“Pixels” is made for today’s audience, with some nostalgia thrown in for the people of the ’80s. The film features songs by Hall and Oates, Queen, and other well-known artists, as well as the popular arcade games of the ’80s, including PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, and Centipede.

Teenagers in the ’80s and expert video game players, Sam Brenner, Will Cooper, Ludlow Lamonsoff, and Eddie “The Fire Blaster” Plant are now grown men. Their paths have taken an interesting turn. Brenner is divorced and now works as an electronics expert and video game installer, Will Cooper is President of the United States, Ludlow is a conspiracy theory expert and lives in the basement of his grandmother’s home, and Eddie is in prison. However, after aliens see video tapes of the ’80s, they show up with newly created giant-sized game characters and a plan to wreak havoc. The fabulous four will have to pit all their awesome skills against them. Cooper promises Eddie a presidential pardon if he is able to help, so he is released from prison not only to fight the huge creatures, but to provide comedy relief as well.

The story line also includes Brenner developing feelings for Col. Violet Van Patten (Michelle Monaghan) and Ludlow’s desire to win over his fantasy video game girl. The film offers plenty of comedy and action. When Violet turns up her nose over Brenner’s occupation, he calls her “Snobby” and gets the last laugh when she sees him get called into the Oval Office at the White House to meet his good buddy Will, who is, of course, the president. However, sparks between them eventually simmer into a romance. “Pixels” includes a high dose of rough language throughout the movie. We recommend that parents read our content description, which lists the type of language used. We award the movie our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for ages 12-plus. “Pixels” is super summer fun!