Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
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DAMARA — Here is a small list of things I have never done:
- Skydiving
- Wrestled a bear (gross)
- Visited North Dakota
- Played Dungeons & Dragons
That's right, I have never played one second of D&D. Not because I have something against it; I just haven't done it. I bet with the right group of people, it's a blast — but I don't know firsthand.
You must know this before you read my review of "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." This point is essential, whether you've had a weekly D&D group for the past 20 years or, like me, your knowledge comes from misinformed parents of the '80s and whatever I've picked up from "Stranger Things."
For the die-hards, I have no doubt there are so many inside jokes and Easter eggs that flew right over my head. For the noobs like myself, I am an excellent barometer of whether you may like this new movie or not. Spoiler alert, you probably will.
Here are a few reasons I had a great time traveling to the world of "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves."
The chemistry
From what I understand about D&D, you and the other players need to be in step to win the game. If you run solo or don't mesh with the rest of the group, you'll leave your comrades out to dry and likely get your character killed. The cast of "Honor Among Thieves" seemed to understand this concept and put it into their performances.
Sometimes you watch a movie and the chemistry is so palpable that you assume these people continuously brunch on the weekends and have a text thread full of memes passed back and forth, on the daily. These on-screen partnerships include Brad Pitt and George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, and Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The cast of this movie, however, will not rise to the illustrious status of these other pairings, but it's clear they're having a good time.
Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez go hand-in-hand as charmer and brute. Justice Smith and Sophia Lillis jell as self-doubting magus and vengeful nymph. Then, sprinkle in a magnanimous warrior in Regé-Jean Page and charismatic bilker Hugh Grant. And, you have a solid cast that engrosses and captivates.
No, I'm not saying these are the best performances from each actor, but I am saying that it seems like they're having a grand old time and it's fun to be along for that ride.
It's funny
IMDb has "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" listed as an action, adventure and fantasy movie. The site isn't wrong, but the first genre listed should be "comedy" because this movie is funny. From great banter and witty one-liners to physical comedy and one of the best cameos I've seen, this movie had me laughing.
I assumed some jokes would be sprinkled throughout the 2-hour, 14-minute run time, but we're getting hit with gags from start to finish. The writing and directing team of John Frances Daley and Jonathan Goldstein have been hit-and-miss for me in the past. I thought "Horrible Bosses" was funny and "Spider-Man: Homecoming" was a home run. But "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" and "Vacation" were big whiffs in my book.
With their up-and-down track record, I wasn't sure what to expect with "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," but this is undoubtedly one of the highlights from the filmmaking duo.
It's fun
I enjoy board games, but I've never really delved into the world of role-playing games. The thing I like about games is that it forces people into the same room. My five brothers and myself take an annual trip somewhere to spend a few days together. We spread coast-to-coast, and it's an excellent excuse to get us all together once a year. This weekend together includes lousy golf, disparate movies, great food and games. We play for hours, get competitive, and laugh so hard that we get headaches.
Playing a game with a group is about letting your guard down and having a great time. "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" has captured this feeling.
I am trying to think of a single time I started getting bored or uninterested in the story. I was invested in what was playing out and cared about these characters. I was sometimes on the edge of my seat and laughing out loud at others. The movie never takes itself too seriously, which seems appropriate. While I have never played D&D, I'm sure the purpose is to get lost in another world and have a good time. "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" does just that.
What parents should know
Regarding content, "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" is a PG-13. There are no sex or sexual situations to speak of. There is some flirting but, other than that, it's tame and even avoids off-color or crude jokes. There is violence, but much is played for comedy and nothing is graphic or over the top. Mild profanity, with a few curse words here and there, but less than most PG-13 movies and Marvel films tend to have.
Younger kids may find some of the wizards and magic somewhat scary, which is where the PG-13 comes into play.
Is "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" worth a roll of the dice?
You should dust off the 20-sided die and give it a throw. "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" is not a perfect movie, but who cares? This is the kind of film I check out in hopes of having a good time at the theaters and an excuse to eat some popcorn, and this movie delivers that in spades.
I can't say from a D&D faithful perspective, but I'd be shocked to learn that crowd didn't enjoy this movie. For those of us who have never heard of a paladin, or know how to cast an Arcane Eye spell, there is much here to enjoy.
"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" is rated PG-13 for fantasy action/violence and some language.
