Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – The Magic of Friendship: A Dice Roll of Fun

Within a world of magic, great things are possible.  In film, the fantasy genre provides the audience with a relative means of escape.  For all that can be consider ‘make believe’, there is an always a possibility that the adventure … is as real as you and me.  In this review, I look at the latest fantasy tale of a popular IP.  Diving into a world of endless possibilities, this story captures the magic (of the game) within inventive ways.  Even with common story tropes, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves rolls for chance within a fun journey.

The story finds a charismatic thief caught up in a world of lies and deception.  With everything on the line, he will need to save the world the only way he knows … chance.  On the surface, this film looks like any typical fantasy/adventure.  Beyond the common foray of archetypes is a heartiness of individualistic charm and world building.  In the beginning, we are introduced to Edgin (Chris Pine) and Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), two thieves that have been arrested for a botched mission.  In the first act, it brings the audience (into this world) with a flashback narrative that is layered with expositional commentary.  After a daring (but comical) escape, we head off with Edgin and Holga as they try to get back what they have lost.  As we head into the second act, it weaves through fantastical motifs, amazing cinematography, luscious world-building and characterized moments.  Through all the imaginative detail, the audience is grounded through a feeling of wholesomeness (towards the journey).  What the filmmakers do is create an organic feeling through conversationally driven moments.  This creates bonds that feel authentic, leveling a connection between the audience and the characters.  As the journey continues, we learn about the treachery of a Forge (Huge Grant) and the ominous threat of Sofina (Daisy Head) and the red wizards.  After a series of plot driven circumstances, Edgin/Holga head out into the world to recruit a collection of misfits to help them bring down the threat in Neverwinter.  Through a typical ‘point A to B’ method, we are introduced to Simon (Justice Smith), Doric (Sophia Lillis) and Xenk (Rege-Jean Page).  The added cast provides a contrast of individuals that add to the wholesomeness of the adventure.  Through a mixture of folly antics, witty one-liners, and unexpected hijinks, we grow fondness (towards the group) while also getting further engrossed in their mission (and the world). 

As the adventure continues, you get the typical elicit moments with action set pieces, fantastical display of CGI and moments of self-discovery.  Each scene provides a compliment to the other, leveling out the fantasy aspect through character driven scenes.  As everything comes to the forefront, all the foreshadowing leads to the expected revelation of the underlining threat.  This leads into a third act of the good vs. evil motif.  With the cast of misfits at a crossroads, this leads into amazing scenes of fantastical CGI, red-herrings, and the ultimate triumph climax.  Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a fun fantasy adventure.  Through character driven moments, you will feel fondness for this world.  If you are a fan of fantasy, D&D or like adventurous escapes, this is one for you.  This is worth the full price of admission; see this on the big screen. 

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)