Lloyd the Conqueror

There's something really amazing about watching a movie like this come out of a place like Texas North - it works, just like SLC Punk worked.

This movie is a funny, slightly uncomfortable look at the weekend warriors that hide their secret magical identities under a business suit five days a week. You may find that the LARPing rules used in the movie aren't accurate to your own experiences, but in making their own rules, they avoid poking fun at specific groups and make their own game truly unique. Frankly, I find their game rules much more fun. Don't let your inner pedant ruin the experience of this movie for you - just take it as a love song to the bizarre realm of LARPing.

If you've ever spent your weekend in the basement when you should have been outside, or been mocked by your friends for reading Dragonlance well into your late teens, you will relate. If you're a geek - any geek - give this film a watch. The humour is so honest and so down-to-earth that it's really enjoyable for anybody who loves a little fake magic in their lives.

Lloyd and rough princess? Well of course not, but it would also be fitting. If you are not into the world of roleplaying (not that kind, although ... that works too I reckon), you might have issues liking this in the first place. You don't have to do that yourself, but at least have a soft spot for it. It is obvious that the makers here, really love that world and dive deep into it.

Having said that, it is flawed and places and it is hit and miss (no pun intended). But the heart is in the right place and while some jokes may be offensive to some and unnecessary, it still is funny overall. Maybe not to you individually, but to others. Not everyones cup of tea or world to play in, but those who feel at home in it, will really like it.

I love a good comedy and I was lucky enough to catch Lloyd at the Calgary Film Fest. I laughed throughout the whole movie. Brian Posehn and Mike Scott are excellent as the White Wizard (Posehn) and Derek(Scott). You would never realize that "Derek" and Bubbles are one and the same. Harland Williams scene is hilarious too and a funny twist/addition to LARPing. The sound track is great. The band (can't remember their name) that covers Rush's Anthem is excellent. Plus, any movie that has a battle between a man dressed as a unicorn and a centaur has to be brilliant. I can't wait for this to be released so I can bring some of my buddies to it.

I'm sure not everyone will have fun watching Lloyd The Conqueror. Some people have no clue about LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) and won't get the humor of this movie. But even if you're not into larping, which I'm absolutely not by the way, and you have a good sense of humor you still will have fun with this movie. Some wrote they are not ridiculing larping but if we're quite honest they do a little bit. And there's nothing wrong with that. Watching grown men and women acting like that is just fun to watch. I'm pretty sure that even the geeks and nerds will see the humor in it. The story is ridicule but in a funny way then. The acting is good, they never will win Oscars or other awards but that's not the purpose. I had some very good laughs and that's what it's all about when watching a comedy.

Okay, first things first: do you hate movies that do not take themselves seriously? Do very silly situations make you cringe and walk away looking for the next WWII documentary?

If you answered yes to either of these questions walk away now and choose another film.

If however you enjoy tongue in cheek humour, larger than life caricatures and truly funny over the top situations, then this movie will not disappoint. I laughed out loud through much of this film.

This is an excellent first movie from Michael Peterson and features a very strong cast.