It’s been a while since Adam Sandler actually produced or starred in anything of cinematic value.  Pixels actually comes close.  It has ambition; it wants to become the Ghostbusters of the arcade video game era.  With a stronger script and less rambling by Josh Gad it could have reached its potential.

Aliens react to a 1982 video sent into space as a challenge for dominance of Earth. They attack in video game form: Galaga, Centipede, Donkey Kong.  It’s a totally nutty premise, as is the idea that only the grown-up nerds of the past have the proper skill set to save us all: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage.  But put them together with state-of-the-art light weapons and you have a movie.

Chris Columbus’ film sticks close to the Ghostbusters formula throughout, which works pretty well.  Sandler plays his role straight (thankfully); James is the most unlikely U.S. President since Chris Rock; Gad is just annoying most of the time; and then there is Dinklage.  He is a seasoned character actor who seizes his goofy role and runs with it — he’s the Bill Murray of the bunch, and he steals the show.  They need a love interest, too, which happens to be in charge of the military weaponry (Michelle Monaghan).  She also suits up for the battle royale finale.

Nostalgia mixes a bit uneasily with the action and comedy, but the result makes a generally positive impression.  The film certainly doesn’t stand up to close scrutiny, but it’s a fun ride as the aliens attack Guam, the Taj Mahal, London, New York and Washington D.C.  Ironically, it’s target audience is probably way too young to really appreciate the old-school arcade games spotlighted.  Oh, well.  Many of us baby boomers still have fond memories of the hand cramps we experienced back then on these things, and it is fun to revisit the games.  ☆ ☆ 1/2.  25 July 2015.