This was a fun documentary that shows a group of people playing a live action role playing experience (LARP for short). It is like Dungeons and Dragons acted out with real people playing each characters. Some people are the adventurers trying to get through the story, and some people play the monsters they have to fight and kill to move forward. It's called Monster Camp because that is like the base of operations where the people who are putting it on work out of. The owner of the camp comes across as being very stressed by the responsibilities of running the game, and actually ends up selling the company (NERO). Apparently, it is a lot of work coordinating everything for the three or four days that the customers stay to play. It was hard to understand exactly how the game works, or what the story is behind it (I never was sure what the players were trying to accomplish), but they do explain that characters get killed in battle when they get hit by weapons a certain number of times. Whenever one player hits another with their foam weapon, they call out a number, which is the amount of damage they can do. When a player gets hit enough times to equal the number set on their character, they die, although they can be resurrected back into the game. The movie lets you get to know a little bit about some of the players and some of the people putting the camp on. It was an interesting look into an experience I would probably never otherwise have seen. It would be interesting to see a follow up documentary on the camp. I would even watch another movie about a different group, in hopes that it would be as well made and interesting as this one.
19 Reviews
This movie wasn't a monster hit. Still, it was an interesting documentary.
ironhorse_iv21 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Although, this documentary movie directed by Cullen Hoback isn't as complex and as good as his other film, 2013's Terms and Conditions May Apply; it still shows how much hard work for the participants & collaborators enthusiasts to developed a complicated world to bring their ideas fantasies to life. Also, while I'm not the biggest fantasy fan, I do find the concept of live-action-role-playing games or LARPING, somewhat interesting. It looks worthy to partake. Indeed, it's looks like it's time to slay some normalcy! Without spoiling the movie, too much, I have to say, that one of the appeals of this film to me, is how the Seattle, Washington chapter of NERO Alliance (New England Role Player Alliance), now known as Alliance LARP, allows their players to create their own identities selecting from a variety of races and classes, similar to other role-playing fantasy games, like Dungeons and Dragons. Participants dress up and are involved as either player characters, non-player character, or plot members. It's here, that they gather themselves up for events such as Monster Camp to play out their fantasies for the sake of escapism. It's nice to hear, how real friendship and relationships can be forged between the participants; but it's also sad to hear, that some people take it, way too serious to the point, that they have literally no personal life or destroying what's left of it. I think, the most disturbing part of the film, is when one of the participants is ignoring and abandoning his child to make these type of games, his obsession. That's horrible! Watching it, remind me of 2006's other LARP documentary, Darkon. However, the movie never goes way too dark or political like Darkon; instead, showing more of the good side of Live-Action-Role-Playing. Yes, there were lots of scenes of people going through intense stress, due to complex rules and time, guidelines; but the majority of what shown, looks fun for the most part. Still, a part of me, would had, love to see one of them, have a serious mental breakdown, because how much, time it takes, and how it doesn't allow for much sleep or satisfaction. Indeed, it really looks like a thankless job. I would love, to see the film tackle some serious issues such as Fantasy prone personality disorder or maladaptive daydreaming, through some of these people. Regardless, it wasn't a big deal, because the simpleton nature of the film, even if it's a bit dull at times was alright with me. At least, they didn't presented it, in a way that looks like, they were mocking or ridicule, these people are, what they were doing. There was no bias opinion from the filmmakers. They show the good side and the bad side of people. Honestly, some of these people, they shown, seem very normal people to me. However, there were some things, I thought, the movie could had done better, like focusing more on the people that been doing it for years, rather than ones that been doing it for a year or two. The movie really wasted time, interviewing certain people that had little to do, with Seattle Chapter of Alliance LARP success. Even those older gamers, who they spotlight. They really didn't spent, too much time on them. It sucks that film doesn't show any previous years of Monster Camp, through archive footage or photos. It's a bit jarring for the audience, to have people such as Shane Macomber, talks about one year having a cool Dragon costume for Monster Camp, and not being able to show it on the film. Clearly, it would had been nice to see, what it once looks like. Another thing, since the game had very complex rules and fantasy elements; why didn't the filmmakers add, some subtitles or a narration on certain scenes. I was really confused, on what's going on, in certain areas of the film. Nonetheless, the worst thing about this film is how much the film serve as an advertisement for the World of Warcraft game! Gees, the film makes it, seem like anybody interested in fantasy should, buy that game. I thought, this movie was, about LARP, not W.O.W, Hoback!!! The movie somewhat lose focus, there, when they started to interview people on how much World of Warcraft, they played. Some of them, were really disturbing, like the guy who plays 40 hours, a week. WOW, get off of W.O.W, (World of Warcraft) dude! Still, the movie is funny and engaging enough, to watch, pass through those certain scenes. With a run-time of under 90 minutes, the movie was well-paced. Overall: This insight look at an emerging subculture of those immersed in fantasy was well-worth watching. In my opinion, anybody interested in Society for Creative Anachronism, Renaissance Fairs, or Massive Multiplayer Online RPG games, should check this movie out. Indeed, Be All That You Can't Be!
