Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves — Review
Paramount Pictures' Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the iconic tabletop game to life on the big screen. The directors offer a unique spin on high fantasy, showing that it can be both light-hearted and thrilling.
Though I'd seen the 2000 "Dungeons & Dragons" film, I went into "Honor Among Thieves" unfamiliar with the game. Fortunately, you don't need to know the game beforehand to appreciate the movie. It's enjoyable for everyone.
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The plot
At the Arctic prison Revel's End, charming bard Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine) and strong, caring barbarian Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez) are jailed for grand larceny and skullduggery. Following their escape, they set out to rescue Edgin's daughter, Kira (Chloe Coleman), from Forge Fitzwilliam (Hugh Grant), a former accomplice who has instilled himself as the Lord of Neverwinter. They are joined by the not-too-talented half-elf sorcerer Simon Aumar (Justice Smith), the cynical druid Doric (Sofia Lillis), and the swaggering paladin Xenk Yendar (Regé-Jean Page).
Cohesive visuals but incoherent storytelling
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves diverges from the dark seriousness of its predecessors “Dungeons & Dragons” (2000), Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God (2005), and Dungeons & Dragons 3: The Book of Vile Darkness (2012). Instead, directors Jonathan M. Goldstein and John Francis Daley take a more light-hearted approach, giving us a fantasy heist story.
Sadly, the director's emphasis on fun and visual effects overshadows the storytelling. The rushed plot is shallow and relies too heavily on convenient coincidences. Moreover, the movie sometimes relies too much on silly humor, with some jokes feeling forced.
The visual effects are excellent. It looks like a classic sword and sorcery movie, with awesome costumes, great makeup, and cool animatronics. Mostly, the CGI blends in perfectly.
Stellar cast brings characters to life
The film's success is partly because of its casting. While some acting is over-the-top, the performances are generally excellent. Chris Pine convincingly portrays Edgin as a suave and charming thief. Michelle Rodriguez shines as Holga Kilgore, who resolves conflicts with her fists or axe. Hugh Grant portrays Forge Fitzwilliam with his signature “bumbling Englishman” persona routinely. Daisy Head's portrayal of the villainous Red Wizard Sofina gives the story a serious tone.
But it's Sophia Lillis's portrayal of the cynical but charming druid Doric that steals the show. With her Emerald Enclave background and ability to shapeshift, Doric is a fascinating character with the potential for further standalone adventures in the Dungeons & Dragons universe.
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A light-hearted fantasy romp
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves may not be perfect, but it's a fun way to escape into a world full of adventure and magic. The film successfully blends fantasy, comedy, and action to entertain its viewers. The film uses a familiar heist movie formula, but its medieval setting gives it a unique charm. However, the movie fails to fully explore its characters with its predictable and shallow storytelling. The story suffered from too many subplots crammed into too short a time, leaving characters and plot underdeveloped.
