Three best friends and dedicated roleplayers take to the woods to reenact a dungeons and dragons-like scenario as a live action role-playing game. Trouble arises when a prop spellbook purchased from the internet ends up being a genuine grimoire and they unwittingly conjure up a blood-lusting succubus from hell.
Knights of Badassdom is a horror-comedy about a group of live-action role-players (LARPers) who unintentionally summon a demon from hell. The plot follows three friends—Joe (Ryan Kwanten), Hung (Peter Dinklage), and Eric (Steve Zahn)—who embark on a medieval role-playing adventure in the woods. While the goal is to cheer up their heartbroken friend, they mistakenly conjure a bloodthirsty succubus. The group must now navigate their quirky abilities and newfound danger to prevent the demon from wreaking havoc
The film, directed by Joe Lynch, balances its light-hearted comedy with supernatural horror, providing fans of genre films an amusing ride with splashes of gore and fantasy. Its charm lies in the characters’ comedic interactions and their clash with an unanticipated demonic force. Though it was met with mixed reviews, the film’s offbeat humor and ensemble cast, which includes Summer Glau and Margarita Levieva, earned it a cult following
10 Reasons to Watch Knights of Badassdom
- Unique Blend of Genres: A mixture of horror, comedy, and fantasy, offering a fresh take on the LARPing world.
- Funny Performances: The film features comedic roles from a talented cast, including Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, and Peter Dinklage.
- Demon-Summoning Chaos: The accidental summoning of a succubus adds an element of chaos and supernatural danger.
- Pop Culture References: Packed with geek culture nods, including Dungeons & Dragons and metal music references, appealing to fantasy and role-playing fans.
- Special Effects: Although low-budget, the demon effects are a highlight for fans of creature features.
- Campy Fun: Perfect for viewers looking for a campy, over-the-top experience with a blend of absurd humor and thrills.
- Cults and Classic Themes: The concept of LARPing is hilariously explored while tapping into classic horror tropes like summoning demons.
- Quirky, Relatable Characters: The film has characters you can relate to, especially if you’ve ever been into fantasy games or nerdy hobbies.
- Fun Ensemble Cast: Aside from the main trio, the supporting characters bring additional humor and surprise.
- A Cult Classic in the Making: Its quirky style and humorous take on the genre make it a fun, low-key movie that could become a cult classic among genre fans.
What Will You Feel After Watching?
After watching Knights of Badassdom, you’ll likely feel a mix of laughter and disbelief at the absurdity of the premise. Its combination of absurdly funny moments, weirdly lovable characters, and light-hearted horror will leave you entertained but possibly with a desire for something a bit deeper in terms of plot. It’s a great watch for fans of offbeat comedies, those who love fantasy references, or anyone seeking a campy, light horror movie. You’ll leave with a sense of amusement and a smile, even if it’s not a cinematic masterpiece