Monstercamp

Review:
One of the best things about documentary films are the moments when the story and the characters carry a film that lacks any sort of technical merit. Sure, technical merits are always crucial to the success of a great film, but sometimes you just have to be impressed with director who knows one thing: people are watching for the story. Of course, these are, at best, popcorn flicks, but so what? They entertain and for me that’s more than enough in most cases. Such is the case for Monster Camp a documentary that just oozes with hilarious quirkiness you just can’t help but wish to spend a day with the cast.
Of course, a film like monster camp that focuses on a small, abnormal subculture could conceivably suffer from turning people into caricatures. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen. <director> manages to film his subjects in a way that invited audiences in to meet his friends, not his annoying lab partners. And for that I’m greatly appreciated. Will you flat out laugh at some of the characters? Yes, but in a way that reminds you of your insecurities, faults and oddities. In fact, I’d venture to say the more geeky or nerdy you are, the more you are going to enjoy this film because you’re able to pick up on all the nuances of the situation. I for one will admit to being a huge nerd (albeit the coolest one you’ve ever met), and found myself crying I was laughing so hard.
Will you be able to discuss LARPing on a sophisticated level with your friends after watching this documentary? No, but you sure as heck will understand and appreciate its merits… or maybe just be a little more accepting of people wearing ogre make-up. You’ll also have a hell of a time watching these people’s lives unfold. For those looking to see a cinematic masterpiece, look somewhere else, because this is just about pure entertainment.
Are their faults? Yes. The editing isn’t the best and sometimes I got lost within the “battle scenes,” but none of it really affected the overall film. So if you are looking for something light hearted and fun, I strongly recommend Monster Camp. It might not score points with the ladies, but who cares, just cast a love spell over them and you’ll be golden.

Review by Matthew Abshire

Informative: 3- I know the basics of larping, but some information was taken for granted
Entertainment: 5- funny characters you will fall in love with, especially if you can relate
Technical: 2- there are some rough edges, but nothing that totally ruins the story.
Overall: 3.5- popcorn eaters and nerds alike will relish in this fun film.

Format: Theaters
Year: 2007
Running Time: 82 Min
Distributor: Lifesize Entertainment
Producer: Cullen Hoback and Aaron Kirk Douglas
Director: Cullen Hoback
Date Reviewed: 5-20-2008

Story: For one weekend a month, die-hard gamers leave the real world for the fantasy of live-action role playing. This award-winning documentary examines this make-believe world at the Seattle franchise of NERO (New England Role-playing Organization). As players become warriors, creatures, sorcerers and other assorted characters, filmmaker Cullen Hoback goes inside the subculture to ask what this make-believe world means to its dedicated inhabitants (NetFlix).