Living with an active volcano ready to erupt is no fun at all. Frequent earthquakes and blackouts make playing video games impossible. Luckily for the sheltered Paolo (Noel Comia Jr.), he got some good friends like Kachi (John Vincent Servilla), Giligan (Jiggerfelip Sementilla), and Mimaw (Kim Oquendo) he can hang out with.
Summer vacation, for the children of the '90s, is all about discovery and daydreaming. Paolo, Kachi, and Giligan spend most of their time fantasizing about their lives as adults. Fueled by their collective hate for the local bully, Jimbo (Cayden Williams), the trio plans to ask a witch doctor to circumcise them, thinking that it may be their gateway to manhood.
As the only girl in the group, Mimaw finds herself befriending the town’s ‘it’ girls led by Paolo’s secret crush, Shiara (Elijah Alejo). Shiara turns out to be a kind girl with a little project she wants to do – ghost-hunting. And being friends with Mimaw can help her convince the three boys to be her bodyguard.
And as expected, the three immediately agree. But everything turns for the worst when Jimbo joins the project.
Raya Martin’s “Death of Nintendo” is a throwback to what makes the 1990’s a memorable year for everyone who experienced it. It’s a look into a generation shaped by a hybrid of video games and social activities. It takes the viewers back in time where consoles such as Nintendo’s Family Computer is a status symbol and a trend. Where girls are obsessed with keeping toys like kisses and aroma beads, and boys go crazy over porno mags and spider derbies.
If it's not obvious enough, this film combines '90s novelties and a coming-of-age story into a sweet concoction of feel-good nostalgia. The careful attention to detail is impressive and effective. Though it seems like the filmmaker’s profound interest to make the audience reminiscent of their childhood takes a toll on weaving a compelling narrative.
“Death of Nintendo” is chock-full of disposable subplots. The story aimlessly creates unnecessary distractions, taking the viewer’s eyes away from the protagonists' transition to puberty. There is not enough emotional build-up to invest and hang onto.
Martin’s “Death of Nintendo” is a sublime tribute to an era badly missed by now adults. Kudos to the four leads that make this movie a memorable trip to the past. The story might not be as moving as expected, but the kids make everything sweet, charming, and warm.
3/5
