‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ Is A Delightful Comedic Adventure – SXSW 2023 Review
Dungeons & Dragons is a beloved game that captured the hearts of many fans over the years. However, when it comes to translating the game into a movie, the results have been mixed. Previous attempts to bring Dungeons & Dragons to the big screen have fallen short, leaving fans disappointed and longing for a movie that truly captures the essence of the game. But with the release of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, all of that has changed. Finally, there is a movie that does justice to the game and makes it accessible for both fans and newcomers alike.
As someone who is not a big fan of Dungeons & Dragons, I was skeptical about the movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Despite not having much knowledge of the game (besides watching Stranger Things), I found the movie to be extremely accessible and easy to follow along with. The world-building was well-executed and didn’t get bogged down in exposition, which made it easy for me to immerse myself in the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons.
One of the standout aspects of the movie is the character of Edgin (Chris Pine). Edgin is a charming and witty thief who leads a band of unlikely adventurers on a quest to retrieve a lost relic. Throughout the movie, Edgin and his team face dangerous obstacles and use their unique skills to achieve their goal. The dynamic between Regé-Jean Page’s Xenk and Pine’s Edgin was undeniably one of the movie’s highlights. Their playful banter and comedic timing had me chuckling throughout the movie, demonstrating a natural on-screen chemistry that made their scenes together an absolute joy to watch. Their performances added a delightful layer of humor to the already entertaining film.
The chemistry between the cast members is fantastic, with each actor bringing their A-game to their respective roles. Michelle Rodriguez, Sophia Lillis, Justice Smith, Page and Hugh Grant all deliver strong performances. Grant, in particular, delivers a surprisingly hilarious performance as the villainous Forge. Grant’s witty performance adds layers and complexity to the character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain. Simon (Smith) is also a standout, as his character arc over the course of the film is so much fun to watch. Smith delivers a strong performance, adding depth and nuance to his character.
The humor in the film is another standout aspect. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves has multiple laugh-out-loud moments that will leave the audience in stitches. The comedic timing is impeccable, and the jokes are cleverly woven into the story without feeling forced or out of place. The writing and directing are largely responsible for this. John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are not new to this, having given audiences plenty of laughs in other films such as Game Night, and writing Horrible Bosses. If you’ve seen their previous work, you know what to expect when it comes to humor.
The action scenes are also a highlight of the movie. The fight choreography is well-executed, and the special effects are impressive. The action scenes are thrilling and engaging, making it impossible to look away. The movie seamlessly blends practical effects with CGI, creating a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in reality.
In addition to its humor and action, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves also manages to be surprisingly heartfelt. The characters are well-developed, and the relationships between them are given time to grow and evolve, creating a real emotional investment for the audience. The movie tackles themes of parenthood, friendship, trust and redemption and does so in a way that feels genuine and earned. Overall, the heartwarming moments of the movie are a testament to the strength of its writing and the talent of its cast.
While the movie does have some flaws, such as uneven pacing and predictable plot twists, it is still a fun and entertaining movie that captures the playful spirit of what you’d expect from a fantasy-heist film. It delivers an exciting and action-packed adventure that will appeal to both fans and newcomers alike. The flaws in the movie are minor compared to its strengths, making it an enjoyable experience.
If you’re looking for a fun popcorn flick, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a must-see for anyone who loves a good adventure movie. The chemistry amongst the cast is fantastic, the humor is effective, and the action is top-notch. I would love to see more of these films with the same cast, as well as new faces. Overall, I highly recommend giving it a watch. It’s a film that will leave you feeling entertained and satisfied, no matter your level of familiarity with the game.
Rating: 8.5/10
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves hits theaters on March 31.
