Monopoly is arguably the world's most popular board game. Almost everyone has played it. And, it's a wonderful subject for a documentary film.
In Under The Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story, filmmaker Kevin Tostado does a wonderful job of covering the game's colorful history, introducing collectors who seek and salvage rare editions and following the game's most avid players as they compete for the title of World Monopoly Champion.
Contestants -- national champions from 41 countries -- come to Las Vegas for the well attended table top tournament. 110 nations have their own edition of the board game. The players are smart. They are strategic. They are fierce in their determination to bankrupt their competition. But, it's winner take all, and an unlucky toss of the dice can bankrupt anyone.
The film that follows them is fun-filled and fascinating. It's one of those highly entertaining documentaries that, like Cropsey, for example, has the kind of popular subject matter and commercial potential that might make it a winning candidate for a narrative spin off. In fact, Hollywood power player Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down) is currently developing a narrative feature based on Monopoly, the board game. Scott's narrative is said to be reality-based, and focusing on a Donald Trump-like character's capitalistic approach to an urban environment.
Say what? Do you think movie subjects tend to trend?
Anyway, Scott should see Under The Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story, and so should you. It opens in limited theatrical release on May 6. Meanwhile, here's my full review.
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