Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is obviously intended to be the first in a series, and I personally would like to see it go in that direction. It’s a fantasy-action-comedy that delivers exactly what fans of the iconic game series will expect: Heroes and villains, magic and creatures, humor and special effects, but one thing it never forgets to have is a sense of heart and joyful energy.
Chris Pine stars as Edgin Darvis, a knight who turns to being a thief to make a new life for him and his daughter. Michelle Rodriguez costars as his partner-in-crime Holga, and together they journey across a dangerous world in order to save his daughter (Chloe Coleman) after she ends up in the hands of Edgin’s enemy (Hugh Grant). Grant’s character is a rogue con artist who has an evil wizard under his control (Daisy Head).
Edgin and Holga encounter a series of characters who provide comic relief, including a sorcerer (Justice Smith) and an ageless knight (Rege-Jean Page). While the former is intentionally funny, the latter provides moments of unintentional hilarity, especially his philosophy on irony.
The movie has impressive special effects that often prove convincing because the actors are in the thick of the action, and its pacing is fast enough without having to sacrifice the plot in favor of the huge action. There’s a gigantic climax involving knights in a gladiatorial competition, which features imagination and energy and never becomes tiresome.
Dungeons & Dragons has captivated millions of fans, and they’re not going to be disappointed as this adaptation stays true to the spirit of the game.
This movie is witty, with lots of laughs and performances that embrace the goofy spirit this movie is going for. It never drags, and we can always sense the actors are playing their roles with excitement, energy, and a knowing sense of fun.
This film goes right to the wall with its loony story, endearing characters, and imaginative spirit. It certainly earns its HPs.
Grade: A-
(Rated PG-13 for fantasy action/violence and some language.)
