Phil sees PIXELS from Sony/Columbia Pictures-November 9, 2015

Family films are usually fun to watch, especially if you're an adult. A lot of the times the filmmakers will add references or jokes that pertained to your youth that makes you laugh while simultaneously entertaining your kids. Now when you think of family films, Adam Sandler isn't the first name that pops in you mind. However, his HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA films have been big box office hits over the past couple of years. However, his live action films have been doing poorly, which to be honest is a real shame. Despite all the negative press and reviews, PIXELS is one of my new favorite family films this year that everybody should see.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Sam Brenner (Sandler), Will Cooper (Kevin James), Ludlow Lamonsoff (Josh Gad), and Eddie "The Fire Blaster" Plant (Peter Dinklage) all played classic arcade video games as teenagers. But now they have to use their skills to try to save the world from aliens. The aliens watched video feeds that they thought was a declaration of war. So they send down the classic arcade games to destroy earth. They also get help from military specialist Violet Van Patten (Michelle Monaghan). They have three lives and if all three get used then Earth will be destroyed, and every time they lose a live the aliens take someone's life. Who will win, us or the aliens? It's an all-out battle to save our planet and everyone on it.

Let me start by say that this was a lot to fun to watch. First, it entertained me on a nostalgic level. I was that kid who along with my friends would over to the mall and hang out at the arcade playing video games all day. I played those games when they first came out. Pac-man, Donkey Kong, Q*Bert, Dig Dug. Galaga, Centipede, the list of games I played goes on and on. And it was such a treat to see these games once again but this time attacking Earth! That was a hoot!

The script was laces with 80's references while giving us the reality of being an adult. When Sandler finds Monaghan crying in her closet while drinking wine out of a sippy cup cause her ex-husband ran off with a 19-year-old yoga instructor, it was hilarious. I mean let's face it: we've all done crazy things when our spouse or significant other runs off with someone else and we're left behind trying to piece together out life back. And here we see first hand how funny we look while doing this. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's plenty of action to coincide with these jokes that intertwine with each other perfectly.

Sandler is funny as our nerdy, tech geek turned hero Sam and he had great on-screen chemistry with Monaghan. Josh Gad's Ludlow had some of the best lines in the film! And let's not forget Peter Dinklage's character Eddie "The Fire Blaster" Plant, who is probably the most bad ass arcade player ever captured on the big screen!

The film was directed by the one and only Chris Columbus, the man who brought us modern day classics like HOME ALONE 1 & 2, MRS. DOUBTFIRE, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, NINE MONTHS and HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS. Columbus does an exceptional once again showing us his directing style compliments the humor and action within the film. As you may or may not know, Columbus is a local filmmaker. Yup, his headquarters is based out in San Francisco and it's nice to see him directing again.

Overall PIXELS is hilarious, action packed, arcade filled joy ride for the whole family. So do yourself a favor and ignore what those prestigious, pompous critics are saying. This movie does what it's supposed: entertain us and forget about for a while. It's that plain and simple. So have have fun watching it with kids as well as your inner child. 4 out of 5 stars!! Definitely worth watching!!

PIXELS is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. You can also order the movie on Video On Demand, Digital Download as well as at your local Redbox.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!