Knights of Badassdom (2013) Movie Review: A Hilarious and Whimsical Adventure in Live-Action Role Playing
Introduction
“Knights of Badassdom,” directed by Joe Lynch and starring Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, Peter Dinklage, and Summer Glau, is a 2013 comedy-fantasy film that blends the world of live-action role-playing (LARPing) with supernatural horror. The film offers a humorous and entertaining take on the geek culture of LARPing, providing a whimsical adventure that both fans of the genre and casual viewers can enjoy.
Plot Summary
The story follows Joe (Ryan Kwanten), a heartbroken musician who is dragged into a LARPing event by his enthusiastic friends Eric (Steve Zahn) and Hung (Peter Dinklage). During the event, the group unwittingly summons a succubus from hell by using an ancient spell book Eric acquired online. What starts as a fun weekend of fantasy role-playing quickly turns into a real-life battle for survival as the succubus begins to wreak havoc.
As the characters navigate their roles as knights, wizards, and other fantasy archetypes, they must come together to defeat the demonic entity. Along the way, they encounter Gwen (Summer Glau), a fellow LARPer who becomes an essential part of their quest. The film combines elements of horror and comedy, creating a unique and entertaining narrative that celebrates geek culture.
Performance and Direction
Ryan Kwanten leads the cast as Joe, bringing a grounded and relatable performance to the role of a reluctant hero. Steve Zahn and Peter Dinklage deliver standout performances as Eric and Hung, respectively, infusing their characters with humor and charisma. Peter Dinklage, in particular, shines with his comedic timing and physicality, adding depth to the film’s humorous elements. Summer Glau adds a strong presence as Gwen, providing a balance of action and charm.
Director Joe Lynch captures the spirit of LARPing with a playful and affectionate approach, creating a film that feels both authentic and fantastical. The film’s practical effects and creature designs enhance its whimsical atmosphere, while the screenplay by Kevin Dreyfuss and Matt Wall offers witty dialogue and clever references to fantasy and horror tropes.
Critical Reception
“Knights of Badassdom” received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of 58%, indicating a range of opinions. Critics praised the film’s humor, performances, and unique premise but noted that its execution sometimes fell short of its potential. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following for its fun and imaginative take on the LARPing subculture.
Streaming Availability
As of now, “Knights of Badassdom” is available for streaming on several platforms in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video – Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple TV – Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV – Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu – Available for rent or purchase.
- YouTube Movies – Available for rent or purchase.
These streaming services offer convenient options for viewers to watch “Knights of Badassdom” from the comfort of their homes.
Conclusion
“Knights of Badassdom” is a hilarious and whimsical adventure that celebrates the world of live-action role-playing with humor and heart. With strong performances from Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, Peter Dinklage, and Summer Glau, the film provides an entertaining and unique narrative that blends fantasy and horror. Directed by Joe Lynch, the movie captures the spirit of geek culture and offers a fun and engaging experience. For those looking for a lighthearted and imaginative film, “Knights of Badassdom” is a delightful choice and is readily available on multiple streaming platforms.
