fudbot-137-204912
I was really looking forward to this movie, since I did enjoy The Guild web series. Unfortunately, this movie is made very amateurishly, almost as if it was written by a high school student. I found myself fast forwarding to the LRPG parts after about 45 minutes of boring superfluous exposition. It wastes too much time on the character development. Normally, I do prefer it, but in this instance, it just seems to be used as a means to make the movie longer than it needs to be. The story is basically a revenge of the nerds type movie, with a few funny scenes but overall kind of harsh on the audience it's meant to entertain.
gee-15
A beautiful but superficial young woman is forced to make her own way in the world when her slimy boyfriend is arrested for fraud. She finds herself working at Astropia, a store of movies, comic books, and role playing paraphernalia and starts making steps towards real independence.This is a terrific film! The characters are eccentric and engaging but still seem like real people. The main character (Hildur)is a rather blank bimbo who find herself (and true love) through the magic of role playing games. If Dungeons and Dragons (2000) had been this movie, I doubt any so called "geek" would have objected. This film pokes fun at the nerdy world of role playing but it is with genuine affection not scorn. In fact one of the best scenes is where Hildur (after having played a few times) talks with genuine enthusiasm about the experience to a potential customer and we see her light up for the first time.The film is a bit rough around the edges and the special effects are not up to Hollywood standards but it is charming with a capital "C". Highly recommended!
mexomorph
I saw this at FantasticFest 2008. Great LARP'er story, will appeal widely to nerds & geeks of all levels. The movie has the style and pacing of a comic book, even transitions done in panels, which don't feel gimmicky. Much like "Revenge of the Nerds" this film does the "hot model falls in love with a dork" plot, but without coming across as cheesy. Also reminded me of "Clerks" set in a comic store, in Sweden, but it could have been made in the US as far as the story goes (apparently RPG'ers share a common bond the world over). Clever effects and editing, great characters & actors, had me hooked on the first day of the festival. Another film I watched more than once, and holds up well with repeated viewings. Deserves a wide US release.. catch it if you can!
Björn Leifsson
Not expecting much of anything when going to the cinema to watch the film Astropia, or Dorks & Damsels, I truly thought I was going to see some kind of a dorky female Schwarzenegger action hero. I was more than slightly overwhelmed by the imagination of the writers. How the world of reality is overtaken by the fantasy of role playing games works quite well. The film is low budget and stands no comparison to Hollywood action films, so don't expect any high-tech computerised scenes. But the love of the actors for this film is obvious, it shines through and that made me happy watching the film. The filmmakers do an excellent job and so do all the actors. Just go see it and have an enjoyable time.
AD
