Lloyd the Conqueror
Starring Evan Williams, Mike Smith, Brian Posehn, Tegan Moss, and Harland Williams
Directed by Michael Peterson
I decided to check out Lloyd the Conqueror in one of Fantasia’s late-afternoon time slots simply based on the poster alone. Not only did the poster look awesome, but the quote at the top, ‘In our heads this is friggin’ epic’, was hilarious. The film is about Live Action Role-Playing or LARPing, the real-life incarnation of a Dungeons and Dragons style role playing game. As it stands, I have never actually participated in LARPing or seen an actual LARP in progress, but from what I understand it is quite a popular hobby, taken very seriously by many. LARPing clubs exist across North America, and it was about high time I learned what the fuss was all about. While Lloyd the Conqueror wasn’t the side-splitting comedy I was expecting, it certainly its funny moments, but the real reason to see Lloyd is for the heart-warming LARPing story within.
Lloyd (Evan Williams), Patrick (Jesse Reid) and Oswald (Scott Patey) are a group of regular guys. They watch movies, play video games, drink beer, and slack off when it comes to school work. A particular ill-prepared class presentation lands them in the doghouse with their irritable teacher, Derek (Smith). Unfortunately for the friends, the subsequent terrible grade puts them in the undesirable position of losing their financial aid if they cannot get the grade up to a C. Derek would normally not give these lazy students a second chance, but it just so happens that the forces of a light need another team for Derek to demolish in his LARPing league. Without another team Derek will not be able to become this year’s champion and continue his tremendous win-streak. The friends join the league to try and save their financial aid, as Derek has promised them an A if they can defeat him. It doesn’t look like Lloyd and company have a hope in hell of defeating Derek, but that’s before Andy, a level 80 white wizard, takes them under his tutelage. Do Lloyd and his companions have what it takes to defeat the sinister Derek? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, it’s going to be epic!
As I’ve already mentioned, I was expecting Lloyd the Conqueror to be hilarious. I had a bit of a problem with some of the dialogue driven humour that seemed to rely on crude jokes that felt a little dated. However, there were certainly plenty of comical moments that worked and the jokes drawn on the LARPing material were very funny, original, and intelligent. Brian Posehn and Mike Smith are the comedic veterans of the cast and they do an admirable job as polar-opposites. Andy is soft spoken and a true nerd, while Derek is abrasive, offensive, and must have had a very spoiled childhood. I can imagine a young Derek with the latest edition of the D&D monsters compendium in his hand while other less privileged children stare on in awe. The rest of the cast is also quite good, particularly Williams and Patey. I think Patey has a wonderful comedic career ahead of him if he chooses to go down that road.
The story of Lloyd is really what kept me glued to the screen. It was easy to identify with Lloyd and his friends and it was even easier to loathe Derek. It sounds strange to say it, but once the actual LARPing began, the movie gained a magical quality. Particularly effective was the juxtaposition of costumed LARPers and modern day technology, as cellphone towers or airplanes were often in the background of shots. Instead of being comedic, it really drives home just how creative and powerful the imaginations of LARPers are if they are able to disregard their mundane environments while enjoying their favourite pastime.
Funny, touching, informative, and entertaining. You will be rooting for Lloyd and against Derek until the final minutes.
Entertainment Maven 