What was once a simple childhood game -- Rock, Paper, Scissors -- has turned into a worldwide phenomenon, connecting people from all different social and economic classes. The mockumentary The Flying Scissors showcases this popular game in a new light.

A common theme between all the characters is that, other than their love for RPS (“‘Rock Paper Scissors’ to the laymen,” says one commentator), they are all either nerds or closet nerds. They are all socially awkward to some extent, which is what gives the movie its humor. There is the competitor who lives on his parents’ couch, another who plays video games with his son all day instead of going to work, another who is an intellectually void beauty pageant winner and one who works as a hotel bathroom attendant — just to name a few. The over-the-top acting, combined with the absurd nature of the situation, makes for an entertaining watch. It shows how all different types of people are brought together through their dream of taking RPS to new heights. For these people, it is not just a game they play to break a tie or to see who does the dishes at night. It is a way of life.

Who knew there was so much to say about a simple game of rock-paper-scissors? If you are at all involved in competitive “RPS,” you would know that there is much to say about the game — and it is not simple at all. This is an event that is taken seriously by its participants. There are even referees. Part of the ref’s job, for example, is to make sure competitors always throw rock, paper or scissors. If someone throws a combination — “pissors,” “rissors” or “raper,” say — that person is automatically disqualified.

This is the culmination of Georgetown University graduate Blake Harris’ and director Jonah Tulis' work; along with the film, he has also started his own film company, Flying Penguins, and has shown a promising potential to produce other great things in the near future. His quality of directing is impressive. The mock seriousness of the interviewees is moderately funny, but the actors are trying too hard to elicit laughs. The movie is not hilarious, laugh-out-loud funny, but it is amusing all the same. Some moments shine through more than others, which helps redeem this movie. It is a hit-or-miss type of humor — a mix of actually funny parts with parts that try to be funny but fall short.

Most people think that “RPS” is merely a game of chance, but this mockumentary shows that it can be so much more than that. It is a game that involves making predictions and reading other people, and then making the best decisions based on the logic and information the players gather. What is just a simple child’s game to us laymen is a lifestyle for competitive RPS players.