Releasing your inner warrior
moviemanMA25 April 2010
In Cullen Hoback's documentary Monster Camp, we examine the lives of several members of the Seattle chapter of NERO, the New England Role Playing Organization. The members participate in weekend long events every few months where they go into combat as a character of their choosing, or the game's choosing. There are humans, elves, trolls, and even something called a "Death Moth" that can eat your brain and control your mind.
NERO is essentially a culmination of Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy, and any other role playing game (RPG) you can think of. There are PC's or player character, which are the people who chose to play as a character with a name, history, and special powers. There are also NPC's, or non player characters. These are the monsters, goblins, and other baddies that try to take down the PC's.
The group consists of several members, including some who travel hundreds of miles to take part in the huge event. Over the course of a weekend, members fight at all hours of the day and night, depending on what the plot members conjure up. The folks behind the scene take care of the monster costumes, plot lines, and schedules for the events. They are basically the gods of the game and what they say goes.
What I like about this film is that we are not shown the game from a specific angle or particular bias. We are shown the truth and nothing but the truth. For the majority of audience members, these people will seem like social misfits and nerdy outcasts. I see a group of people who share a common interest and an understanding for their desire to become someone else.
The film consists of mostly in field reporting during battles and the time in between. There is no narration but some some title cards fill in some information not told to us through the footage. It's nothing glamorous like a Michael Moore documentary, but it's still exciting nonetheless.
I found this to be a very enlightening film. It's not everyday that you get to see such a select group of people doing what they love; role playing. There are millions of people around the world that play games like World of Warcraft or Dungeons and Dragons, but only a handful of those play these games in real life. This is a light, informative, and nonjudgmental film. With a run-time of under 90 minutes, I think you all can spare the time to watch these people in their element.
NERO is essentially a culmination of Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy, and any other role playing game (RPG) you can think of. There are PC's or player character, which are the people who chose to play as a character with a name, history, and special powers. There are also NPC's, or non player characters. These are the monsters, goblins, and other baddies that try to take down the PC's.
The group consists of several members, including some who travel hundreds of miles to take part in the huge event. Over the course of a weekend, members fight at all hours of the day and night, depending on what the plot members conjure up. The folks behind the scene take care of the monster costumes, plot lines, and schedules for the events. They are basically the gods of the game and what they say goes.
What I like about this film is that we are not shown the game from a specific angle or particular bias. We are shown the truth and nothing but the truth. For the majority of audience members, these people will seem like social misfits and nerdy outcasts. I see a group of people who share a common interest and an understanding for their desire to become someone else.
The film consists of mostly in field reporting during battles and the time in between. There is no narration but some some title cards fill in some information not told to us through the footage. It's nothing glamorous like a Michael Moore documentary, but it's still exciting nonetheless.
I found this to be a very enlightening film. It's not everyday that you get to see such a select group of people doing what they love; role playing. There are millions of people around the world that play games like World of Warcraft or Dungeons and Dragons, but only a handful of those play these games in real life. This is a light, informative, and nonjudgmental film. With a run-time of under 90 minutes, I think you all can spare the time to watch these people in their element.
The triumph of the costumed soul
brianorndorf12 June 2008
Monster Camp
For some, fantasy is a place to go when the real world is too much to stomach. It's a temporary portal to other worlds where identity can be rebuilt and victory is within reach. For others, fantasy is a requirement; a critical linchpin that removes real-world consequences and demands, and allows insular behavior to grow unchallenged by outsiders. There's a home for these people, and it's called LARP (live action role-playing).
"Monster Camp" is a documentary taking a look at the Seattle NERO (New England Role-Playing Organization) outfit and their struggle to put on a show during the cold winter months of 2006. For these individuals, NERO represents the great release of pent up frustrations, a chance to fly their geek flag proudly, and offers a few of the participants a comfortable place to meet like-minded souls who also enjoy dressing up in homemade costumes, strapping on a plastic sword, and slaughtering monsters, not with might, but with incredible math skills.
