Movie Breakdown: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Pre-Screening Stance:
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves isn’t a movie that I’d say I’m chomping at the bit to see, but it looks like it could be fun. I certainly dig the cast, and co-directors Jonathan M. Goldstein and John Francis Daley did a nice job with the 2018 comedy Game Night.
Post-Screening Ramble:
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a pretty solid movie. I was curious to see if it would lean into the game or if it would just be an action comedy with fantasy elements, but it actually splits the difference. So, whether you’re an avid D&D player or you know nothing about it, there’s plenty for you to enjoy. The story is centered around Edgin (Chris Pine), who is eager to get back to his daughter, Kira (Chloe Coleman), after a stay in prison. Unfortunately though, she’s not exactly operating in an independent state, so Edgin, along with his trusty mate Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), set out on a quest to retrieve a special something or other that will help reunite him with Kira. This leads to the recruitment of Doric (Sophia Lillis), Simon (Justice Smith), and – for a moment – Xenk (Regé-Jean Page).
Or, in other words, a bard, a warrior, a druid, a sorcerer, and a paladin set out on an adventure to take down an evil wizard.
Or, if you prefer, it’s somewhat of a fantasy-leaning version of Guardians Of The Galaxy.
Anyhow, the runtime is a dash over two hours but co-directors Jonathan M. Goldstein and John Francis Daley keep a lively pace. It does have a few tonal issues, as in there are moments where it should be serious but isn’t and other times where it is serious but you feel like Chris Pine may look into the camera and wink, but overall it’s fine. And really, that’s what this movie is – it’s a just fine, totally unoffensive good time. I liked it.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves opens in theaters tomorrow, March 31.
One Last Thought:
Let’s take a moment to celebrate Michelle Rodriguez. You always know what you’re going to get from her – some measure of a badass – but it’s a performance that she’s really honed and the fact that she’s still noteworthy after two decades and change is rather impressive.
