Ren Faire

I feel deranged. I feel like we've just seen those segments of the Bible where it's just one person's story that wasn't witnessed by anyone else, suddenly before our eyes. And now we know how they kept all the tea underwraps: long live the king.

Louie and Darla maintained a composure far above and beyond what was known among the TRFamily. Fairetriarchs who garnered natural respect and love from those around them we're doing so much more than we ever knew. And now we know. Now everyone knows. And as someone in our FB group has already said: This year ain't gonna be cheap. George knows what this will do for the Faire.

Lift up thy pocketbooks, I guess.

Not sure if the film makers are trying to paint a sympathetic portrait of a delusional megalomaniacal d-bag manchild or catering to whatever purse strings that funded it, but it's nothing more than a student film filled with fluffery and proselytizing by those seeking to gain some huge benefit by their dishonesty. I knew George for nigh on ten years and he's a creep, and I guess that's apparent, but nowhere is the mention of his child brides.

More importantly, nowhere is the mention of Toon Town, where a number of participants live, some of them year round. I realize this is a focus on the owner, but his multi-million dollar business would be nothing without all the little people who make it work. But they're just peasants, so who cares? Either they weren't asked or wisely declined to be part of this boring, pointless stroking of egos debacle.

And from the film's eventuality, one has to wonder if the entire thing wasn't a scam to push publicity and/or manipulate the players. There's an ironic phrase amongst people who work there who have realistic expectations about what the faires are like concerning the people who pathetically think of it as real life: living the dream. This film has the same pathos.

I was worried this was going to be a "mockumentary" of Renaissance faires but it wasn't that, but maybe a bit so for some of the characters. That being said from the perspective of a woman who has been a long time patron of Renaissance Faires, this was so cringey but yet I watched the entire thing.. idk why honestly, I was hoping to feel some of the magic ✨ that I feel when I attend a renaissance festival- I think because the documentary was well done, I didn't feel like it was the waste of time that it probably was.

I was looking forward to seeing that juxtaposition of real life versus Ren Faire fantasy (cue the Red Bull can pouring into the chalice), but that aspect really fell flat for me. It was mostly the story of the creepy old senile narcissist "king," and who will take over next. I could not get over how horrible he was and felt terrible for everyone who had to work for him. Overall 5/10 a somewhat waste of time for me but gained an interesting perspective!

It's crapola! Basically the filmmakers are attempting to draw the viewer into the lives of these characters and to do so they take someone like Jeff, for instance, and they direct him - and if you don't see the issue with that then I can't help you - but imo, or even by definition, when you present a subject in a documentary, and you begin to say 'ok Jeff, recreate how you would leer up at Lou and his family - really glare at them with hate in your eyes' and you see a scene where the 'documentarians' capture a candid shot of Louis family entering a meeting with George, whist Jeff looks on, and you're then utilizing several cameras to show this, but have directed and produced several of the reaction shots - well then EVERYTHING else is now in question as to its authenticity - as to whether or not the 'documentarians' (in quotes for a reason) have suggested that they have this thread where someone wants to buy the fair whilst others lobby to retain it - perhaps that was done solely for the sake of 'good tv' because after all, everyone involved in the Fair would surely benefit from a successful documentary - it's free advertising (and half of them are already performers) - - you see what I mean? Also, the whispering device as well as other audio choices, again, in my opinion, are very poor choices - but you know, that's subjective - anyway, judge for yourselves of course but bear in mind what I've suggested please.

AND POINT OF ORDER: IT'S DUBBED AS THE ORIGINAL RENFAIRE, BUT HE ADMITTEDLY STOLE THE IDEA FROM A FAIR HE ATTENDED IN SAN FRANCISCO IN THE 70s -

Update: it's so transparent how outlined the storyline is - one character is fired before the 3 month off season (but coincidentally undergoes 'weight-loss surgery') then is rehired in the spring - ask yourself where did the audio come from - that entire plot line was engineered and manufactured - ie PRODUCED

And I haven't even touched upon the problematic issue of this being a glorified dating profile for some lecherous old coot who is looking to be a sugar daddy - no hyperbole - he wants to be 'a sugar daddy' to a natural breasted millennial (or younger) - it's offensive to me that he's essentially utilizing this platform in hopes of amplifying his profile - bleh!

Look, I get it. "Ren Faire" on HBO might not be what everyone expected. If you were looking for a lighthearted romp through a historical reenactment festival, you might be surprised by the show's focus on the drama behind the scenes. But here's the thing: that's exactly why this series deserves a resounding 10 stars.

Ren Faire isn't afraid to delve into the fascinating - and often hilarious - world of power struggles, ambition, and the sheer audacity of running a massive themed event. Director Lance Oppenheim crafts a story that's addictive and thought-provoking. It's like "Succession" meets "Game of Thrones," but set against the backdrop of turkey legs and jugglers.

Here's the thing I've noticed: some reviews seem to be coming from folks expecting a fluffy documentary about their local Ren Faire. But Ren Faire is about the Texas Renaissance Festival, a massive, multi-million dollar operation. It's a unique beast, and Oppenheim captures its essence perfectly.

Yes, the series is funny. You'll be chuckling at the outrageous personalities and the sheer absurdity of some situations. But there's also a surprising amount of heart here. You see the dedication of the people who pour their lives into this event, the camaraderie between performers, and the genuine passion that fuels the whole thing.

So, if you're looking for something different, something that will surprise you and keep you hooked, then Ren Faire is absolutely worth your time. Don't be swayed by negativity based on misconceptions. This is a well-made, entertaining, and surprisingly insightful documentary that deserves its place among the best. Trust me, this one's a ten.