save the world from the alien invasion.

Pixels received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and was a disappointment at the box office, failing to recoup its production budget. It was widely criticized for its weak script, reliance on dated pop culture references, and lack of originality, though some found amusement in its nostalgic premise.

• The film relies too heavily on a nostalgic premise without offering substantial innovation or humor.

• Critics largely found the plot to be nonsensical and the execution to be bland, despite the potential of its video game theme.

• The performances were generally considered uninspired, even from the comedic actors involved.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Pixels are mixed. Many enjoyed the nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic arcade games and characters, finding it a fun, lighthearted popcorn flick. However, a significant portion of viewers found the plot predictable, the humor hit-or-miss, and the overall execution to be subpar, with some feeling it was a missed opportunity.

The film features cameo appearances by several iconic video game characters, including Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and the Centipede. Some of these characters were recreated using practical effects and digital animation to appear on screen.