When I saw the premise for MORAL KOMBAT I was ready for battle. I thought it would be another typical take on video game violence, and its effect on the youth of America. Normally these commentaries offer a single side, usually focusing on Jack Thompson, his crusade, and ridiculous statistics and "facts" that lean toward "video games are bad mmkay???". MORAL KOMBAT is something different. The director, Spencer Halpin, gives you all the angles and lets you decide.
I have to begin this review by saying SEE THIS FILM AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. MORAL KOMBAT is a thorough, thought provoking work of genius that hooks you early with catchy editing, and follows a clever chronological trip through the history of video gaming and the war that has raged on about the effect of violent video games on America’s youth. It features the opinions and think pieces of experts from all walks of video gaming life, from Andy MacNamara from Game Informer magazine, to Senator Joe Lieberman and resident r-tard Jack Thompson. As much as can't stand Thompson's views, he isn't portrayed as a demon, or a savior, but as a person with a view, which I found both nauseating and refreshing at the same time. All of the speakers in the film came across as poised and intelligent, as Halpin does a spectacular job of keeping conversations civil, avoiding Michael Moore styled “fire and brimstone” rhetoric.
The short clips of video games gave me a nostalgic smile. I was torn between wanting to stay, enraptured with the film, or run home and hop on the PS3 for some online death-matching. The clips are strung together so well that you actually watch video games evolve, along with the realism of violence, sex and debauchery portrayed within them. I remembered more about my life, as I realized how I have literally grown alongside the video game industry, realizing more and more about my viewpoints on the topic at hand, who I am, and what I've lived through.
I won't give away anyone's stories, (you'll just HAVE TO SEE THE MOVIE) but I will tell you that the way in which everyone tells their tale makes you believe that their heart is in what they say, and why. I can and will say without a doubt, if you work in the video game industry, play games, or are a parent with a child who gets down with their Xbox, that this film should be required viewing before you ever open your mouth about this subject again. Your view may not change, and I'm not sure if that is the director's intention, but at least you'll understand what all the fuss was about, and you'll take your head out of your ass and hear the other side out because you cannot argue.
I felt at the end that I had witnessed a labor of love, finely crafted into a piece of art. I learned something about those I've championed, those I have vilified, and myself. This is, without a doubt, the best piece of work on the subject that I have ever witnessed. I can honestly say that you need to see this movie, no matter what walk of the gaming-life you belong. Whether you're a Christian crusading against the "pornography and filth" that is gaming, or a hardcore Hot Pocket munching level 60 hunter, MORAL KOMBAT is worth its weight in arcade tokens, gil, or gold coins.
I give MORAL KOMBAT 5 "FINSIH HIM"s out of 5
