Pixels

Thirteen-year-old Sam Brenner and Will Cooper immerse themselves in their love for arcade gaming during the vibrant summer of 1982. Their excitement reaches a peak when Brenner decides to enter an esteemed arcade game world championship.

At the world's championship, the Master of Ceremonies announces an exciting twist involving a time capsule. This time capsule is set to launch into space, containing a videotape of the championship highlights, adding a thrilling layer to the competition.

During the championship, Brenner performs well but ultimately faces a fierce showdown against the skilled player, Eddie Plant. The match concludes with Brenner's defeat in the classic game, *Donkey Kong*, shaping his future experiences in gaming.

Fast forward to the present day, and Brenner has transitioned into a technician installing home theater systems. Meanwhile, his childhood friend Cooper has risen to the position of President of the United States amidst escalating chaos when a military base in Guam is attacked.

Brenner's mundane life takes an unexpected twist when he is assigned to work at the home of Violet Van Patten, a divorcee with a son. Just as he settles in, Brenner receives a shocking call from Cooper that sets the stage for their reunion.

Brenner learns from Ludlow, who unexpectedly appears in his van, that aliens have invaded Earth. These extraterrestrial beings are sending creatures inspired by classic video game characters to challenge humanity, interpreting the championship tape as a declaration of war.

Despite their efforts to prepare, the group is too late to prevent an attack on the Taj Mahal, where the aliens employ game-inspired tactics using *Arkanoid* paddles. This attack highlights the urgent need to strategize against the ongoing alien threat.

As tensions rise, Brenner, Ludlow, and Violet collaborate to train soldiers specifically to combat the alien adversaries. They discover that powerful light beams can neutralize the pixelated aliens, preparing them for the next impending battle in London.

In London, the ominous presence of *Centipede* signals the next battle. Brenner successfully leads the troops, tapping into their gaming instincts, but the initial struggle forces him and Ludlow to take decisive actions to turn the tide of the battle.

The next showdown occurs in New York City against the formidable *Pac-Man*. With a risky strategy involving Mini Coopers designed as ghosts, Brenner, Cooper, Violet, and Eddie must outsmart Pac-Man in a series of rounds to secure their victory.

During the intense battle, Toru Iwatani, the creator of Pac-Man, suffers a severe injury, putting additional pressure on the team. Eddie manages to win the first round, but disaster strikes when he loses his car to the East River during the second round.

As the team confronts the mighty *Donkey Kong*, Brenner is faced with the realization of Eddie's deception. In a critical moment, he throws a hammer at Donkey Kong to break their hold, restoring order and facilitating the return of the pixelated heroes.

Following their victorious battles, the group is hailed as heroes and initiates a historic peace agreement with the alien visitors. Their achievement symbolizes a unique collaboration, bridging the worlds of video games and interstellar diplomacy.

Amidst the celebrations, Brenner forms a romantic connection with Violet while Ludlow experiences a delightful surprise when *Q*Bert* transforms into Lady Lisa, marrying her and continuing the joy of their victory.

A year passes, and the narrative concludes with a heartwarming scene demonstrating the blending of worlds where Ludlow and Lady Lisa are happily married with children. Their lives and those of the arcade heroes showcase the enduring legacy of their gaming adventure.