Knights of Badassdom

"Needst is not a word."

"Where we are it is."

Joe (Kwanten) works as a mechanic by day and by night sings lead in a doom metal band.  His long-time girlfriend Beth (Levieva) is frustrated with his lack of ambition and ends the relationship.  He is heartbroken and plans to sulk and drink all weekend while his best friends / roommates are away to LARP (Live Action Role Play).  Eric (Zahn) and Hung (Dinklage) are accidental millionaires, and the three live in a castle.  Forced to choose between helping their friend and LARPing, they decide to do both and kidnap Joe.

When Joe wakes, he is dressed in armor and already at the event.  Eric is a level 26 wizard, who is trying to level up, and Hung is an expert with swords.  They convince Joe to stay and join their quest, despite the protestations of Ronnie (Simpson), the Game Master.  As the journey begins, Eric reads from an ancient book and unwittingly conjures a succubus from hell.  Can the make believe heroes defeat an actual foe?


I can't remember when and where I first heard about this film, but it was supposed to be epic.  After a long wait, it was finally released on DVD.  I thought it was great!

The cast is phenomenal; it is an impressive roster of geek icons.  Ryan Kwanten, best known for his role on HBO's True Blood,  is a charming lead.  He has great chemistry with Steve Zahn and Peter Dinklage, who play his best friends.  Zahn is adorably geeky and Dinklage, who is currently stealing the show on Showtime's Game of Thrones, is perfect and great with a sword.  Jimmi Simpson is hilarious as Ronnie.  He is a scene stealer and gets some great lines.  Summer Glau is great and holds her own with the boys.  The rest of the cast, including the small parts / cameos, are great as well.

Apparently, the film was mostly completed in 2011 and part was shown at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con.  However, the producers delayed the release for 2 years to re-edit portions of the film, without the consent of director, Joe Lynch.  Lynch has disowned the film, since it no longer reflects his vision.  You can read more about this at http://www.fthismovie.net/2013/12/assholes-please-release-joe-lynchs-cut.html

With that in mind, I enjoyed the film... but I won't add it to my collection until Lynch is able to release a Directors Cut.  Entertaining, but not perfect.

Knights of Badassdom (2013) 86 minutes
Rating: R for horror violence, language throughout, some drug use and sexuality
Director: Joe Lynch
Starring: Ryan Kwanten as Joe
Steve Zahn as Eric
Peter Dinklage as Hung
Summer Glau as Gwen
Margarita Levieva as Beth
Jimmi Simpson as Ronnie Kwok
Brett Gipson as Gunther
Danny Pudi as Lando