Pixels

"Pixels" is a 2015 science fiction action-comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, and Josh Gad. The movie tells the story of a unique alien invasion where extraterrestrials misinterpret classic arcade video games as a declaration of war. In response, they attack Earth using versions of games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. To combat this strange threat, the U.S. government recruits a team of former arcade champions—now middle-aged and quirky—to use their old-school gaming skills to save the planet. The film cleverly blends nostalgia for 1980s video games with a modern-day, high-stakes action plot. It plays heavily on retro gaming culture, delighting fans with lifelike recreations of beloved characters and game environments. Despite mixed reviews from critics, "Pixels" attracted audiences for its family-friendly humor and visual effects. The movie stands out as a tribute to arcade gaming and how the past can come back in the most unexpected ways—this time, to help save the future.