Do not pass go - do not collect $200. The story of one of the most recognizable and favorite board games has been brought to life by featuring some of the world’s best players as they compete for the National and World titles. San Diego filmmakers Kevin Tostado and Craig Bentley reveal the world of Monopoly that most people have never heard of, or even imagined, with their documentary 'Under the Boardwalk: The MONOPOLY Story', which debuts in theaters this Friday.
A fan of the game since a young age, director Kevin Tostado wanted to illustrate the impact it has had on his life, as well as the world. To Tostado, it was more than just a family game.
“It’s probably one of the first games that I had to play in which I had to handle cash as well as have to negotiate trades with my opponents. By the time I was 12, I could no longer get my family to play with me as they felt I took it too seriously.”
That mindset was not uncommon amongst the characters in the documentary. The featured competitors believed it was more than just a way to spend time with loved ones. Some had been playing for years, such as Ken, who trained 12 hours a day during college in preparation for the national competition. Others, such as Tim, a sixth grade math teacher, uses Monopoly as a teaching tool for probability and statistics. Lawyer Rick was successful because of his negotiating skills he used every day in the courtroom. All are driven by the same prize - $20,580, which is the amount in every Monopoly bank, and the title of being the best in the world.
The documentary provides the back story of the game’s creation, tells how it was used during World War II to help POWs escape, mentions the quirky records people try to set with the game, as well as progression of it becoming a worldwide sensation. Its release is an appropriate time, with Monopoly having recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Narrated by Zachary Levi, star of NBC’s ‘Chuck’ and Disney’s ‘Tangled’, the documentary, which was and shot in 19 states with over 300 hours of original footage, follows the dedicated and unique characters on their road to the World Championships. For non-Monopoly lovers, the film may move slowly in the beginning, but as time goes on and characters begin to show their true colors, one can’t help but pick favorites to cheer on. The intensity and passion for winning becomes contagious, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Winner of the Best Documentary Audience Award at the Anaheim International Film Festival (2010), and Official Selection for Austin Film Festival (2010) and Sedona International Film Festival (2011), this San Diego grown film is just getting its start. The project is still accepting funding in order to get more showings across the nation. To donate, visit the Kickstarter page.
‘Under the Boardwalk: The MONOPOLY Story’ will have its theatrical premiere this Friday, March 4 at UltraStars Cinemas in Hazard Center.
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