Monster Camp (2007)

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/

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.

Monster CampFor 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 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.