Ruled by NERO overlord Shane, "Camp" observes the elaborate preparation it takes to assemble an extended weekend of live-action Dungeons & Dragons. Fueled by two Denny's breakfast plates, Shane embarks on this particular NERO weekend with a heavy heart, as he holds a secret he won't share with the group or the camera until the last day. For him, NERO is a great outlet for all things nerdly, but it's a tiring, thankless job that doesn't allow for much sleep or satisfaction. For Shane, this NERO weekend could be his last.
So how's this game played? The rule book is 200 pages long and requires a sizable cast of newcomers willing to play demons and assorted fantasy villain archetypes. Following a "plot," the heroes and creatures scatter over a large park area and occasionally battle each other swinging foam weapons and flinging "spells" (birdseed wrapped in cloth). When face-painted enemies make contact during battle, they yell out their hits and mentally add up the damage points inflicted, leaving life or death in the hands of fair play. With a cast of gypsies, warlocks, lizards, evil plant life, and goblins, anything can happen during game play, and often does.
"Camp" is overwhelmingly sympathetic to NERO and the participants. Director Cullen Hoback doesn't mock the players, allowing his camera to observe, placing the burden of judgment in the lap of the audience. It's a confident directorial piece in what amounts to be a spellbinding documentary of unique perspective. Sure, I giggled when the more socially-awkward players trotted around their inner-dork, but "Camp" is far more compassionate and understanding than it initially looks, and I quickly grew invested in these strange souls as they battled dragons and their sense of self.
"World of Warcraft," the sprawling online fantasy game, is the constant theme of obsession throughout "Camp." Hoback returns to it time and again, singling it out as methadone for the players; the opportunity to continue living inside a dream world while NERO takes a break. There are no Leeroy Jenkins mimics here, only WOW addicts who pass on the finer points of life to continue their adventures online. It's a little scary. I prefer my geeks hustling around a state park with blankets for capes and clutching refurbished He-Man swords, not atrophying in front of a computer.
"Monster Camp" is an absolute treat, unveiling a pastime few outside the elf realm have seen before. The documentary treats the subject matter with respect, leading with observation, not judgment; it offers an unflinching look at the politics, sexual dynamics, and spine-snapping stress a weekend of role-playing brings to these players and it does so with constant entertainment and educational value. --- 9/10
For some, fantasy is a place to go when the real world is too much to stomach. It's a temporary portal to other worlds where identity can be rebuilt and victory is within reach. For others, fantasy is a requirement; a critical linchpin that removes real-world consequences and demands, and allows insular behavior to grow unchallenged by outsiders. There's a home for these people, and it's called LARP (live action role-playing).
"Monster Camp" is a documentary taking a look at the Seattle NERO (New England Role-Playing Organization) outfit and their struggle to put on a show during the cold winter months of 2006. For these individuals, NERO represents the great release of pent up frustrations, a chance to fly their geek flag proudly, and offers a few of the participants a comfortable place to meet like-minded souls who also enjoy dressing up in homemade costumes, strapping on a plastic sword, and slaughtering monsters, not with might, but with incredible math skills.
Ruled by NERO overlord Shane, "Camp" observes the elaborate preparation it takes to assemble an extended weekend of live-action Dungeons & Dragons. Fueled by two Denny's breakfast plates, Shane embarks on this particular NERO weekend with a heavy heart, as he holds a secret he won't share with the group or the camera until the last day. For him, NERO is a great outlet for all things nerdly, but it's a tiring, thankless job that doesn't allow for much sleep or satisfaction. For Shane, this NERO weekend could be his last.
So how's this game played? The rule book is 200 pages long and requires a sizable cast of newcomers willing to play demons and assorted fantasy villain archetypes. Following a "plot," the heroes and creatures scatter over a large park area and occasionally battle each other swinging foam weapons and flinging "spells" (birdseed wrapped in cloth). When face-painted enemies make contact during battle, they yell out their hits and mentally add up the damage points inflicted, leaving life or death in the hands of fair play. With a cast of gypsies, warlocks, lizards, evil plant life, and goblins, anything can happen during game play, and often does.
"Camp" is overwhelmingly sympathetic to NERO and the participants. Director Cullen Hoback doesn't mock the players, allowing his camera to observe, placing the burden of judgment in the lap of the audience. It's a confident directorial piece in what amounts to be a spellbinding documentary of unique perspective. Sure, I giggled when the more socially-awkward players trotted around their inner-dork, but "Camp" is far more compassionate and understanding than it initially looks, and I quickly grew invested in these strange souls as they battled dragons and their sense of self.
