Following a history of the industry’s several attempts since the year 2000, directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley once again bring the renowned tabletop game “Dungeons and Dragons” (D&D) onto the big screen. Though its previous counterparts failed to attract a large audience, last year’s Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves gained rave reviews from the public, who hope the film becomes the first of a series, much like Ironman did for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This success comes after the directors skillfully created a fantasy world that respects its source of inspiration, without alienating viewers who are being introduced to the D&D experience for the first time. 

The film begins with best friends Edgin and Holga escaping the prison where they have been held for the past two years under the charges of “grand larceny and skullduggery.” Viewers soon find out that their crime was rather noble in nature as Edgin sought to steal a relic capable of bringing back his deceased wife and mother of his child. Now out of prison, the pair’s first mission is to retrieve Edgin’s daughter, Kira, a task that will prove difficult as former colleague Forge and wizard ally Sofina, the villains of the story, intervene. As the adventure unfolds, viewers are simultaneously presented with the personal struggles of each character, giving the movie an emotional undertone that is flawlessly embodied by its star ensemble.

Chris Pine takes on the role of Edgin Darvis, the movie’s main character who, despite lacking any spellcasting abilities, seems to check every other box for a bard — a common class in the original D&D board game. However, to fill what would otherwise be a standard D&D trope, the film’s writers additionally grant Edgin a specific background and personality traits to elevate the plot. In collaboration with Pine’s abilities as an actor, Edgin is thus imbued with a witty sense of humor and a borderline smug charm that helps ground his character and keep viewers engaged.

Holga belongs to the barbarian class, a natural protector who uses brute force and raw strength to succeed in battle. Unsurprisingly, Michelle Rodriguez was the actress called for this role, having played similar characters throughout most of her filmography. Yet, what she adds to her part as Holga is the warmth, loyalty, and motherly nature exhibited specifically during her time as part of the Fast and Furious cast. Other stars featured in the film, such as Hugh Grant, or Regé-Jean Page similarly breathe life into their respective characters by adding their own distinctive charisma and depth.

Into The World of D&D

Movies based on pre-existing works often represent a daunting task for filmmakers given the fanbase that comes with them; D&D is no exception, especially considering that there have already been failed adaptations of the game. Goldstein and Daley, players of the game themselves, were able to bypass this fate and give fans an accurate representation of the D&D experience. In each game, a group of players collectively guide their characters through an assortment of quests and obstacles that the Dungeon Master (DM) throws at them. To portray this adventure, the film takes on an episodic structure, in which each chapter represents a quest that gets the heroes closer to their goal. The movie itself then becomes the DM, each plot twist mirroring a new challenge to be overcome.

An even bigger accomplishment of the film is its blend of comedy and action that gives fans a feeling of relatability. Mere minutes into the first scene, it becomes clear that this is not a typical hardcore action movie; instead, the film is goofy and self-aware, painfully so at times. The characters do not take themselves seriously and, while this may not be the intended effect, it feels evocative of an actual D&D game. After all, at the same time that each character is battling an enemy or fetching a treasure, the real-life players are poking fun at one another and their campaigns.

A Movie Made With Everyone in Mind

Beyond the subtle plot-related hints of D&D, there are more obvious Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the movie. Baldur’s Gate, Ghelryn Fohammer, Szass Tam, and the Emerald Enclave are a few examples of such references. For those viewers with knowledge of D&D lore, these allusions help to enhance the ambience of the film, but this should not discourage non-players from giving it a chance. These names may catch nonplayers off guard for a second, but they quickly dissipate into the background without affecting in any substantial way the flow or coherency of the plot.

If anything, it is when the movie attempts to appeal to a larger audience that it reveals its biggest pitfalls. In trying to give so many of its characters a driving force behind their actions, each individual story feels rushed and underdeveloped, which simultaneously alters the storyline’s impact. For starters, the emotional scenes meant to tug at the viewers’ hearts are among the hardest to connect to, and empathy for the characters is superficial at best. The far bigger drawback is the predictability of the film’s plot: a leader forms an unlikely team of misfits to carry out the heist of their lives.

Nevertheless, despite its mishaps and oversized ambitions, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves still manages to deliver an enjoyable cinematic experience. With a winning combination of humor, action, and heart, the film captures the essence of a D&D campaign, albeit with its own unique twists and interpretations that make it accessible to all audiences. As it paves the way for a potential franchise, one can hope that future movies retain the essence of adventure and camaraderie that defines the D&D experience while also addressing the narrative shortcomings of their predecessor.

Film Information

Release date: March 29, 2023

Genre: Action and fantasy

Director: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein

Starring: Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, etc.

Running time: 2 hours 14 minutes