Listonixio
Fresh and Exciting
Matrixiole
Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.
StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Verity Robins
Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.
fabio-dastolfo
I was hoping for a Gus Van Sant or Inarritu style about the geek society. I guess i'm expecting too much from the cinema right now, it will take more years till this aspect will be dissected more psychologically than just the stereotype is portrayed.Astropia is supposedly a light harted comedy about geeks. Nothing wrong with the incipit, the problem comes with the realization. Directing and editing is slightly above amateur work. The opening scene seems cut out from a TV shows and the several comic photos are, stylistically, just out of place. The movie plot is flat and uninteresting. The few comedic scenes could be funny if made right but due to the actors and directors inexperience they just drop dead. Afterall is a boring movie who could appeal to geeks just for a single view.
gee-15
A beautiful but superficial young woman is forced to make her own way in the world when her slimy boyfriend is arrested for fraud. She finds herself working at Astropia, a store of movies, comic books, and role playing paraphernalia and starts making steps towards real independence.This is a terrific film! The characters are eccentric and engaging but still seem like real people. The main character (Hildur)is a rather blank bimbo who find herself (and true love) through the magic of role playing games. If Dungeons and Dragons (2000) had been this movie, I doubt any so called "geek" would have objected. This film pokes fun at the nerdy world of role playing but it is with genuine affection not scorn. In fact one of the best scenes is where Hildur (after having played a few times) talks with genuine enthusiasm about the experience to a potential customer and we see her light up for the first time.The film is a bit rough around the edges and the special effects are not up to Hollywood standards but it is charming with a capital "C". Highly recommended!
mexomorph
I saw this at FantasticFest 2008. Great LARP'er story, will appeal widely to nerds & geeks of all levels. The movie has the style and pacing of a comic book, even transitions done in panels, which don't feel gimmicky. Much like "Revenge of the Nerds" this film does the "hot model falls in love with a dork" plot, but without coming across as cheesy. Also reminded me of "Clerks" set in a comic store, in Sweden, but it could have been made in the US as far as the story goes (apparently RPG'ers share a common bond the world over). Clever effects and editing, great characters & actors, had me hooked on the first day of the festival. Another film I watched more than once, and holds up well with repeated viewings. Deserves a wide US release.. catch it if you can!
Björn Leifsson
Not expecting much of anything when going to the cinema to watch the film Astropia, or Dorks & Damsels, I truly thought I was going to see some kind of a dorky female Schwarzenegger action hero. I was more than slightly overwhelmed by the imagination of the writers. How the world of reality is overtaken by the fantasy of role playing games works quite well. The film is low budget and stands no comparison to Hollywood action films, so don't expect any high-tech computerised scenes. But the love of the actors for this film is obvious, it shines through and that made me happy watching the film. The filmmakers do an excellent job and so do all the actors. Just go see it and have an enjoyable time.