"World of Warcraft," the sprawling online fantasy game, is the constant theme of obsession throughout "Camp." Hoback returns to it time and again, singling it out as methadone for the players; the opportunity to continue living inside a dream world while NERO takes a break. There are no Leeroy Jenkins mimics here, only WOW addicts who pass on the finer points of life to continue their adventures online. It's a little scary. I prefer my geeks hustling around a state park with blankets for capes and clutching refurbished He-Man swords, not atrophying in front of a computer.
"Monster Camp" is an absolute treat, unveiling a pastime few outside the elf realm have seen before. The documentary treats the subject matter with respect, leading with observation, not judgment; it offers an unflinching look at the politics, sexual dynamics, and spine-snapping stress a weekend of role-playing brings to these players and it does so with constant entertainment and educational value. --- 9/10
Monster Camp Review
Forgotten_Conscience_Productions8 June 2013
I consider myself a fan of most things in pop culture these days. I own comic books, I've written fan fiction, I am an avid attendee of local fan conventions in the city. By the standards of most people, I would be at least a little outside of normal. In being viewed that way though, I tend to get lumped in with the crowd who go to these things and wear strange costumes. Those big elaborate things that people wear and get looked at strangely for. Even in today's society where the content these costumes are based on get made into huge blockbuster films that make millions, sometimes billions of dollars, they still make people uncomfortable and are seen as outside of what normal people do. It bothers me on occasion to be lumped in with them because I don't do that kind of thing but I realize that feeling that way is just another form of societal pressures to conform. People don't like the idea of conformity. It's been a growing trend in society since at least the 50s if not before. However even I can't imagine myself going out and LARPing. It just seems kind of weird to me.
Being part of what is referred to as fan culture, I am generally more up on the trends and ideas that the culture produces. I heard about LARPing several years back whereas I am sure there are some who still haven't heard of it today. It's the act of getting together with a group of people in costumes and fake non-lethal weapons and acting out fantasy scenarios in real time. Now when I say fantasy scenarios, I am not referring to the traditional view which suggests most people would go out and do something sexual or violent to another person, although that does sometimes come into it depending on the rules of the game being played. I'm talking about fantasies involving goblins and ghosts and other powerful beings that you read about in books like Lord of the Rings. Where most people just imagine the scenarios in their heads to enjoy the fantasy, these people actually go out and do it. Part of me can understand doing that. As part of the culture I've seen it, looked into it and had a general fascination with it, but I have never felt the need to try it.
Perhaps it's because I prefer to put my imagination into creating my own worlds through my writing rather than living out my fantasies through someone else's. Whether you understand it or not though, I think that Monster Camp is a movie worth watching. This type of thing is becoming more common, and with so much of the population growing into a culture like this, it's better to be in the know then weirded out. If you've never heard of it, see it and find out what makes these people tick. If you know about it or are part of it, see it as it's in a lot of ways a validation of the culture and the hobby as part of life. The filmmakers really take a step back and try to show you the world and at times explain it, rather than tell you how you should or shouldn't feel about it. It's definitely a film worth watching.
To check out more of my reviews, go here: http://andrew-heard.blogspot.ca/
Being part of what is referred to as fan culture, I am generally more up on the trends and ideas that the culture produces. I heard about LARPing several years back whereas I am sure there are some who still haven't heard of it today. It's the act of getting together with a group of people in costumes and fake non-lethal weapons and acting out fantasy scenarios in real time. Now when I say fantasy scenarios, I am not referring to the traditional view which suggests most people would go out and do something sexual or violent to another person, although that does sometimes come into it depending on the rules of the game being played. I'm talking about fantasies involving goblins and ghosts and other powerful beings that you read about in books like Lord of the Rings. Where most people just imagine the scenarios in their heads to enjoy the fantasy, these people actually go out and do it. Part of me can understand doing that. As part of the culture I've seen it, looked into it and had a general fascination with it, but I have never felt the need to try it.
Perhaps it's because I prefer to put my imagination into creating my own worlds through my writing rather than living out my fantasies through someone else's. Whether you understand it or not though, I think that Monster Camp is a movie worth watching. This type of thing is becoming more common, and with so much of the population growing into a culture like this, it's better to be in the know then weirded out. If you've never heard of it, see it and find out what makes these people tick. If you know about it or are part of it, see it as it's in a lot of ways a validation of the culture and the hobby as part of life. The filmmakers really take a step back and try to show you the world and at times explain it, rather than tell you how you should or shouldn't feel about it. It's definitely a film worth watching.
