Unicorn City (2012)

Directed by Bryan Lefler
Devin McGinn, Jaclyn Hales and Jon Gries
Runtime 102min. - Rated PG
3 Stars (out of 4)

"Unicorn City" is currently a $3.99 V.O.D exclusive on Amazon Instant, VUDU, and CinemaNow.

"Unicorn City" is a good illustration of my feelings on the comedy genre. I've always maintained that Comedy is the most personal genre of them all. Things that make us sad or scared are generally universal. The things that make us laugh, however, can vary wildly from person to person. While a comedy about live action role-playing may not appeal to everyone, the targeted demographic will surely get a kick out of this film. Even if you've never LARPed yourself (I haven't), you'll understand the humor if you have any geeky family or friends.


Voss (McGinn) is the hero of the story. I use the term "hero" very lightly in this context. He's the guy you're supposed to root for, but it's hard at times. Actually, he's a total contradiction. Voss is the consummate slacker and a gifted moocher who's willing to sacrifice anything to get a job. It doesn't make any more sense in the context of the story. He lives in his brother's basement where he builds models and develops plans for his guild. A guild, I learn, is a group of people participating in a tabletop role-playing game. His brother is a proud employee at the neighborhood taco truck and I'm being serious when I say he's proud. When he comes home from work he interrogates Voss on his employment status and then applies a choke-hold until he's unconscious. This is apparently a common occurrence.

Voss is completely consumed by fantasy role-playing; not the sexy kind. One of his fellow guild members, Marsha (Hales), is smitten with Voss. No, I can't imagine why either, but she is. Voss is totally blind to the attraction and blatantly ignores her advances. She's a beautiful blond that could have anyone she wants, yet she pursues Voss. When she knocks on his door and suggests that their role-playing characters form a relationship, Voss informs her that his character is celibate while remaining stone-faced.

The job that Voss so greatly desires involves being a team-leader for a fantasy game company. During his interview, the spokesperson suggests that Voss sets himself apart from the rest of the applicants by showing his leadership potential. He takes the advice to heart. Marsha invites him over for some "breakfast chicken". They feast like medieval nobleman and drink from giant goblets that ooze fog thanks to dry-ice that Marsha keeps for just such an occasion. She's also baked cupcakes for the meal that have little unicorn faces on the top. A light-bulb goes off in Voss' head; a tiny, low-wattage light-bulb.

There's a plot which I'm ignoring that features a game creator named Shadow Hawk (Gries) who terrorizes Voss' guild by changing the rules to his own advantage and other general douchebaggery. He's funny, but really isn't much of a threat as a villain. I guess that's good though because Voss isn't much of a hero.

Voss' lightbulb is to create his own "gaming utopia". It's official designation is Unicorn City. He invites everyone from the guild to join, except Shadow Hawk. They all show up in costumes that must have been painstaking to create, but still look totally ridiculous. They begin their journey by taking down a large monster, probably made of trash bags, with their faux weapons. The battles are simulated by yelling out and pantomiming various attacks and spells. They also yell out how many hit points they have lost or inflicted. Basically, it's a bunch of adults playing make-believe.

Voss takes the time to write out the rules to the game and chronicles all of the participants. His planning fails on every other level. They play the game on public land and attempt to hide from anyone jogging by. He does provide some sleeping bags and tents, but he neglects to account for food, restrooms, clothing changes, hygiene or first-aid. It's consistent with the character's tunnel vision.

Obviously Shadow Hawk finds his way to the camp to wreak havoc. Equally obvious is that Voss will finally warm up to Marsha. There are many other such certainties that arise during the first act of the film, so you're never really surprised during the climax. The comedy worked for me though, which is no guarantee that it will work for you. I found the characters funny and familiar. The stakes here are incredibly low. The characters never face any real danger. It's the kind of casual comedy that should be enjoyed with a group of friends. If nothing else, there's a guy who has a centaur costume that, uh, well, I'll just post the picture.