The Knights of Badassdom (2013/E One Blu-ray)

Picture: B+ Sound: A Extras:B+ Film: B

The Knights of Badassdom, directed by Joe Lynch (Holliston), is a fun look at the Renaissance Fair scene as told from the perspective of a group of directionless stoner friends that's fun and games turns to a fight for their lives when a Demon is unleashed from hell. From the get go, it reminds me films like Mall Rats (which its references to geek culture), Role Models, and maybe even a touch of Tenacious D Pick of Destiny but takes a sharp turn into demonic horror film halfway through and turns out to be a fresh and fun blend of genres.

The film's strongest lead is played by Peter Dinklage - who takes a complete departure from his infamous role on HBO's Game of Thrones and here is more carefree and normal everyday man. In addition the film stars Steve Zahn (Rescue Dawn) as the fun loving Wizard friend, Summer Glau (TV's Arrow and Firefly) as a badass sword wielder, and Ryan Kwanten as the uninterested friend who is recovering from a recent bad breakup that slowly falls into place amongst his comrades.

Knights of Badassdom is about a group of live action role-players that accidentally awaken a blood-lusting succubus (in the form of Ryan Kwanten's ex-girlfriend) from the pits of Hell by reading from a lost demonic text they won off eBay.

Now our trio of best friends (Dinklage, Zahn, and Kwanten) must team up with Summer Glau to stop the Demon from unleashing hell on earth and stop her from killing off their friends and fellow renaissance fair companions in the fictional land of Evermore. What works in this is the balance between fantasy role playing and practical sets and props that are modern. It's not unusual to see a car or modern references that break up the period mimicking dialogue.

Playtime turns into the ultimate battle to the death when blood is shed and the fight for survival becomes fierce. The special effects are cheesy and the look overall is very indie, but the film succeeds from a good heart and a strong story. If you are a fan of heavy metal music, bloody gore, and larping then this is definitely the film for you!

The Blu-ray transfer of this film is fantastic and is captured in 1080p high definition transfer captured in the film's 2:40.1 aspect ratio and mastered in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Also available are English SDH subtitles.

Special Features include San Diego Comic-Con Panel, Interviews with Peter Dinklage, Steve Zahn and more, Summer Glau hottie montage, and Behind-the-Scenes Featurette.

- James Harland Lockhart V

www.vimeo.com/jamielockhart