Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves - A Review

Recently we took a totally work-related trip to the cinema to see none other than the new Dungeons and Dragons Movie - Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (for research purposes, of course). Having seen the previous D&D movie from 2000 with Jeremy Irons, Josh was a little anxious to see how they would fare with this newer adaptation. Lucky for me, if you put a tub of popcorn in my hands, I’m happy.

Image: Paramount Pictures/Hasbro

From the first scene, we were hooked. The start of this movie perfectly captured the start of a D&D adventure in real life - you could almost hear the voice of a Dungeon Master in the background as they described the scene, setting up the plot and tone for the adventure to come. It starts a little more serious, in a prison somewhere incredibly remote and isolated. The two heroes we first meet are pleading their case to be released, and we learn a little about Edgin Davis’ (Chris Pine) backstory - just like a player introducing their character at the table. He’s on a mission to get back to his daughter, Kira (Chloe Coleman), and their incarceration was all a misunderstanding.

Image: Paramount Pictures/Hasbro

It all seems quite sombre until suddenly the Aarakokra (human-bird hybrid) Jarnathan arrives. Anyone who’s played D&D, especially Dungeon Masters, will know the panic and anxiety that comes when a player asks for an NPC’s name and we have to think on the spot, and it often isn’t our best work. That is exactly how the name Jarnathan feels, and it’s wonderful. From here on out, we are thrown into a film full of chaos and fun, with unexpected twists and turns.

What’s truly great is how much this movie truly feels like a game of D&D being played out before you. You can see the moments where the character clearly rolled a natural 1 (aka a critical fail) on the die, or when they rolled a natural twenty for a critical success. You start to notice what classes the party might be, see the abilities used that you might use with a similar character at home, see the magic users casting spells and can say “Hey, I know that spell!” It feels improvised and collaborative, the very essence of playing D&D.

The characters themselves feel right for the film - they slot into the pre-established setting and are classic examples of characters people build for their own adventures. There are tropes that suit the classes, for example, Holga Kilgore the Barbarian (Michelle Rodriguez) doesn’t have great intelligence but is incredibly strong, while Xenk Yonder the Paladin (Regé-Jean Page) speaks in riddles and complex sentences that make

you question why you asked in the first place - yet oozes charisma and can more than hold his own in a fight. Hugh Grant as Forge Fitzwilliam is the perfect rogueish antagonist, and although he’s infuriating you can’t help but giggle and smile when he’s on screen.

Image: Paramount Pictures/Hasbro

I love how they used the tropes so experienced D&D players could enjoy the gag, but folks new to the game would immediately understand what each character brings to the party. It’s like D&D 101 but in the best possible way. I adore this game and all it brings and think the movie does a great job of making it seem fun and accessible in a way other media sometimes doesn’t.

Some small elements were missing for me, mostly specific class abilities that I wanted to see represented. I was desperate to see Holga use her ‘rage’ ability, whether that was her eyes momentarily flashing red or her frame growing slightly, I wanted to see a moment when she did what all barbarians love to do and see that

then reflected in her combat.

Image: Paramount Pictures/Hasbro

Likewise, Edgin was a Bard, and yet we never saw him use any magic or any Bard abilities. He may have been using his Bardic Inspiration when he gave his rousing speeches, but even a twinkle in his eyes to show that there was something a little magic or a little special at that moment, would have been welcomed.

But, I am an avid D&D player looking for those niche moments. I could also just appreciate the film for what it was - a darn good time. It was fun and carefree, with great performances all around, but also high stakes and exciting combat sequences. I know people who have seen the film and have 0 experience with D&D, but still thoroughly enjoyed it as a fun, fantasy adventure movie. Where the older D&D movie leant too much into the serious and intense adventure feel, this movie truly feels like a D&D game - camp and chaotic. Plus, it gave a lovely nod to the original D&D cartoon which although went over my head, I know was appreciated by other folks in the cinema with me.

I am incredibly excited to see what they do next - will we follow these same adventurers? Will it be a brand-new party? Or, my favourite option - will it be the same actors, portraying completely different characters? I will be there to see whatever they choose, popcorn in hand.

Did you see the D&D movie and feel inspired to try a game yourself? Get in touch with us today, and let us take you on an adventure that will turn you and your colleagues into heroes - Hugh Grant not included.