Under the Boardwalk Monopoly

Is there anything as American as sitting down with loved ones for a rousing game of Monopoly? As it turns out, though, Monopoly is an outright international phenomenon whose empire far outreaches its Depression era beginnings. Kevin Tostado's "Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story" covers many aspects of this world integration starting with the game's humble origins. From its homemade and locally distributed beginning, the Monopoly name has become one of the most recognizable brands in the gaming industry. Not many games endure over 75 years, much less expand their reach, but Monopoly has defied all odds to become a genuine collectible commodity (what with its endless variations) and is still as popular as it ever was. If you need any further evidence, the primary focus of Tostado's film covers the days leading up to the 2009 World Monopoly Championship.

Yes, this board game has recognized National competitions around the globe that send local victors to a worldwide event. The final challenge in the film is a Las Vegas round robin and highlights players from just about every continent (it's even broadcast on ESPN). Prior to arriving at the World Championship, however, the film does focus on a number of big name American players who are angling to be our national champion and advance to the big show. It is a diverse group represented by several attorneys, a grade school teacher, a stage show manager, a contract negotiator, and a communications coordinator. Some are easy to root for, some less appealing--but they all share the love of the game. And if you, too, love Monopoly--this is a pretty easy recommendation. It's breezy, colorful, and I learned quite a bit that I didn't know (the World War II stuff was my favorite).

Narrated by Zachary Levi (TV's Chuck), the film doesn't require you to be an expert on the game. Everything is explained so the movie will be entertaining to just about any casual viewer. However, for more ardent enthusiasts, the DVD is loaded with more in-depth extras. There is a forty-two minute version of the 2009 World Championship Final Game, Director's commentary, a Preliminary qualifying quiz, extended scenes, and the feature "The Method, Math & Myths of Monopoly." Altogether, the film adequately covers those just wanting to have a bit of fun and those who are more involved with the topic. Check it out. Most interesting: I don't like this new speed Monopoly that uses three dice and changes just about the entire nature of the game. KGHarris, 1/12.

First off, I'm not sure why but at least two of my fellow reviewers posted their reviews of this DVD TWICE. I was surprised that Amazon let these go through. I'll be posting this one ONCE and hopefully it will only appear once. Now on to my review:

There must be thousands (millions?) of Monopoly players and fans out there and so this wonderful 88-minute documentary - which played at a number of film festivals - should do well. Just looking at the list of "thank you"s in the closing credits I think I counted more than 150 people!

I have to admit that I actually haven't played Monopoly in years but, like the Academy Award Winning film "Word play" (about the World Crossword Puzzle Championships), this documentary will fascinate even the Monopoly-novice. It's a pop culture thing and for 75 years or more has kept families playing around the world.

The Director got interviews with every person significant to the Monopoly story. There is the grandson of the game's inventor Charles Darrow (who explains that when Parker Brothers bought the rights to the game they chose to pay a royalty to Darrow and his descendents, rather than a full outright purchase of the game and logo), the former head of Parker Brothers (now a division of Mattel) and the first winner of the Monopoly World Championship in 1973. (The World Championship is held every 4 or 5 years.)

Though the film - made in 2010 - leads up to the 2009 World Championships in Las Vegas - the pacing is such that you learn the history of the game, the personal lives of the competitors and the passion for those who collect the Monopoly logo items. The 2009 World Finals are covered in just the last 6 minutes of the film.

The bonuses will be a delight to Monopoly fans: There's a feature on "Methods, Myths and Math" of Monopoly, two extended scenes (5-6 minutes each), a minute of outtakes, a qualifying quiz and, finally, for those who want to see the full coverage of the 2009 tournament - there is a 42-minute featurette.

So, if you are a Monopoly fan, you WILL want to see this. But, even if you aren't, it's a well-done documentary worth seeing.

I hope you found this review both helpful and informative.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

Is there anything as American as sitting down with loved ones for a rousing game of Monopoly? As it turns out, though, Monopoly is an outright international phenomenon whose empire far outreaches its Depression era beginnings. Kevin Tostado's "Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story" covers many aspects of this world integration starting with the game's humble origins. From its homemade and locally distributed beginning, the Monopoly name has become one of the most recognizable brands in the gaming industry. Not many games endure over 75 years, much less expand their reach, but Monopoly has defied all odds to become a genuine collectible commodity (what with its endless variations) and is still as popular as it ever was. If you need any further evidence, the primary focus of Tostado's film covers the days leading up to the 2009 World Monopoly Championship.

Yes, this board game has recognized National competitions around the globe that send local victors to a worldwide event. The final challenge in the film is a Las Vegas round robin and highlights players from just about every continent (it's even broadcast on ESPN). Prior to arriving at the World Championship, however, the film does focus on a number of big name American players who are angling to be our national champion and advance to the big show. It is a diverse group represented by several attorneys, a grade school teacher, a stage show manager, a contract negotiator, and a communications coordinator. Some are easy to root for, some less appealing--but they all share the love of the game. And if you, too, love Monopoly--this is a pretty easy recommendation. It's breezy, colorful, and I learned quite a bit that I didn't know (the World War II stuff was my favorite).

Narrated by Zachary Levi (TV's Chuck), the film doesn't require you to be an expert on the game. Everything is explained so the movie will be entertaining to just about any casual viewer. However, for more ardent enthusiasts, the DVD is loaded with more in-depth extras. There is a forty-two minute version of the 2009 World Championship Final Game, Director's commentary, a Preliminary qualifying quiz, extended scenes, and the feature "The Method, Math & Myths of Monopoly." Altogether, the film adequately covers those just wanting to have a bit of fun and those who are more involved with the topic. Check it out. Most interesting: I don't like this new speed Monopoly that uses three dice and changes just about the entire nature of the game. KGHarris, 1/12.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 10 reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars