Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (2023) Action Movie Review

Paramount is taking a gamble, hoping to attract a broader audience with this fantasy adventure. However, navigating the unpredictable world of Hollywood, like a Dungeon Master rolling a die, can be tricky. Will the film win over Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts, or will it face unexpected challenges on its journey?

The game itself thrives on its wild and silly nature, and the filmmakers aim to capture that essence. Yet, the script often feels like it's making things up as it goes along, attempting to recreate the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of the game. While this approach adds ambition to the fantasy film, it also leads to moments that feel oddly unsatisfying, lacking the necessary tension and depth. The film seems to rely on manufactured spontaneity, giving off a vibe of playfulness rather than genuine excitement.

Chris Pine takes on the role of Edgin Darvis, a charming character who was once part of a group called the Harpers. Edgin embarks on a mission to retrieve an item that could bring his deceased wife back to life after being targeted by the Red Wizards. However, a betrayal lands him in prison with his friend Holga Kilgore, played by Michelle Rodriguez. The plot thickens as they escape and uncover a web of deception involving Edgin's daughter, Kira, and a former ally named Forge Fitzwilliam, played by Hugh Grant.

In some moments, the film captures the chaotic and whimsical vibe reminiscent of "Army of Darkness" and the camaraderie found in "Guardians of the Galaxy." Despite these glimpses, "Honor Among Thieves" often feels like it's pretending to love what makes the game great instead of authentically translating that magic to the big screen. It's a fine line to walk, and the film may not always hit the mark in bridging the gap between game and movie.

In the world of "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," our heroes Edgin and Holga are on a quest filled with various missions. They need to rescue Kira, settle the score with Forge, thwart the Red Wizards, and perhaps stumble upon some valuable loot during their adventures. Joining them on this epic journey are a shy wizard named Simon, a shape-shifting druid named Doric, and a charming paladin named Xenk. Like any classic hero team, each character brings unique skills to the table, and the movie throws in some quirky challenges for the group, including a creative encounter with undead enemies and a pleasantly plump dragon in a dungeon.

Now, if this all sounds like it's tailor-made for fantasy game enthusiasts rather than a wider audience, that's because it is. The film is loaded with references to D&D, and during the premiere, terms like "Baldur’s Gate” and “Neverwinter” got audible reactions. However, that doesn't mean it won't work for those who haven't rolled the dice in a tabletop game. The references may come off as rich fantasy lore that parallels more mainstream franchises like "The Lord of the Rings" or "The Witcher." The movie seems to be made by creators who fondly remember crafting characters in their mom's basement, and that passion for D&D might resonate with some viewers. But what about those who aren't familiar with the game?

Unfortunately, a deep affection for the source material doesn't always translate to a well-crafted movie, and "Honor Among Thieves" falls short in terms of filmmaking. The practical effects shine, but the CGI-heavy sequences lack a tactile quality. The world-building is also lacking, with Forge's city resembling a generic video game setting. Visually, it seems like a film that may not age well.

The cast, led by Chris Pine, brings some strength to the table. Pine's rough charisma stands out, and the supporting cast, including Hugh Grant and Michelle Rodriguez, play to their strengths. Newcomers Justice Smith and Sophia Lillis also make effective contributions.

Surprisingly, despite its lengthy 139-minute runtime, "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" feels somewhat empty. The constant shift from one plan to another leaves little room for depth, making most of the film a series of "What do we do now?" moments. While this dynamic can be enjoyable with friends, it might be less satisfying when the answers are out of your control.