An adolescent John Cusack; LARPing with heavy metal

Better Off Dead (USA, 1985, Warner Brothers) is not only supremely entertaining, but it also has an amazing soundtrack! For my music-loving husband, and my ’80s teen movie obsession, it’s the perfect mix for us! And let’s be honest, what is better than adolescent John Cusack? Curtis Armstrong and Diane Franklin round out the fantastic cast. The quirky plot is entertaining no matter how many times you watch it! Available on Putlocker and Blu-ray.

Coming hot off of Comic-Con, Knights of Badassdom (USA, 2013, Entertainment One) is a must-see that combines LARPing (live action role playing) and heavy metal, creating a highly unique and fascinating movie. A gang of LARPing friends take to the woods for a battle reenactment and read from a genuine spell book that that raises a bloodthirsty succubus. It’s a hilariously good time with big-name actors, from Ryan Kwanteen (True Blood) to Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). One of the most underrated films of this genre. Available on iTunes and Amazon Video.

• Jordan Hall Campbell
• Artistic director/co-founder, Turning Tydes Theatre Company