Ren Faire

Todays documentaries always seem to have this fancy presentation about them and frankly artificial feel.

They all require a film filter, heavy editing and overly dramatic music.

Although this one is well shot and looks great, I can't help but feel misled by the whole thing.

The story is presented like a movie with deliberate scenes that show each of the people as if it were some drama. And it begs the question, why wasn't this simply filmed as such?

I say this because it seems fake overall, as if the story doesn't have the weight it's presented throughout the three episodes.

It boards on being simply a reality tv show with a stronger budget.

I wish we saw more of the fair itself too! The inner workings, the shows, fellow actors and vendors.

Their thoughts on the whole matter and their jobs. But instead it was about management and their "king." Personally I felt that would've been a better choice for a theme here.

The fair seems to be more of a background than anything else. For three hour long episodes, it felt like a bait and switch.

George is the center of all this and boy is he probably one of the worst bosses you could have. Abusive, narcissistic, sexist and most of all, deranged! The way he talks to people and then claim he's some martyr. He really is alone in all of this.

Clearly past his prime, he seeks out a successor in his three top employees. It turns into a wannabe Succession, minus the razor sharp dialogue and acting.

A few players enter the game, only one will win. You can probably guess who it will be with the first outing and again I wonder why this was three episodes instead of two. I think George just liked the power play and using others for his own amusement. Sad individual.

It certainly kept me intrigued and the pace was steady. Yet it felt extra all around, filler that could've been more concentrated.

Again, the moments of almost fourth wall breaking where we see a dream like scenario of some of these people imagining things or hearing voices. It should've been a film. Just take the story that happened and turn it into a movie. Clearly these takes were set up and the people in on it. It was hard to take seriously.

I really thought this was a mockumentary, because of how absurd things were getting by the end.

Things end with a whimper and you're not surprised at the outcome for any of these folks here.

The whole thing is a fluff piece and I felt that this was a waste of time. Documentaries used to have a more traditional way of being shown More classy back in the day. Now it's made for the mainstream and spoon feeds you everything

I dare say this is a faux film about a true story. That's the best way I can describe it. Fascinating, yet frustrating.

You may like it more than I, but I don't recommend.

5 for the presentation and music. 2 for everything else.

Ren Faire is a must watch for anyone who enjoys documentaries. Lance Oppenheim masterfully captures the chaos and vibrancy of the fair itself. From jousting knights to turkey leg vendors, the documentary brings the Renaissance Festival experience to life. But it's the human drama that truly captivates. We see the passion of the performers, the dedication of the staff, and the yearning for escape that drives many of the festival's patrons.

Ren Faire is more than just a documentary about a Renaissance fair. It's a meditation on aging, legacy, and the power of creating a world of make-believe. I look forward to watching the rest of the series and you should too.

While this docu-drama is specific to this particular renaissance fair, I found Ren Faire to be fascinating, interesting, and thought provoking.

As for the first episode, the cinematography is incredible, and the director's ability to film the festival, its audience, its family of workers, and then the main storyline of succession with George, Jeff, and Louie is balanced and well-done. George and this Ren Faire are intertwined as it is George who created this particular fair and continues to rule.

After watching the first episode, I plan on going to one of these fairs because it is a world that seems, at least in this film, to be so inviting to everyone.

It's crapola! Basically the filmmakers are attempting to draw the viewer into the lives of these characters and to do so they take someone like Jeff, for instance, and they direct him - and if you don't see the issue with that then I can't help you - but imo, or even by definition, when you present a subject in a documentary, and you begin to say 'ok Jeff, recreate how you would leer up at Lou and his family - really glare at them with hate in your eyes' and you see a scene where the 'documentarians' capture a candid shot of Louis family entering a meeting with George, whist Jeff looks on, and you're then utilizing several cameras to show this, but have directed and produced several of the reaction shots - well then EVERYTHING else is now in question as to its authenticity - as to whether or not the 'documentarians' (in quotes for a reason) have suggested that they have this thread where someone wants to buy the fair whilst others lobby to retain it - perhaps that was done solely for the sake of 'good tv' because after all, everyone involved in the Fair would surely benefit from a successful documentary - it's free advertising (and half of them are already performers) - - you see what I mean? Also, the whispering device as well as other audio choices, again, in my opinion, are very poor choices - but you know, that's subjective - anyway, judge for yourselves of course but bear in mind what I've suggested please.

AND POINT OF ORDER: IT'S DUBBED AS THE ORIGINAL RENFAIRE, BUT HE ADMITTEDLY STOLE THE IDEA FROM A FAIR HE ATTENDED IN SAN FRANCISCO IN THE 70s -

Update: it's so transparent how outlined the storyline is - one character is fired before the 3 month off season (but coincidentally undergoes 'weight-loss surgery') then is rehired in the spring - ask yourself where did the audio come from - that entire plot line was engineered and manufactured - ie PRODUCED

And I haven't even touched upon the problematic issue of this being a glorified dating profile for some lecherous old coot who is looking to be a sugar daddy - no hyperbole - he wants to be 'a sugar daddy' to a natural breasted millennial (or younger) - it's offensive to me that he's essentially utilizing this platform in hopes of amplifying his profile - bleh!

Look, I get it. "Ren Faire" on HBO might not be what everyone expected. If you were looking for a lighthearted romp through a historical reenactment festival, you might be surprised by the show's focus on the drama behind the scenes. But here's the thing: that's exactly why this series deserves a resounding 10 stars.

Ren Faire isn't afraid to delve into the fascinating - and often hilarious - world of power struggles, ambition, and the sheer audacity of running a massive themed event. Director Lance Oppenheim crafts a story that's addictive and thought-provoking. It's like "Succession" meets "Game of Thrones," but set against the backdrop of turkey legs and jugglers.

Here's the thing I've noticed: some reviews seem to be coming from folks expecting a fluffy documentary about their local Ren Faire. But Ren Faire is about the Texas Renaissance Festival, a massive, multi-million dollar operation. It's a unique beast, and Oppenheim captures its essence perfectly.

Yes, the series is funny. You'll be chuckling at the outrageous personalities and the sheer absurdity of some situations. But there's also a surprising amount of heart here. You see the dedication of the people who pour their lives into this event, the camaraderie between performers, and the genuine passion that fuels the whole thing.

So, if you're looking for something different, something that will surprise you and keep you hooked, then Ren Faire is absolutely worth your time. Don't be swayed by negativity based on misconceptions. This is a well-made, entertaining, and surprisingly insightful documentary that deserves its place among the best. Trust me, this one's a ten.