In this film, the main actors play themselves not only in the real world, as geeky gamers, but as the noble characters they are role-playing within the game. It's a brilliant concept, and one wonders why it hasn't been done before now. I can do no less than give The Gamers the highest rating possible.
Post originally by Bob Runnicles at 2004-09-08 14:24:44
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I agree; I wandered past their booth and GenCon and stopped to watch a few moments. After wiping the tears from my eyes (I saw the 'new character joining the party' sequence and the "I walk down the passageway" - BLAM - "Did I say walk? I meant 'sneak'" "So why didn't you say sneak?" "I shouldn't have to!" - BLAM - "Did I say 'sneak'? Obviously, as a master thief I would know when to be wary." "Okay, so what do you do?" "I crawl down the passageway an inch at a time checking for traps" - BLAM - "Okay, who has the most hit points?" sequence) I shelled out the $20 and grabbed a copy. Haven't stopped watching it since (except for the last five days I've been out of power thanks to Frances).
I also can't wait for the sequel (which is apparently in development!). Great, fun movie for anyone who has played an RPG.
Post originally by Reverendo at 2004-09-08 18:58:50
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I can't help but agree with the review. The Gamers is a very, VERY funny movie, and one that shows great knowledge of every silly or questionable (yet still charming and playable!) aspect surrounding the whole "old-school dungeon-crawling" style of gaming. Technicaly speaking is very lacking (I'm talking about lighting, cinematography, make-up, FX, etc), but that never gets in the way of the fun, and rather contributes to the overal "geekiness" of it all. In fact, the only real criticism I have is that it's TOO BLOODY SHORT; and that's great praise indeed. I want more! MORE!
As a side comment, my wife is a non-gamer (though she has played plenty of console and computer RPGs, and has a fair knowledge of how PnP RPGs work after hearing me talk a lot about them :P) and enjoyed the movie immensely. More often than not, she was cracking up louder than I was.
And if I may nitpick a bit on your review, I have to say that (for my tastes) you spoil a bit too much of the movie's different gags. But that's probably because I always want to watch films with as little previous knowledge about them as possible (barely enough to know if they might interest me or not, and not an ounce more) so it could be just me. Other than that, well done!
Post originally by Mac at 2004-09-09 05:49:04
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We showed the movie a while back with the German sub-titles activated. And let me tell you, those add another dimension of hilarity to the proceedings!
For example, there is a _slight_ difference between the expressions `befreien die Prinzessin' (matching the English dialogue) and `befriedigen die Prinzessin' (actually shown in the sub-titles) ...
Blunders like this occur throughout the movie and greatly enhance the viewing experience :-)
I am also awaiting the release of the sequel with baited breath
Post originally by David at 2004-09-09 13:56:17
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I went to the website and watched the trailer, and I was sold. Ordered my DVD earlier today.
I've read all 4 of your gamer DVD reviews and I'm also planning on getting Life With a Dice Bag...that sounds the most appealing of the three documentaries.
Post originally by Wyvern at 2004-09-09 22:17:27
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<i>Within these exists a subset which involves not merely a mythical fantasy world, but a fantasy world constructed from the minds of role-players, who then interact with the world of their creation. These include Christopher Carpenter's The Twilight Realm, Kevin J. Anderson's Gamearth and, best known of all, Joel Rosenberg's Guardians of the Flame series.</i>
There's also Andre Norton's <b>Quag Keep</b>, the first-ever (AFAIK) D&D novel, published by DAW in 1978. It's set in Greyhawk and dedicated to Gary Gygax.
Wyvern
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