U.S. version of ‘Pixels’ coming into focus

Four years ago French filmmaker Patrick Jean uploaded “Pixels,” a short with many old-school video game characters, and captured Hollywood’s imagination. Two year’s after the similarly themed “Wreck-It Ralph” grossed $471 million, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced that it’s adapting “Pixels” as a full-length action comedy featuring Adam

Sandler, Kevin James and Michelle Monaghan.

“Pixels” will pepper its alien invasion story with vintage arcade games, including Donkey Kong and Frogger. Chris Columbus, who will direct, says, “There would be no way to make the movie without these legendary characters, and we’re grateful to have all of these fantastic companies on board.” “Pixels” will open in May.