Zero Charisma

Very dark character study of a damaged person that is painful to watch at times and doesn't exactly provide any catharsis or character growth. But it does paint a vivid picture of one sad, sad man and his world.

Really refreshing to see a flick that demonstrates so amply what can be achieved with just a good script.Solid characterization and some truly great moments for those who like their comedy with cringe.Fell down a little in the denouement,but clever pop culture referencing comedy with some genuine heartfelt moments. Especially interesting for those of us who grew up in the era of D&D, before video games ruled the earth,but not essential to have been there to get it.I haven't come across this group of actors before other than a the odd bit part, but there is the makings of an interesting ensemble cast here I think. Keen to see where some of the people who made this go from here.

Whether you've grown up with table top role playing games (RPGs), or have only looked upon it with the eyes of an outsider (including those of you who've only played computerized RPGs), I think you'll find this movie very entertaining. The humor and pathos of ZERO CHARISMA are presented with loving and honest insight, so that even if your impulse is to laugh at the "pathetic losers", you will be hard pressed to not also find some resonance of the characters' actions and feelings in your own life.

The respectful and subtle presentation of the character motivations and interactions is more akin to the geek/nerd trope presented in RUSHMORE or (the very excellent) WHITEBOYS, and not at all like the outsider's take in NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (though if you're a fan of that film, you'll find equally ridiculous behaviors and situations to guffaw over in this movie...they're just a little more layered).

There's no need to go into the story in any depth, as the logline of this film is all you need to know going in. It's a good movie, although I may only think it's a 10 because I've played D&D for thirty years...and I recognize that this movie is celebrating that at the same time that it shines a light on the negative aspects of giving up Real Life for a fantasy world that we can control.

Sam Eidson does a fantastic job playing Scott, an old loser with an old school nerd gimmick. Living with his Nanna, but thinking he's a big shot. "Because I'm the game master, that's why," says the bumper sticker on his unimpressive car. Scott takes the audience with him on his descent from lowly loneliness into the abyss of public embarrassment via a myriad of burnt social bridges. Scott's ugly demise at the hands of Miles, played brilliantly by Garrett Graham is a thing of comic beauty. Scott's futile attempt to maintain his reign over his nerdlings falls short. Katie Folger is a bright spot, playing Kendra, Miles' girlfriend. "The gods must be avenged," as Scott would say, and you must watch this movie to find out if Scott has the last laugh. Highly recommended by The Zeus and Tom Show.

There is no need, what so ever, to have a knowledge of or background in computer gaming or board game role playing to enjoy this fine movie! The theme of the movie is built around gamers and their circle of fellow players who happen to be slightly socially inept and the clash of ego.

Scott - the game master or grand master - fulfills his ego by lording over his fellow players while creating his own world in the 'game'. Because outside of the 'game' he is a nobody, no real friends, no social life, no job. He is bossed around by his elderly grandmother and his mother (who abandoned him early in his life). Why the mother shows up in the story - you'll have to watch the movie! Then Scott finds his imaginary world and his marginal home life kicked out from under his control - he is lost - but determined to prove himself which only creates more chaos in his emotional world. He seems to learn his lesson about himself - but does he in the end?

The movie is a finely acted indie flick that addresses some element in many people and is told in such a way that you sympathize with these lost souls. There aren't any truly laugh out loud moments but some moments to chuckle at this collection of odd but well meaning people.