Directed by Mads Hedegaard.
Starring Kim Cannon Arm, Walter Day and Shigeru Miyamoto.
SYNOPSIS:
This documentary, which takes a nostalgic deep dive into video game culture, is drawn together by ‘Cannon Arm’ Kim Kobke. A man of singular talent, who attempts to play arcade cabinet classic Gyruss for a hundred hours on one credit.
As a heads up, this documentary never really depends on knowing anything about video games. At a time in history when consoles are staggeringly powerful and billion-dollar industries rely on fully immersive experiences, this throwback to simpler times is quite refreshing. Shaped around an urban legend of the retro gaming community, Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest represents a genuine retro step back in time.
Kim ‘Cannon Arm’ Kobke is the intentional centre of attention here, who has spent his whole life training for this moment. Gyruss the arcade shooter is discussed with the reverence of a biblical text, alongside other monumental titles including Double Dragon, Q-Bert and Donkey Kong. Writer director Mads Hedegaard allows his genuine passion to come through for this subject and its community as a whole, with an occasional deviation into philosophical cul-de-sacs.
However, what becomes obvious early on is how little this film hinges on Kim’s success. The documentary is more concerned with pulling back the curtain on a secretive world, where people are lauded for a very specific set of skills. A place where middle aged men gather together in purpose-built locations and indulge their pixelated passions for button mashing. Empowered by an inherent sense of community not offered elsewhere.
Time is also devoted to exploring the mythology of these arcade dinosaurs, both in terms of their historical significance and wider cultural impact. On a more intimate level, this retro snapshot of Eighties gaming culture is also treated with respect rather than ridicule. There is no time for mockery and preparations are duly documented on film, as Kim approaches his attempt with selfless determination. Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of both Mario and Donkey Kong, also legitimises proceedings by explaining his inspirations, while Kim’s cohorts each get their own time to shine.
As for the attempt itself, there is an unavoidable comparison to be made with This is Spinal Tap. Although on paper these two films appear to share no DNA, there are moments of unintentional comedy here that bring them together. Kim also contributes to this comedic element by really just being himself. He is part super human button masher, Iron Maiden fanboy and stasher of arcade motherboards. Where some people might collect books, magazines or object d’art, Kim lives alone surrounded by boxes of vintage video games.
However, as a film Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest is hamstrung by budget rather than ambition. From a historical standpoint, this documentary works better as an examination of social constructs. The reasons behind these obsessions combine with an inherent herd mentality, which raises questions around how cliques are formed, irrespective of the passion involved. Whether that was Mads Hedegaard’s intention is unlikely, as his observations on the culture strive for a compassionate understanding of this lifestyle, rather than anything approaching cynicism.