Whether you’re a movie buff, an avid reader, a gamer or a board game aficionado, we all look for escapism in different ways. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves captures everything that made the tabletop RPG a massive success nearly five decades ago, and it’s some of the most fun I’ve had at the theatre this year.
Fun really is the best word I can use to describe my time with this movie, because it’s clear the directors set out to deliver a total crowd-pleaser. It’s got such a playful spirit that’s reminiscent of medieval classics like The Princess Bride and A Knights Tale. The tone is refreshingly light-hearted, with a handful of effective emotional beats that allow you to connect with the characters and become invested in their adventure. It’s also one of the funniest movies of the year, thanks to some thoroughly entertaining performances.
Chris Pine leads a merry band of misfits, with a charismatic and hilarious performance as a lute-wielding bard. Joining him on his quest are Michelle Rodriguez as a battle hungry barbarian, Sophia Lillis as a shape shifting druid, and Justice Smith as a barely competent sorcerer. The actors and their characters play well off each other, each bringing a unique skillset and personality to the group. Regé-Jean Page has a smaller role as a hysterically humourless Paladin, but makes the most out of every bit of screen time.
The plot takes time to gain momentum, jumping around a fair bit as the team is assembled and the mission set in place. Thankfully, the gorgeous and varied locations give this adventure a real sense of scale, keeping things feeling fresh while the story finds its footing. The mix of practical and visual effects makes every corner of this world feel so alive and full of magic, with stellar attention to detail everywhere you look.
Whether you’re a casual viewer or a D&D veteran, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves delivers. It’s hilarious and full of heart, making for a fantasy adventure that respects the source material, but never takes itself too seriously. So, if you’re thinking of rolling the dice and seeing this in theatres, you really should.
4/5