Watch Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story

Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story is a 2010 documentary film that takes viewers into the fascinating world of Monopoly, the classic board game that has entertained families for generations. Directed by Kevin Tostado, the film explores the history and impact of the game, from its creation in 1935 to its popularity today. The film features interviews with experts on the game, including Philip Orbanes, a Monopoly historian and publisher of several books on the subject, and Ken Koury, a Monopoly world champion who has won numerous national and international tournaments. Zachary Levi also makes an appearance in the film, as he takes on Koury in a heated Monopoly match.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a range of anecdotes and trivia about Monopoly. For example, they learn that the game was originally called "The Landlord's Game" and was created by a woman named Lizzie Magie in 1904 as a teaching tool to promote the concept of a single tax on land. They also discover that the original board game had only 52 spaces, compared to the now-familiar 40. There are also interesting tidbits about the game's history during World War II and the ways in which it has been adapted for different cultures around the world.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its exploration of the competitive Monopoly scene. Many viewers may be surprised to learn that there are serious tournaments where players from around the world compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. The film follows several players as they prepare for and participate in the National Championship in Las Vegas. Viewers get to see the strategies that these players use to win and the dynamics of the tournaments themselves. For example, they learn that one common tactic is to try to acquire a three-property monopoly on each side of the board so that the player can collect rent on every opponent's turn.

The film also touches on some of the controversies and debates that have surrounded Monopoly over the years. For example, some people have argued that the game is too long or that it teaches negative lessons about capitalism and monopolies. Others have criticized some of the game's depictions of racial and gender stereotypes. The film acknowledges these issues but also presents a range of perspectives on them.

Overall, Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story is an entertaining and informative documentary that will appeal to anyone who has ever enjoyed playing Monopoly. Through its mix of interviews, historical footage, and tournament footage, the film provides a comprehensive look at the game's history and impact on popular culture. Viewers will come away from the film with a newfound appreciation for the game and its enduring popularity.

Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 63.