To check out more of my reviews, go here: http://andrew-heard.blogspot.ca/
A dull knife
badandyy4 July 2008
This movie really didn't accomplish what it could have accomplished. The last five minutes of this movie were brilliant, but the rest was a bit of a let down. If you are going to make a movie like this you had better either 1) make fun of them, 2) have a heck of a story like in king of kong, or 3) dive into the psychology of these people. Clearly the director was going for number three. Except he only scratched the edges, he was afraid to puncture anything and to find any emotional resonance. These people aren't normal. They're weird, they know it, but they have stories to tell. Why are they doing it? How was high school for them? Do they feel happy with life? Does the fantasy world compensate for the areas in their lives that are so sorely lacking? And what of the future? At the end of the movie we're left with few real authentic answers. And the answers that are given, much like the subjects of the film, are too awkward to carry any real weight.
If you want to watch a movie about a weird group of people, start with anything Louis Theroux has ever done or watch a few of Errol Morris' films like The Gates of Heaven or Vernon, Florida. Those movies actually look deeper into humanity rather than just saying, "well, it's a bit weird but hey they make friends so it's OK!" Without ever asking the question, "why couldn't they make these friends on the outside"
If you want to watch a movie about a weird group of people, start with anything Louis Theroux has ever done or watch a few of Errol Morris' films like The Gates of Heaven or Vernon, Florida. Those movies actually look deeper into humanity rather than just saying, "well, it's a bit weird but hey they make friends so it's OK!" Without ever asking the question, "why couldn't they make these friends on the outside"
A world I didn't know existed
cricketbat21 May 2019
I had no idea that LARPing was so complicated. I loved seeing people enjoying themselves at NERO and being exposed to a world I didn't know much about. Maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention, because I feel the documentary makers should have spent a little more time explaining what was going on, but I'm glad I saw Monster Camp.
"Be all you can't be..."
poe42615 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
MONSTER CAMP is an honest (if totally detached) attempt to document "the mechanics of making magic happen in the real world." We all live in our own little world(s); some are vacuums. As akin to the nerdlies on THE BIG BANG THEORY as the "outdoorsmen" of The Society For Creative Anachronism, the players in MONSTER CAMP have a flair for fantasy (if I'm not mistaken, I saw several volumes by Terry Brooks on one bookshelf, and I'm sure there must've been some Roger Zelazny somewhere on the premises). Nothing wrong with that. For a decade or so, I headed up a writing group that met one night a week at a local bookstore cum coffee shop. One of three "group novels" we tried to write was a fantasy that featured trolls and shapeshifters and druids. Unfortunately, we weren't all on the same page, so to speak, and the book was never finished. But I may one day finish my own version. There's a lot to be said for finding people of a like mind to pal around with. Hereabouts, they're rare to the point of nonexistence. Fortunately for the gamers in MONSTER CAMP, they can network. More power to them.
As a member of NERO Seattle when this was shot...
hungrydragon8812 October 2008
So I was also a participant in this documentary when it was shot, and I've played at a few different chapters across the country.
Actually, when I saw the film I was surprised at how even-handed it actually was. There's a lot of drama queens that LARP, and there's no way any film made about a NERO chapter would have appealed to all of them. I mean, there's so much drama in the NERO universe that there's controversy over who started NERO in the first place.
Some of my family members have watched this movie and now finally have a grasp on what it is I actually do with some of my weekends. More importantly, they came away from the film with a greater sense of understanding.
Another NERO member said that the lizard guys in the photo quit shortly after shooting, which is true. To that point, oddball types float in and out of the game all of the time, and they usually play the monsters who don't know the rules well. The film covered the die-hards and the more pathetic participants (even though they really do get a chance to speak for themselves).
NERO is a community. It attracts all types. Sure the film doesn't follow the in-game plot; but come on fellow Larpers, that stuff is only interesting to us. This film seems to have been crafted to appeal to people besides just us. It focuses on real drama that comes with trying to make our fantasy work! That's probably why it was more than just another you tube video showing people hitting each other with padded weapons.
Of the characters profiled in the film, I knew about 40% of them. While they are more complex than the film reveals, I didn't think that they were misrepresented. I thought it did a better job at providing an even-handed perspective for them than King of Kong did for Billy Mitchell. Additionally, those I have talked to who were in the film by and large were satisfied with how they were portrayed.
I'm glad I was documented in this project. If nothing else, I'd say watch it and see for yourself.
Actually, when I saw the film I was surprised at how even-handed it actually was. There's a lot of drama queens that LARP, and there's no way any film made about a NERO chapter would have appealed to all of them. I mean, there's so much drama in the NERO universe that there's controversy over who started NERO in the first place.
