I had heard of Live Action Role Play or LARPing before, and I even had a little experience playing table games; but when I heard the whole film was essentially constructed around LARP, I was somewhat intrigued. . . but also a tad skeptical. I figured I should give anything a try once, especially an independent film, and I had the opportunity to screen this movie at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con this year; I was NOT disappointed!
“Unicorn City” starts off with a group of people who get together to play a table game, think Dungeons and Dragons, and the film-makers do a great job showing how tedious these games can be. The main character is Voss (Devin McGinn), and he has trouble following the rules laid forth by Shadow Hawk (Jon “Kick Him in the Nards” Gries). Shadow Hawk likes to constantly control the outcome of the table games, and he keeps people in check with outlandish rules he puts in place. Voss, in an attempt to help his brother Clancy (Matt Mattson), loses his cool and brings some rather unwanted tension to the table group. This is the first of many humorous parts in the film, and come on, who hasn’t felt like unloading on someone in public? Though Voss has his faults, he still has an admirer in a certain lady, Marsha (Jaclyn Hales). Voss seems to have interest in Marsha, but soon she’s taking things with a fellow, on-line, gamer to a new level.
Voss needs to figure out a new plan in life, an upcoming job interview seems to be the best way; but when a person is down it seems that is when decides to deliver more troubles. At the next gathering of the group, Voss takes it upon himself to challenge the leadership of Shadow Hawk. Comedy ensues as Voss attempts to take over the group from the clutches of his nemesis. Voss’ future with the group hinges on a roll of the dice; I will just say the reaction of Shadow Hawk was pure comedy. Voss being upset about losing his dream job and his swift exile from the table group is bad enough, right? But, this is when we meet Voss’ older brother Jeff (Kevin Weisman). Jeff is training in MMA and works at a taco stand. Jeff seemingly enjoys picking on Voss and Clancy, and it is rather enjoyable for the audience as well.
Voss has his hopes up when Marsha invites him over for some breakfast. The breakfast scene has some VERY enjoyable sight gags, and also builds the story to the next level. Voss has a plan to land his dream job; Marsha calls Pat (Steve Berg) and his girlfriend Angie (Missy Hill) to meet at a remote location. Voss calls on his pal Rhubarb (Clint Vanderlinden) to join them all. The conversation between Voss and Rhubarb is a classic play on words, and the laughs become so loud that you might miss out on some more humor. This is where the humor really takes over, and let the LARPing BEGIN!!!
Voss declares an edict, that henceforth their table characters will now become flesh and bone, they will each portray their characters in real life. The momentum picks up, as do the laughs to a complete boiling point when the music starts to swell and we see in the distance a man dressed as a centaur, it is Rhubarb! The theater absolutely EXPLODED with applause and laughter. This is something you don’t get to really see in a movie anymore; people so excited that emotion takes over and applause sets in, and I LOVED it too! Rhubarb isn’t your standard centaur though, you’ll have to see what I mean in theaters.
Our characters are now set, and the plot is being developed, but what could stop this merry band of LARPers from enjoying their time together? Well, Shadow Hawk found out about what Voss has created and is determined to foil his plans of segregating the group and usurping his hold on them. This is where the story moves into overdrive and time flies because we were all having so much fun. We have the set up and the premise, but what happens in the end? You’ll need to go to Unicorn City and request the movie come to your area for release to find out sooner than later!
Now some of our readers may be wondering why I gave “Unicorn City” 5 stars, or what makes this film worthy of such high marks? I have found that Independent Film offers something missing from “Blockbusters” that we are generally drawn to see, and “Unicorn City” is a movie that delivers on all levels. It has a genuine spirit and heart that translates well to the audience, regardless of their background or personal experiences – it unified the audience in a way I haven’t seen in a long time. “Unicorn City” has great character development, humor through both sight gags and comedic timing and delivery, acting that delivers on all fronts, and also leaves the audience wanting MORE . . . MUCH MORE! This film brought me back to my childhood when going to the movies was a treat and an escape; it’s a movie that leaves an impression on everyone who views it. I wish more films could bring audiences closer together and take people back to the days where going to the movies was fun and offered something for all audiences; fortunately, “Unicorn City” does just that. So, at least there will be one out there soon – if you are lucky enough to demand it in your area.
Again, I had my reservations about this movie when I first heard about it, but those were quickly dashed after the first few minutes. “Unicorn City” has something for everyone, and even if you don’t know what LARP or table games are, you will still enjoy the story and the characters. I LOVED the whole package, especially the heart the movie offered the audience. If you want an escape from the doldrums of everyday life, “Unicorn City” is your destination!
