by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
Our world is in danger. The truth about extraterrestrial life has been revealed, and a Champion of Earth must be selected to defend our planet. After the technology required to save the world falls into the hands of four bumbling morons, the group must band together and prove themselves as the LAZER TEAM! Rooster Teeth Productions, the team behind the hit HALO inspired web-series Red Vs Blue, is about to release Lazer Team, their first theatrical endeavor. How does this independent sci-fi release hold up?
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
After receiving a mysterious warning from the stars, humanity began to prepare for a challenge that would require one person to stand as the Champion of Earth. Adam spent his entire life training mentally and physically to be the best humanity had to offer. With the offering of a highly technical “Suit of Power”, Adam would defend humanity from a threat from an alien race. When the suit is intercepted and split between four small-town locals, the chances of our survival quickly diminish. Can Adam train these men to become the saviors that he was meant to be?
While the cast includes several Rooster Teeth regulars, Burnie Burns (Red Vs Blue, Immersion), Gavin Free (The Slow Mo Guys, X-Ray and VAV), Michael Jones (Achievement Hunter, RWBY), Lazer Team also included Alan Ritchson (Smallville, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Colton Dunn (Key & Peele), and Allie DeBerry (A.N.T. Farm). Burns steps up to the lead the film as Hagan, the washed up High School Quarterback turned local Sheriff. It was great seeing Burnie as the lovable goofball character who is basically out for redemption. The MVP of the film is Gavin Free, who steals the majority of the movie with charm and comedic timing. Ritchson was fantastically cast as Adam, who ends up being a Captain America-esque example of the best humanity has to offer. Dunn and Jones also got in plenty of comedic moments, and helped to round out the comedic dysfunction of the Lazer Team.
One of the most impressive elements of this film is the scale. As you make your way through the movie, it is easy to forget that you are watching an independent project. At times, Lazer Team feels like a big budget film, with creative sets, large scale production value, and solid special effects. Director Matt Hullum (CEO of Rooster Teeth) knocked it out of the park with his direction and cinematography. The humor in many ways is reminiscent of Super Troopers, and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout the film. I think audiences are going to enjoy seeing an original take on the sci-fi genre.
Fans of Rooster Teeth will find there are many Easter Eggs and nods to their past projects scattered throughout the film (some more obvious than others). Be sure to keep an eye out for some special guest appearances from other Rooster Teeth friends, as well as a very special song at the end of the film.
Overall
I’ve been following the work of the Rooster Teeth team for many years, and it is extremely satisfying to see their enthusiasm for creating original content translated to the big screen. This isn’t just a film for fans of their projects. Lazer Team is a perfect example of a group working their way up in the industry, and I think this release will be a great opportunity for the group to shine. If this is what these guys can do with a moderate theatrical budget, I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Lazer Team will be doing limited screening engagements in select cities starting this week, and will be also available on YouTube Red in early February. I highly recommend that you check this one out.
Rooster Teeth definitely unlocked an achievement with Lazer Team!
ComicsOnline gives Lazer Team 4 out of 5 taser shocks!