Some of my family members have watched this movie and now finally have a grasp on what it is I actually do with some of my weekends. More importantly, they came away from the film with a greater sense of understanding.
Another NERO member said that the lizard guys in the photo quit shortly after shooting, which is true. To that point, oddball types float in and out of the game all of the time, and they usually play the monsters who don't know the rules well. The film covered the die-hards and the more pathetic participants (even though they really do get a chance to speak for themselves).
NERO is a community. It attracts all types. Sure the film doesn't follow the in-game plot; but come on fellow Larpers, that stuff is only interesting to us. This film seems to have been crafted to appeal to people besides just us. It focuses on real drama that comes with trying to make our fantasy work! That's probably why it was more than just another you tube video showing people hitting each other with padded weapons.
Of the characters profiled in the film, I knew about 40% of them. While they are more complex than the film reveals, I didn't think that they were misrepresented. I thought it did a better job at providing an even-handed perspective for them than King of Kong did for Billy Mitchell. Additionally, those I have talked to who were in the film by and large were satisfied with how they were portrayed.
I'm glad I was documented in this project. If nothing else, I'd say watch it and see for yourself.
Opinion
emmithepaladin12 September 2008
First, I was a member of NERO Seattle when this film was shot. While it took quite a while for me to actually see the finished product, I can only say this: I was deeply disappointed. Both in the scope of the film, and the ultimate, overall focus.
To me, they focused on the "worst" of us, on those who did not truly reflect the game, its players, or what is most important--there was too much focus on the negative.
The gentleman who are featured on the photo--in green lizard-like costumes--no longer even play. In fact, they stopped playing shortly after they wrapped up shooting, and it angers me that they tried to represent those two as the "norm" in terms of those who actually play the game.
I'm sorry that I participated. I'm sorry that I was excited when I heard about this project. But most of all, I'm sorry for all of the players and owners who were so grossly misrepresented.
To me, they focused on the "worst" of us, on those who did not truly reflect the game, its players, or what is most important--there was too much focus on the negative.
The gentleman who are featured on the photo--in green lizard-like costumes--no longer even play. In fact, they stopped playing shortly after they wrapped up shooting, and it angers me that they tried to represent those two as the "norm" in terms of those who actually play the game.
I'm sorry that I participated. I'm sorry that I was excited when I heard about this project. But most of all, I'm sorry for all of the players and owners who were so grossly misrepresented.
A deep and engaging look into an emerging subculture of those immersed in fantasy
BiggestLebowski23 March 2007
Monster Camp is the most entertaining documentary I have ever seen. It is the true story of those who have decided to abandon what society deems a "normal life" in exchange for the opportunity to exist in a fantastical world created solely for their pleasure.
While this may appear to be something that a film maker could easily choose to mock or ridicule. It is not so with Monster Camp. The director has done a fantastic job at being even handed with his portrayal of this unique individuals. Although the comical side of this alternate reality is every present, it is hardly judgemental. Judgement, it would seem is left to the viewer. As is the case with any good documentary.
It was also surprising to see such raw emotions presented so clearly in a world such a live action role playing. The many characters all feel incredibly strong connections to the lives they have created for themselves, and their love of the game is evident. In fact, their love borders on obsession. Still, the film lets you decide if this is a bad thing.
It is a well made film all around and is highly enjoyable.
While this may appear to be something that a film maker could easily choose to mock or ridicule. It is not so with Monster Camp. The director has done a fantastic job at being even handed with his portrayal of this unique individuals. Although the comical side of this alternate reality is every present, it is hardly judgemental. Judgement, it would seem is left to the viewer. As is the case with any good documentary.
It was also surprising to see such raw emotions presented so clearly in a world such a live action role playing. The many characters all feel incredibly strong connections to the lives they have created for themselves, and their love of the game is evident. In fact, their love borders on obsession. Still, the film lets you decide if this is a bad thing.
It is a well made film all around and is highly enjoyable.
Crap
Rcswear8 February 2014
Piece of crap. Waste of time. Go do something with your life instead of watching this. I will never get back the hour and a half I wasted on this. Stupidest documentary. Why? I love the real world. If these people took the real world this seriously we'd be better off. Don't watch. These people are a waste of space on earth. This should make you angry because these people are ridiculous. Our society is teaching that this should be normal. Really?? I don't want to live in a world that says this is OK. Go hike, or walk, or swim outside. Take in the real world because this is not the real world. This is not OK and this should never be OK. And from experience, don't let your friends talk you into watching this piece of crap.
