Jack Black This movie is raw truth! Pure emotion, overwhelming, distracting, painful, absolutely gut wrenching. I knew someone exactly like this, and it is as if Zero Charisma plucked him out of real life. Nothing I write can accurately describe the way this film and character made me feel. As if I was pulled back in time to high school experiencing the controlling menace of our local game master. Scott Weidemeyer represents more than some stereotype. This individual is complex, on so many levels. The scenes with his mother are horrific. I have an issue with a high level of empathy, and upon seeing a lot of these interactions like many, I cringe. On top of that I feel, not pity like some, but an overwhelming connection to a fellow human being isolated and alone. Everything about this movie, the soundtrack, the flow, the pacing, the scenery shot in Austin, TX. I loved it all! Scott experienced so much shame throughout his life. Being abandoned by his mother, embarrassed at every turn, his only positive interaction is his grandmother who doesn't relate to him at all, no role models, nothing except the steady growth of resentment. I recommend this to anyone interested in character driven stories that just so happen to involve board games. Only critique of the entire film though, *SPOILER ALERT*, no way could he drop him with a body shot.

zif ofoz There is no need, what so ever, to have a knowledge of or background in computer gaming or board game role playing to enjoy this fine movie! The theme of the movie is built around gamers and their circle of fellow players who happen to be slightly socially inept and the clash of ego.Scott - the game master or grand master - fulfills his ego by lording over his fellow players while creating his own world in the 'game'. Because outside of the 'game' he is a nobody, no real friends, no social life, no job. He is bossed around by his elderly grandmother and his mother (who abandoned him early in his life). Why the mother shows up in the story - you'll have to watch the movie! Then Scott finds his imaginary world and his marginal home life kicked out from under his control - he is lost - but determined to prove himself which only creates more chaos in his emotional world. He seems to learn his lesson about himself - but does he in the end?The movie is a finely acted indie flick that addresses some element in many people and is told in such a way that you sympathize with these lost souls. There aren't any truly laugh out loud moments but some moments to chuckle at this collection of odd but well meaning people.

curiosarcana I had such high hopes for this movie, as an avid D&D player through my college years and a fan of MMOs. Finally, the geeks get their due. We've got a gamer protagonist who is both sympathetic and pitiable. I rooted for him, I felt bad for him, I felt embarrassed for him. He does everything he can, but his luck is just terrible. His nemesis is better looking than him, has more friends, a better website, and he might be smarter, but he's also a bit douchey. A little stuck up. At first he looks like he might be the better man, but as we learn more about him, maybe not. Someone in another review compared this to Taxi Driver, and I can see why they'd say that. By the end I kept wondering how poor Scott could ever rectify his situation. There were people I was hoping he would just go mad and attack, because it looked like there was nothing else left for him to do. I'm avoiding spoilers here, but let me say that I was very disappointed in the ending. I think our hero deserved better than he got. If you're a table top gamer or you like RPGs or MMOs, definitely give it watch, but beware the finale. It's not as good as it could've been, by far.

jonnytheshirt Well I watched this because I tremendously enjoyed gaming as a kid, before the internet and Playstations it was great. Is this a geek movie for geeks, nerds gamers or whomever? Yes in some aspects - I started watching it with my girlfriend who can happily watch the Avengers and whatnot but changed movie, the game references just went over her head so I watched it later myself. In the end however really at it's core to me it reflects people, their obsessions, their behaviour and interactions. The Game is a catalyst really and the movie proved more thought provoking than I expected, and more seious, the cast were good and incredibly awkward at times which provided the laughs. Zero Charisma was apt. Enjoyable enough however although I'd certainly recommend only to those who don't mind their geekery.