DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES
Starring: Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez
Directed by: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hrs 14 mins
Paramount Pictures
Based upon the popular role-playing game, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” delivers what the game’s players have desired for years – a good, entertaining movie that comes at least close to capturing its essence. While there is not a lot of depth to its story and its fight sequences come off as a little too staged, “Dungeons & Dragons” remains entertaining popcorn flick that parents can at least take their older children to.
After losing his wife to an evil Red Wizard, Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine), a bard and former member of secretive group called the Harpers, turned to the life of a thief to provide a better life for his infant daughter. Accompanying him was exiled barbarian Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez), amateur sorcerer Simon Aumar (Justice Smith), and rogue/con artist Forge Fitzwilliam (Hugh Grant).
Edgin became obsessed with retrieving an artifact that would bring his dead wife back to life, but the group is betrayed. For two years, Edgin and Holga languish in a prison before making their escape. Much to their chagrin, they discover Forge has become rich and powerful while assuming the title of Lord of Neverwinter. Worse still is that Edgin’s daughter has been turned against him.
Desperate to get his daughter and dead wife back, Edgin forms a new team of thieves that includes a reunion with the hapless Simon and the additions of Doric (Sophia Lillis), a shapeshifting druid, and
Xenk Yendar (Rege-Jean Page), a paladin who ages more slowly than normal humans. Together, they set out on a perilous journey filled with traps, artifacts, undead, and one obese dragon.
“Dungeons & Dragons” is nothing less than pure evening of fun at the movie theater even for non-roleplaying game enthusiasts. Pine is well-established as a talented actor, and he does not disappoint with the film’s most well-rounded performance. He also shares good chemistry with Rodriguez who plays the tough girl with a heart of gold. Finally, Grant is quite entertaining as the sleezy turncoat.
The Red Wizards are given a rudimentary backstory, but their villainy is paltry at best. This is emblematic of character development which is a little threadbare. Additionally, the action sequences are stilted at times and come off as unnatural and wooden.
Overall, “Dungeons & Dragons” remains a fun film anyone can enjoy.
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” receives three stars out of five.