ada the leading man is my tpye

Skunkyrate Gripping story with well-crafted characters

Tayyab Torres Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Edison Witt The first must-see film of the year.

neisha_saxena Now, I've read my share of fantasy fiction and I'm addicted to Battlestar Galactica. I've even played a bit of D&D, but I'm not much of a gamer. As a result, at the beginning of the movie, I wasn't sure what to make of the NERO players. Through the light touch of the film makers, I grew to like and understand the players in a way that never felt forced or contrived.The mother of Fern, one of the players, said it well, our society idolizes the individual and yet there is a human need to be part of something larger than ourselves. At this moment in time, in particular, there seems to be a hunger for this. That's what this movie is about. A group of people who otherwise might be gaming alone in front of screens find society, community, and even love. There is a moment toward the end when all might be lost, but ultimately community prevails.

badandyy This movie really didn't accomplish what it could have accomplished. The last five minutes of this movie were brilliant, but the rest was a bit of a let down. If you are going to make a movie like this you had better either 1) make fun of them, 2) have a heck of a story like in king of kong, or 3) dive into the psychology of these people. Clearly the director was going for number three. Except he only scratched the edges, he was afraid to puncture anything and to find any emotional resonance. These people aren't normal. They're weird, they know it, but they have stories to tell. Why are they doing it? How was high school for them? Do they feel happy with life? Does the fantasy world compensate for the areas in their lives that are so sorely lacking? And what of the future? At the end of the movie we're left with few real authentic answers. And the answers that are given, much like the subjects of the film, are too awkward to carry any real weight.If you want to watch a movie about a weird group of people, start with anything Louis Theroux has ever done or watch a few of Errol Morris' films like The Gates of Heaven or Vernon, Florida. Those movies actually look deeper into humanity rather than just saying, "well, it's a bit weird but hey they make friends so it's OK!" Without ever asking the question, "why couldn't they make these friends on the outside"

brianorndorf Monster CampFor some, fantasy is a place to go when the real world is too much to stomach. It's a temporary portal to other worlds where identity can be rebuilt and victory is within reach. For others, fantasy is a requirement; a critical linchpin that removes real-world consequences and demands, and allows insular behavior to grow unchallenged by outsiders. There's a home for these people, and it's called LARP (live action role-playing)."Monster Camp" is a documentary taking a look at the Seattle NERO (New England Role-Playing Organization) outfit and their struggle to put on a show during the cold winter months of 2006. For these individuals, NERO represents the great release of pent up frustrations, a chance to fly their geek flag proudly, and offers a few of the participants a comfortable place to meet like-minded souls who also enjoy dressing up in homemade costumes, strapping on a plastic sword, and slaughtering monsters, not with might, but with incredible math skills.Ruled by NERO overlord Shane, "Camp" observes the elaborate preparation it takes to assemble an extended weekend of live-action Dungeons & Dragons. Fueled by two Denny's breakfast plates, Shane embarks on this particular NERO weekend with a heavy heart, as he holds a secret he won't share with the group or the camera until the last day. For him, NERO is a great outlet for all things nerdly, but it's a tiring, thankless job that doesn't allow for much sleep or satisfaction. For Shane, this NERO weekend could be his last. So how's this game played? The rule book is 200 pages long and requires a sizable cast of newcomers willing to play demons and assorted fantasy villain archetypes. Following a "plot," the heroes and creatures scatter over a large park area and occasionally battle each other swinging foam weapons and flinging "spells" (birdseed wrapped in cloth). When face-painted enemies make contact during battle, they yell out their hits and mentally add up the damage points inflicted, leaving life or death in the hands of fair play. With a cast of gypsies, warlocks, lizards, evil plant life, and goblins, anything can happen during game play, and often does. "Camp" is overwhelmingly sympathetic to NERO and the participants. Director Cullen Hoback doesn't mock the players, allowing his camera to observe, placing the burden of judgment in the lap of the audience. It's a confident directorial piece in what amounts to be a spellbinding documentary of unique perspective. Sure, I giggled when the more socially-awkward players trotted around their inner-dork, but "Camp" is far more compassionate and understanding than it initially looks, and I quickly grew invested in these strange souls as they battled dragons and their sense of self. "World of Warcraft," the sprawling online fantasy game, is the constant theme of obsession throughout "Camp." Hoback returns to it time and again, singling it out as methadone for the players; the opportunity to continue living inside a dream world while NERO takes a break. There are no Leeroy Jenkins mimics here, only WOW addicts who pass on the finer points of life to continue their adventures online. It's a little scary. I prefer my geeks hustling around a state park with blankets for capes and clutching refurbished He-Man swords, not atrophying in front of a computer. "Monster Camp" is an absolute treat, unveiling a pastime few outside the elf realm have seen before. The documentary treats the subject matter with respect, leading with observation, not judgment; it offers an unflinching look at the politics, sexual dynamics, and spine-snapping stress a weekend of role-playing brings to these players and it does so with constant entertainment and educational value. --- 9/10

sugarnspice2929 This movies was truly one of the best. I really liked this documentary. I was so shocked at the fact that NERO was real. If I could rate it I would give it 5 stars, in fact at the film fest. in JAX I gave it a 5 in rating. I go to film school, and I have scene some pretty bad documentary's. Some have made me want to sleep (in fact some have.) Some have made we want to walk out of the theater. But this one was so funny, and some of it was sad. Like seeing these people that they were introducing sit on their computer and talk about their addictions it was emotional. I would love to see other films by this director. He has an amazing talent that will be discovered by more and more people by this film.*Becca