If you’re hesitant to watch Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves because you are unfamiliar with the D&D tabletop roleplaying game, don’t fret! This movie is perfect for common movie buffs who just want to sit back and enjoy without having to Google for context.
What makes this movie special is that it can stand alone without the D&D branding. Unlike the Jumanji franchise, which sees players getting stuck in the game and playing to win, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves focuses on a group of people embarking on a journey to retrieve an artifact. Along the way, they encounter unlikely allies and villains, creating a classic D&D campaign.
The movie uses the “show, don’t tell” technique in a way that’s inclusive to newcomers who might think it’s only about fighting dragons and being stuck in a dungeon. It also delivers a gratifying nod to fans.
It can be challenging to draw non-fans into an established world-building scene with zero knowledge of the game, and they might feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar terms dropped in certain scenes.
However, it is still a great family-friendly, popcorn-worthy movie. Every punchline and one-liner hits, and the humor is simple but brilliant.
The cast, world and character-building are truly amazing. The camera work is perfectly done, making you feel like you’re right in the movie, experiencing the adventure for yourself.
Arguably, the first half of the movie is a bit slow, as it tries to create character complexity and backstory for Edgin, the singing Bard played by the talented Chris Pine.
However, other cast members, such as Michelle Rodriguez as the strong barbarian, Sophia Lillis as the brilliant tiefling druid, and Regé-Jean Page, also played their parts well. Each character is lovable and distinct in their own way, making them stand out.
The only complaint is that the trailer gives away too much, so avoid it if possible. Overall, this movie offers a captivating interpretation of the cherished tabletop game, and some might even argue that it surpasses Jumanji 2.
