Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Pixels

film

Pixels

2015

Video game experts are recruited by the military to fight 1980s-era video game characters who've attacked New York.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising4/5
Why this rating?

The story prominently uses recognizable arcade-game characters and imagery, creating substantial game-brand and nostalgia prominence.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The invasion and combat imply or show deaths and serious danger, but death is not the main emotional focus.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Violence is stylized as video game pixels; no realistic gore or blood is depicted.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity and suggestive innuendo throughout the dialogue.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a budding romance between the lead and a high-ranking military officer.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Alien-game attacks, explosions, chases, and danger to cities create sustained but generally comic peril.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Crude sexual jokes, innuendo, and adult references occur; explicit sexual activity is not central.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Adult drinking and related humor may appear, without substance use being a central storyline.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent comic action as military and civilian characters battle attacking arcade creatures; buildings, vehicles, and public spaces are destroyed.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face overwhelming alien-game threats and risk themselves to defend the planet.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The premise creatively turns classic video-game rules, patterns, and characters into a real-world alien invasion challenge.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Some ethnic diversity in the cast; the group is primarily comprised of a male-dominated friend circle.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It may encourage interest in classic arcade games and pattern recognition, but education is not the intent.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Emphasis on loyalty among long-time friends and supporting one another in a crisis.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes teamwork, valuing underdog skills, and friendship.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty and courage, but several adults are immature, boastful, or irresponsible before stepping up.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in Pixels would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Pixels, and what caused that change?
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