Escape your own life...and enter into something better.
LCWGringoLoco7 March 2007
Director Cullen Hoback dives into the world of live-action roleplaying.
In Seattle, a group of young men and women gather every year to live out their fantasy-based fantasies. They dress up as warriors and monsters and re-enact battles based on World of Warcraft.
The group, known as NERO (New England Roleplaying Organization), follows the rules outlined in their 184-page rulebook. Throwing packets of birdseed (which they use as spells to cast) and hitting one another with padded swords, the players spend 48 consecutive hours as their characters.
Hoback's film does a wonderful job of being informative about the NERO culture, while at the same time, telling the stories of quite a large amount of participants.
An important note: the film does not make fun of these people. While it might have been easy to make a film at their expense, Hoback does not do this. The themes of this film are companionship, escapism, and most importantly, imagination.
Monster Camp is extremely entertaining. If you get a chance to watch it, do yourself the favor and get some friends together one night and check it out.
In Seattle, a group of young men and women gather every year to live out their fantasy-based fantasies. They dress up as warriors and monsters and re-enact battles based on World of Warcraft.
The group, known as NERO (New England Roleplaying Organization), follows the rules outlined in their 184-page rulebook. Throwing packets of birdseed (which they use as spells to cast) and hitting one another with padded swords, the players spend 48 consecutive hours as their characters.
Hoback's film does a wonderful job of being informative about the NERO culture, while at the same time, telling the stories of quite a large amount of participants.
An important note: the film does not make fun of these people. While it might have been easy to make a film at their expense, Hoback does not do this. The themes of this film are companionship, escapism, and most importantly, imagination.
Monster Camp is extremely entertaining. If you get a chance to watch it, do yourself the favor and get some friends together one night and check it out.
Underwhelming LARP Documentary
lewiskendell27 January 2016
I was completely fascinated with LARPers after seeing the excellent Darkon. Once I learned that there was another documentary about the subject, I wasted no time tracking it down and watching it. Unfortunately, Monster Camp is inferior to Darkon in every way. Even hardcore fans of documentaries may choose to skip this one.
A documentary is only as good as its subject matter, and Monster Camp simply fails in this regard. I'm not a judgmental person. I liked all the colorful people that Darkon focused on. There lives were interesting for the most part, and I empathized or identified to a degree with all of them. For the most part they were normal people. Monster Camp, on the other hand...
I hate to say this, but there was very little to like about the participants of Nero Seattle. They weren't endearing or quirky. Mostly, they were just plain weird. The movie makers made no attempt to portray them as three-dimensional individuals. They all came off as losers or super-geeks who had nothing in their lives except their monthly hobby. And I hate to see people depicted in such a negative way.
There's no incentive to get emotionally involved in Monster Camp. Darkon was so well made, that everything that was important to its subjects soon became important to the viewer. All I feel after watching Monster Camp is that most of those people would benefit from focusing more of their attention on the real world.
In a nutshell, I recommend Darkon to everyone and Monster Camp to no one.
A documentary is only as good as its subject matter, and Monster Camp simply fails in this regard. I'm not a judgmental person. I liked all the colorful people that Darkon focused on. There lives were interesting for the most part, and I empathized or identified to a degree with all of them. For the most part they were normal people. Monster Camp, on the other hand...
I hate to say this, but there was very little to like about the participants of Nero Seattle. They weren't endearing or quirky. Mostly, they were just plain weird. The movie makers made no attempt to portray them as three-dimensional individuals. They all came off as losers or super-geeks who had nothing in their lives except their monthly hobby. And I hate to see people depicted in such a negative way.
There's no incentive to get emotionally involved in Monster Camp. Darkon was so well made, that everything that was important to its subjects soon became important to the viewer. All I feel after watching Monster Camp is that most of those people would benefit from focusing more of their attention on the real world.
In a nutshell, I recommend Darkon to everyone and Monster Camp to no one.
Saw this at it's premiere
wulfstand4 March 2007
Last nite at San Jose Cinequest. A very interesting film about folks in Live Action RolePlaying and how the hobby has defined or even taken over their life. The film covers the romantic angle too, with couples both meeting and breaking up over "in game" issues. Altho the film is about "L.A.R.P." is could well be about SCA, Renfaire, D&D or even Massive Multiplayer Online games. It touches a bit on that last, with a couple of the guys in the film admitting they spend over 40 hours a week playing WOW. Of course a film about slackers playing computer games would be a tad boring.
What I particularly like is the balance shown by the film-makers. They show the good and the bad, with no apparent bias. Intelligent and thought-provoking, with a number of very funny moments and a few poignant ones too.
