Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves finally gives fans of the beloved role-playing game a superb adaption. And not to worry neophytes, you'll be laughing and cheering along with the die-hard cosplay crowd. A clever script, banner visual effects, and great cast chemistry captures every tenet of a rousing fantasy adventure. The filmmakers wisely avoided missteps that plague the genre and ruined previous efforts. My only minor quibble is the long runtime. Scenes of the characters extensive travels could have been truncated.
In the Forgotten Realms, bard Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine) and his fierce potato-loving accomplice, barbarian Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez), sit in their icy prison cell. They have a parole hearing after two years in cold incarceration. A chipper Ed tells Holga they're sure to be freed. She remains skeptical at her loquacious partner's brimming confidence.
Ed stands before the parole board with genuine regret. He wasn't always a thief and scoundrel. Ed used his musical talents as cover. He was a proud member of the Harpers, an organization of spies that served the public good. Ed eavesdropped on criminals and reported their actions. He was a happily married man with a beautiful daughter.
A Heavy Price
Ed notices that an esteemed board member is missing. He's asked to continue reflecting despite his insistence on waiting. Being good doesn't keep a family fed. His wondering eye saw all the treasure and spoils for the taking. Ed pays a heavy price for his initial theft. Alone and bereft, he was lucky to meet Holga. Then came Simon Aumar (Justice Smith), a not-so-capable sorcerer, and the smooth-talking conman, Forge Fitzwilliam (Hugh Grant). They were an unstoppable team until the vile Sofina (Daisy Head) and her dark magic joined. He and Holga foolishly gave in to her ambitions. Lesson learned and dues paid. It's time they got back to his precious Kira (Chloe Coleman).
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves establishes key relationships early. Ed's prison confession sets the stage for a reunion that doesn't go nearly according to plan. A lot changed while he and Holga were away. The team must forget past failures to face an epic challenge. This requires an incredible journey across a stunning landscape. Where they encounter new friends and formidable enemies to fulfill their dangerous quest.
Pine, always a trusted commodity, steers the ship with humility and charm. Rodriguez will kick your behind and break a foot doing it. But she's not a brute or mean. Holga has an innate sweetness and nurturing personality that's critical to the plot's development. They both do their best to inspire Simon. His struggle with low self-esteem threatens their risky gambit. The devilish Forge will have audiences rolling in the aisles. Grant's had a publicity hit as of late but don't let that spoil the experience. He nearly steals the film.
A Winning Ensemble
Bravo to directing duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Vacation, Game Night) for assembling such entertaining leads. The story doesn't work if the characters are unlikable. There's tangible camaraderie that builds endearment, thrilling action, and hilarious surprises. You root for the winning ensemble as they do everything from battling a rotund dragon to comically resurrecting a dead army.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a production of Paramount Pictures, Entertainment One, and Hasbro. It will have a March 24th theatrical release from Paramount Pictures.
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