Watch The Gamers: Dorkness Rising

The Gamers: Dorkness Rising is a 2008 independent comedy film directed by Matt Vancil. The humorous film focuses on the lives of a group of tabletop role-playing game enthusiasts, showcasing their adventures both in and out of the game. The film features a cast of both amateur and professional actors and has been popular among fans of the fantasy and gaming genres.

The film follows the story of a group of friends who are passionate about playing a tabletop RPG game called "The Sword of Gorgonthir". The players include Lodge (played by Nathan Rice), the game master, who is determined to create the perfect campaign experience for his players; Mark (played by Brian S. Lewis), who is constantly caught up in his own character's backstory and his own drama; Joanna (played by Carol Roscoe), who is Mark's girlfriend and often struggles to fit in with the rest of the group; and Gary (played by Christian Doyle), who struggles with his own insecurities and often feels left out of the group.

As the group delves deeper into their campaign, they are plagued by misfortune and bad luck. Characters constantly fail their attempts at rolls, leading to disastrous consequences in the game. Mark constantly attempts to steer the game towards his own character's story, leading to tension between himself and the other players. The group is forced to contend with antagonists both in and out of the game, including the game store owner, Cass (played by Scott C. Brown), and a rival group of players led by an overbearing zealot, Red Avenger (played by Geoff Gibbs).

As the campaign progresses, the characters must put aside their differences and come together to defeat a powerful evil that threatens the game world. The players are forced to confront their own flaws and faults, both in the game and in real life, in order to emerge victorious.

One of the standout features of The Gamers: Dorkness Rising is its clever use of humor throughout the film. The script is loaded with jokes and references that will delight fans of the gaming community. The film's comedic style is both witty and slapstick, creating moments of laughter that are sure to leave viewers in good spirits. There are a number of scenes that parody classic RPG tropes, such as the heroes' journey and the use of fantasy creatures as enemies.

Another strength of the film is how well it portrays the experience of tabletop role-playing games. The interactions between the players in and out of the game feel authentic, both in terms of the dynamic within the group and the excitement and passion players can feel while playing. The film accurately captures the experience of a game session, from the anticipation of rolling a die to the thrill of a critical success.

The performances of the actors in The Gamers: Dorkness Rising are another notable aspect of the film. Despite being an independent production with a low budget, the cast delivers performances that are believable and engaging. Nathan Rice, in particular, gives a standout performance as Lodge, the game master. Rice captures Lodge's frustration, passion, and humor in a way that will resonate with viewers.

In terms of cinematography and production, The Gamers: Dorkness Rising is somewhat simple. The film features a relatively low-budget aesthetic, though it's clear that the filmmakers made the most of their resources. Despite a lack of flashy visual effects or high-end production value, the film's charm lies in its simplicity.

In conclusion, The Gamers: Dorkness Rising is a must-watch for anyone who loves tabletop role-playing games or is looking for a genuinely funny comedy. The film is a true celebration of the gaming community, and its humor, performances, and authenticity make it a standout of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to RPGs, this film is sure to provide entertainment and laughs.

The Gamers: Dorkness Rising is a 2008 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.