LLOYD THE CONQUEROR directed by Michael Peterson, written by Andrew Herman and Peterson, with Evan Williams, Mike Smith, Tegan Moss and Brian Posehn. A Vagrant Films release. Opens Friday (November 29). See listing. Read the interview with actor Brian Posehn. Rating: NNN
A comedy about a Calgary slacker (Evan Williams) given the chance to boost his flagging grades if he joins a live action role-playing guild, Lloyd The Conqueror is a testament to the ability of committed performers to elevate bland material.
That director Michael Peterson and co-writer Andrew Herman’s thin script works as well as it does is almost entirely due to supporting players Brian Posehn, Tegan Moss and Trailer Park Boys’ Mike Smith, who create a rich tapestry of weird, spiky personalities as Lloyd’s mentor, love interest and antagonist, respectively.
All three do sterling work, but Williams’s undistinguished presence in the underdeveloped lead means the film slumps whenever it’s placed on Lloyd’s shoulders.
