The second documentary about LARPers (live-action role-playing gamers) to appear on DVD this year (the other was Darkon), filmmaker Cullen Hoback's Monster Camp focuses on LARPers in Seattle who dress up in pseudo-medieval garb and beat the hit points out of one another with foam swords. Viewers will meet members of NERO (which stands for New England Role-playing Organization, but there are chapters all over North America), who gather for weekends of total-immersion fantasy. Contrary to stereotypical belief, the players are not nerds (well, not completely), with the best among them both highly intelligent and skilled at improv. Of course, you need to be somewhat sharp (and committed) in order to memorize the complex rulebook and all of the “magic spells” you'll be hurling over the course of a game. Monster Camp turns out to be most intriguing, however, when it focuses on the reality behind the fantasy, particularly as the cameras follow Shane, who owns the Seattle NERO chapter and organizes the games, but never gets to play himself (he's too busy worrying about things like insurance). An intriguing and entertaining glimpse into a fantasy world made real, this is recommended. [DVD extras include audio commentary by Hoback, as well as a pair of short films by the director. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an engaging documentary.] (M. Johanson)
Monster Camp
LifeSize, 80 min., not rated, DVD: $24.98 Volume 23, Issue 6
Monster Camp
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