It doesn’t matter if you play the game or not, there’s plenty to enjoy in this raucous action fantasy spiced with humor and enough easter eggs to placate die-hard fans. It’s not like playing the game, but gives life to the spirit of the game’s characters. The film was well received opening night at SXSW and the Q & A proved to be as much fun as the movie. See our coverage.
Chris Pine is engaging as Edgin, the ring leader who keeps the threads of his “thievery and skullduggery” going. He’s really a Robin Hood kinda guy, ever since his wife was killed by the Red Wizard. Edgin also is a bard, breaking into song to tell/sing his story. He and sidekick/best friend, Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez), have been robbing from the rich to help the poor, including themselves, so they can take care of his savvy daughter, Kiera, (Chloe Coleman). This handsome thief is forever getting himself and his band of dysfunctional buddies in trouble.
Holga is a physical bad-ass capable of mowing down whoever gets in their way, but when the film opens, they’re both locked up when set-up during their latest heist. Pine and Rodriguez play well off each other, resulting in some funny moments. Regé-Jean Page as Xenk goes along with these two and is just too handsome to be any kind of problem. He’s a stoic, if seemingly clueless hero, who infrequently shows up, but always at just the right time.
Holga, the ultimate protector tries to help Edgin save his daughter (Chloe Coleman) from Forge (Hugh Grant), the nobleman wanting to keep Edgin’s daughter within his control. Forge assumes the role as her father while trashing her real father behind her back. Edgin’s crew includes Simon Kumar, (Justice Smith) an insecure sorcerer still trying to hone his skills. And there’s Doric (Sophia Lillis), a fighter with shapeshifting talents (and horns) who has her own reasons for sticking with this crew.
While this fantasy is entertaining, it ultimately breaks no new ground in the genre. Writer/Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein stay within the boundaries of what we expect from effects-driven action fantasy films with a band of colorful characters out to save something, or someone.
There are double entendres and plot twists aplenty, well delivered to garner some good laughs. Plus sarcasm and ironic comedy in the script give this the feel of the Marvel Universe reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy or Spiderman:Homecoming (Goldstein and Daley also wrote Spiderman).
The need for counterpoint comes with the villain and Hugh Grant is certainly up for the challenge. Forge’s evil intentions are barely hidden under the snide, wide grinned smile and low volume delivery of his lines. He’s aided by the more menacing, powerful wizardly necromancer played by Daisy Head.
This is first and foremost an action-adventure with an abundance of scary, lethal CGI created creatures. The combat set-pieces frame the simple premise of the plot: family, friends and trust. Chris Pine’s Edgin has fun with his optimistic fearlessness, offset by Michelle Rodriguez’ Holga being quick to react with a quip and with her tough physicality.
Chris Pine shows once again why he’s one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men. Whether Star Trek’s Captain Kirk or Wonder Woman’s Steve Trevor he exudes likable, good humor that keeps the audience engaged even when the story lags. If you’ve ever played the game or not, it’s a safe bet you’ll come back to see more of this world of creatures, wizards and heroes. As the first installment of yet another blockbuster franchise, this D&D: Honor Among Thieves serves as a more than adequate starting point.
Paramount Pictures 2 hours 14 minutes PG-13
