• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

Movie Review – Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest (2021)

October 31, 2021 by Martin Carr

Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest, 2021.

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.

Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

Martin Carr

 

Filed Under: Festivals, London Film Festival, Martin Carr, Movies, Reviews Tagged With: 2021 BFI London Film Festival, Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest, Kim Cannon Arm, Mads Hedegaard

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

10 Essential Frankenstein-Inspired Films

The Best Retro 2000 AD Video Games

The Kings of Cool

The Essential Movies About Memory

MTV Generation-Era Comedies That Need New Sequels

The Film Feud of the 90s: Steven Seagal vs Jean-Claude Van Damme

Cinema of Violence: 10 Great Hong Kong Movies of the 1980s

Great 90s Neo-Noir Movies You Might Have Missed

10 Essential Films From 1975

Exploring George A. Romero’s Non-Zombie Movies

Top Stories:

Movie Review – Sovereign (2025)

“Dexter In Space” – Michael C. Hall talks 20 years of Dexter and where the killer will go next

Movie Review – Abraham’s Boys (2025)

Matilda Lutz is Red Sonja in trailer for long-delayed fantasy reboot

Great Tarantino-esque Movies You Need To See

Crazy Cult 90s Horror Movies You May Have Missed

Movie Review – Daniela Forever (2025)

Movie Review – Superman (2025)

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

The Most Terrifying Movie Psychopaths of the 1990s

8 Great Recent Films You Really Need To See

David Lynch: American Cinema’s Great Enigma

The Bourne Difference: The Major Book vs Movie Changes

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket