Written and directed by Jazzy Benson, what happens when Nintendo cancels your favourite video game of all time? If it’s 1999 and you have a dial-up internet connection at your parents’ house, you and your fan site might take matters into your own hands. Wild teenage idealists take it upon themselves to duke it out with a corporate goliath. Starring: Toby Fox, Tim Schafer, Shigesato Itoi, Marcus Lindblom, Peer Schneider, Clyde Mandelin, Paul Loh, Reid Young, Fraser Agar and Steve Demeter.
While it may feel like the stans and out of control fandoms have taken over in recent years, avid fan bases have been around for as long as there’s been something to be a fan of. In this case, it’s a Japanese videogame, first released in the US as EarthBound in 1995 and its ever evasive sequel. EarthBound, USA takes you on a nostalgic trip back through the 90s as a host of dedicated fans delve into their long journey fighting to bring EarthBound 2 to America.
That dedication feeds into the style of EarthBound, USA, their enthusiasm and love of video games is portrayed in every aspect of the film. It has a very perky and positive vibe, its use of recreations in particular hold that classic 90s touch. They create their own lovingly nerdy video-game style which works but can feel somewhat over the top at times. The way that the film progresses can also feel a bit repetitive, it expands more in the second half but the first half can feel as though it’s going over the same points.
One thing’s for sure, it’s an example of true dedication, the impressive patience and continued efforts to achieve their goal are impressive. Though what’s more impressive is how they turned their love of the game into a community, creating lifelong friendships out of a shared passion. Something that at the time, as the internet was still in its infancy compared with now, was not easy.
EarthBound, USA captures the unbeatable enthusiasm of its subjects, infecting its style with their positivity and passion. In today’s world, it’s easy for fandoms to use social media to campaign for sequels and updates but in the 90s, it took this ragtag bunch some serious work to be heard. Its tale of great products going underappreciated because of poor marketing and reviews feels very much still relevant and it’s got plenty of nostalgia to offer.
FilmCarnage.com 