“Gamers the Movie” is a funny and smart look at the world of role playing and RPG groups that will look familiar to anyone who has ever bought a GM screen or set of crystal polyhedron dice. However, what writer and director Chris Folino manages to do along the way is make this film accessible and enjoyable to those who HAVEN'T ever role played in much the same way that Spinal Tap was entertaining even to those who don't like rock music. The plot of Gamers revolves around the Four Horsemen, four players who are about to break a record for playing a game of Demons, Nymphs and Dragons (DND) for 23 years. The camera records their interactions with family, friends, and the workplace as they inch ever closer to the recordbooks and immortality. Sprinkle in some dice, some clown porn and a decent soundtrack, and you've got the makings of a good time for all.
While the writing is relevant and paced well, it is the cast that really shines here. Although an independent film, Folino has gone the extra mile (and money, one assumes) to get actors who can both understand their characters and act (instead of simply casting friends because they are free, available and may know what an Orc is). This extra effort pays off; it elevates Gamers the Movie from fan-film to film, and the whole project shines as a result. The always talented John Heard and Beverly D'Angelo are cast as the “barely tolerant but carnally self-aware parents” of one of the gamers, Kelly LeBrock as the mom of another player's love interest (it was really nice to see Kelly in a movie again, but hopefully her role will be beefed up for the ultra-rare boxed set 10th anniversary director's cut release), and William Katt (yes, THAT William Katt) as a Madden-playing boss.
However, the actors playing the gamers themselves, while not necessarily as well known (outside of Tibet, where Hanson and Sherwood are legend), are perfectly cast. Kevin Sherwood, Joe Nieves, Kevin Kirkpatrick Dave Hanson and Scott Allen Rinker all nail their parts perfectly. These guys play their parts honestly and are completely in the spirit of the movie at all times – it's a documentary and it's really happening to them. The interactions seem effortless and they are always “on”. Although all of them are great, the standout has to be Dave Hanson as Reese, the token “worst gamer and social leper” that every gaming, social or family group has. Hanson is the jester among clowns, and as we watch him, we viewers associate his character with someone that we have or do know (and frantically hope that we aren't him to other people). Reese is correctly described as having issues....a magazine rack full of issues.
Gamers the Movie is still waiting for a distribution deal, as well as for some love from the film festival/convention circuit. For any such distributors or event coordinators out there, look no further than Gamers the Movie. This one is the real deal, people. You will laugh and everyone will see some of themselves in this movie (whether as a gamer, friend or parent of a gamer, or just as someone who has ever been misunderstood). While some of the 2006 hobby conventions such as Gen Con, Dragoncon and Comic Con need to take a really serious look at this film and cast, there is a real place for Gamers the Movie at film festivals and film shows. This movie is simply very well done and really deserves to be seen. It's that good.
For more information on Gamers the Movie, along with trailers, interviews and a pretty damn funny blog on thier progress towards distribution, visit www.gamers-themovie.com
