NFL
By: Brian Franklin
The Dungeons & Dragons game has become immensely popular giving players the ability to use their imagination to play a game with almost unlimited possibilities. This popularity has helped revive the brand to take another shot at the big screen, following the failure of 2000 film Dungeons & Dragons. However, this film is hoping to have learned from the mistakes of that film and could be looking to build a franchise around Dungeons & Dragons. The movie uses comedy quite frequently with quippy one-liners that are appropriate for all ages and looks to be the next family-friendly adventure movie, check out the trailer below for a sense of what the movie is striving for:
While D&D lands in the return to the big screen, the movie felt entirely too safe from a plot perspective and holds this movie back from potentially being great. However, because this film plays it so safe, not many people will walk out of the theatre saying they had a bad time or that they did not enjoy the film. It exists in a realm where most people will not have a strong feeling either way on the movie. From that angle, I believe this movie captured exactly what it was trying to do, so not only can fans of the game enjoy the movie, but also those who know nothing about the game can watch and understand the movie with ease. The lack of risks in this film are directly aimed at expanding the audience for this film and trying to grow the fanbase. Dungeons & Dragons is exactly what you would expect it to be and doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t, and that makes it fun and entertaining.
The cast of heroes all do a serviceable job and you will easily find yourself rooting for the team as they go about their quest. Edgin (Chris Pine) leads the group and while he has no discernible skills or powers, he is always the man with the plan and leads the group. Edgin is funny and charismatic lead with a tragic backstory on a quest to redeem himself from the wrongs of his past. Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) is the big brute of the group, and she plays this role really well. Her action scenes are well done and it is definitely when her character is at her best. Simon (Justice Smith) is by far the funniest character in the movie, he brings a lighthearted tone to the movie and has the best character arc throughout the movie. For me, Simon steals the show and was the unsung hero of the film. Other characters include Doric (Sofia Lillis) who has the ability to turn into animals (Owl Bears are awesome btw), only wish she had turned into more mystical creatures throughout. Xenk (Rege-Jean Page) who plays a small role in the film, and the villains Forge (Hugh Grant) and Sofina (Daisy Head). While Forge is intriguing, Sofina’s character does not get enough backstory or explanation, and feels like we are only suppose to know the character is bad, but not why they are the villain. Overall the cast did a good job in their respective roles and the cast of heroes all performed well together.
In all, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves does a good job of being a fun, entertaining film that doesn’t try to do too much. I am giving D&D a 75/100, It is a good time and a fun ride but wish it would have taken some more risks to elevate the movie in my eyes. It will be interesting to see if they try to build a franchise off of this film, and they possibly could but would have to go bigger and crazier in any future installment with a bigger cast. The world would also need expanding and diving a little bit more into the lore, but not too much that would turn people away. Overall, this was a solid movie and could see Dungeons & Dragons franchise taking off in the future.
