Gamerz

Gamerz, which just had its North American premiere at Austin’s annual Fantastic Fest, is a new feature dramedy (I can’t believe I just used that stupid word) from Scotland about Dungeons and Dragons-style fantasy gaming. Wait - before you stop reading, consider this: I only understood about two of every three lines in this movie, and was still thoroughly entertained.

I know next to nothing about role playing games, but part of the film’s charm is its accessibility - if you don’t know the difference between an imp and a sprite, fear not. Just be thankful you’re not playing with Ralph, the main character in Gamerz. A perfectly-preserved specimen of loserdom, he runs his game with an iron fist; one wrong step, and you’ll end up tasting the business end of his imaginary broadsword.

Ralph has just arrived at college and is constantly getting “chibbed” by local bullies, that is until he beelines it for the nearest gamers circle. Through a vicious power play he soon assumes control of the group as Game Keeper, then proceeds to muscle in on the hot elf action in the form of fellow game addict Marlyn (Danielle Stewart), a tragic goth who burns up the screen every time she’s on. Things are looking up until Lennie (James Young), delinquent and former tormentor of Ralph’s, watches a triple bill of Lord of the Rings on acid and has an epiphany. He convinces the round table to let him play, catches the fancy of Marlyn, and soon threatens to usurp our intrepid proto-dweeb from his seat of supremacy. Before you can say “twelve-sided die,” orc blood is running hot and dork passions are running high in the ensuing make-believe carnage to determine the rightful heir to the freak throne.

Observing geeks interacting in their natural habitat is always amusing, but the laughs in Gamerz spring largely from the situations and politics of RPG-heads, rather than directly at their expense. The many moments of levity are nicely balanced by some genuinely touching moments, as the motivations behind hardcore gamers are examined and we’re reminded that, in the end, we’re all pretty much nerds; some are just braver than others about being open about it.

The film marks an auspicious debut for director Robbie Fraser, who renders the universality of the gaming subculture’s escapism and drama supremely enjoyable. All the actors turn in solid performances, and Ross Findow is a charm in the lead role. Anette staines, who plays the university archives lady Mrs. Bruff, deserves mention for her scene-stealing bit part.

Toss in some beautiful Bakshi-esque “shadowplay” animated sequences, and a soundtrack that includes theremin metal, and what’s not to love?

-Andy Gately, 2006