Review: ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ ventures a humorous path

Rising in the 1970s, Dungeons and Dragons captured people’s imaginations and desire for escape. While the fantasy tabletop game was initially seen as a hobby for pale-faced geeks, gathering in their parents’ basement to play make-believe, it eventually grew to be the inspiration for modern day role-playing games and RPG video games. It’s so ingrained in pop culture, appearing in mainstream movies and television shows, even people who never played understand the basic concept and gameplay. Now, the game has been adapted for the big screen, touting ancient adventure and feats of courage in Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Edgin (Chris Pine) is an honourable man who lost his way after his wife’s death. Forming a kinship with Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), a barbarian woman reeling from her own heartbreak, they raise his infant daughter together on the spoils of their robberies — he’s the brains and she’s the brawn. When their biggest job goes wrong, Edgin and Holga must fight their way back to their little girl. However, they discover a much larger threat that must be dealt with if they’re going to have any kind of life following the rescue. Finding allies in a half-elf sorcerer (Justice Smith), tiefling druid (Sophia Lillis) and paladin (Regé-Jean Page), they embark on a journey to gather the necessary tools to save the world.

Regardless of whether you’re familiar with the role-playing game or have no idea what one must roll on a 20-sided die to advance, this movie is designed to be fun for everyone. It’s a fantasy, adventure, heist comedy with the occasional action sequence sprinkled in before the big finale showdown. There’s never a dull moment as the script delivers laugh after laugh, while the personalities play through their characters’ personal journeys to become worthy — the ultimate achievement for a hero. On their way, they encounter a number of different species and specialists, good and bad. The creatures — including displacer beasts, mimics and snowy owlbear — are rendered with incredible detail, making the appearance of each a striking moment in the picture. And of course, the gelatinous cube plays an integral role in the heroes’ quest to defeat evil.

This film’s greatest asset is its perfectly selected cast. Pine is ideal as the charming bard, former member of the Harpers (elite defenders) and constant source of humour. Rodriguez relishes playing the very literal woman of action who deeply cares for her handpicked family (a concept with which she’s very familiar). Smith portrays a young man who lacks the confidence to reach his full potential, while Lillis depicts a young woman determined to use her abilities to right the wrongs inflicted on her people. Although Page’s role is limited, the world’s handsomest man plays the flawless champion, radiating gallantry. Finally, Hugh Grant is the fast-talking conman who is simultaneously charismatic and slimy, while Daisy Head’s wizard is more outwardly malevolent.

Even though the two-plus-hour runtime could have benefitted from some tightening, it retains audience’s attentions by sustaining a high-level of entertainment from start to finish. Even the predictable jokes still succeed thanks to the expert delivery of the cast and direction by filmmaking duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (who is doing his Freaks and Geeks character proud).

Directors: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
Starring: Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez and Regé-Jean Page