What I particularly like is the balance shown by the film-makers. They show the good and the bad, with no apparent bias. Intelligent and thought-provoking, with a number of very funny moments and a few poignant ones too.
Hilarious and Intriguing
jfpower23 May 2007
I absolutely loved this movie!
Not only does this film open your eyes to a world of gaming that you never knew existed, but it provides hours of comedy.
You can't help but enjoy hearing and experiencing the out of this world realms where people pretend to be characters and battle to see who the winner will be.
If you are familiar with World of Warcraft this film takes you to a whole new level of game play.
The movie meets a dual purpose: broadening one's intellect and tightening their stomach muscles.
Not only does this film open your eyes to a world of gaming that you never knew existed, but it provides hours of comedy.
You can't help but enjoy hearing and experiencing the out of this world realms where people pretend to be characters and battle to see who the winner will be.
If you are familiar with World of Warcraft this film takes you to a whole new level of game play.
The movie meets a dual purpose: broadening one's intellect and tightening their stomach muscles.
I really liked this documentary,
sugarnspice292926 May 2007
This movies was truly one of the best. I really liked this documentary. I was so shocked at the fact that NERO was real. If I could rate it I would give it 5 stars, in fact at the film fest. in JAX I gave it a 5 in rating. I go to film school, and I have scene some pretty bad documentary's. Some have made me want to sleep (in fact some have.) Some have made we want to walk out of the theater. But this one was so funny, and some of it was sad. Like seeing these people that they were introducing sit on their computer and talk about their addictions it was emotional. I would love to see other films by this director. He has an amazing talent that will be discovered by more and more people by this film.
*Becca
*Becca
Great movie -- contains potential spoilers
neisha_saxena6 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Now, I've read my share of fantasy fiction and I'm addicted to Battlestar Galactica. I've even played a bit of D&D, but I'm not much of a gamer. As a result, at the beginning of the movie, I wasn't sure what to make of the NERO players. Through the light touch of the film makers, I grew to like and understand the players in a way that never felt forced or contrived.
The mother of Fern, one of the players, said it well, our society idolizes the individual and yet there is a human need to be part of something larger than ourselves. At this moment in time, in particular, there seems to be a hunger for this. That's what this movie is about. A group of people who otherwise might be gaming alone in front of screens find society, community, and even love. There is a moment toward the end when all might be lost, but ultimately community prevails.
The mother of Fern, one of the players, said it well, our society idolizes the individual and yet there is a human need to be part of something larger than ourselves. At this moment in time, in particular, there seems to be a hunger for this. That's what this movie is about. A group of people who otherwise might be gaming alone in front of screens find society, community, and even love. There is a moment toward the end when all might be lost, but ultimately community prevails.
Reality or fiction?
ivisitjman4 September 2007
Another home run for the crew that brought you Freedom State.
This movie is edited beautifully to take you on a constant ride where you question what is "acceptable" behavior for adults and what is not. I would say that the average person comes into this movie with an initial impression of "they spend their time doing what?"
However, the film is crafted to make you question why there must be a solid line between reality in fiction and if NERO, while strange, is really something that adults "shouldn't do because it isn't 'healthy'." The film stays true to it's documentary form.
I watched this film with a NERO player "outlier" in the sense that he has what most players do not ( a steady job, lots of education, is married with a daughter, and yet was still very involved in the game )
I think his words speak louder than mine when he said that this film actively portrays the entire gamut of most NERO players, regardless of location.
The film makes you reconsider the Toys-R-US catch phrase, "I don't want to grow up" and eventually made me come to the conclusion that maybe a good balance of reality and fantasy is not only healthy, but can be quite fun too.
This movie is edited beautifully to take you on a constant ride where you question what is "acceptable" behavior for adults and what is not. I would say that the average person comes into this movie with an initial impression of "they spend their time doing what?"
However, the film is crafted to make you question why there must be a solid line between reality in fiction and if NERO, while strange, is really something that adults "shouldn't do because it isn't 'healthy'." The film stays true to it's documentary form.
I watched this film with a NERO player "outlier" in the sense that he has what most players do not ( a steady job, lots of education, is married with a daughter, and yet was still very involved in the game )
I think his words speak louder than mine when he said that this film actively portrays the entire gamut of most NERO players, regardless of location.
The film makes you reconsider the Toys-R-US catch phrase, "I don't want to grow up" and eventually made me come to the conclusion that maybe a good balance of reality and fantasy is not only healthy, but can be quite fun too.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
