In a surprising turn of events, the immersive role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with more players in 2017 than ever before. However, investing a reported $150 million in a new film franchise, such as “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” seems like a risky and almost reckless move. The decision is akin to wagering on a regular goblin in a magic sorcery battle against a hobgoblin—a bold gamble with uncertain outcomes. The existence of a splashy Paramount+ TV series in the works only adds to the intrigue, where the success of one film can dictate the fate of an entire extended universe.
Navigating a Niche Territory: D&D’s Unique Positioning
While other fantasy franchises like Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings have touched upon similar themes, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) possesses a niche and loaded quality that sets it apart. D&D is associated with hardcore geek culture, which may prove challenging to shake off for the average multiplex-goer. Recognizing this, the film’s creators have enlisted the duo behind “Game Night,” “Horrible Bosses,” and “Spider-man: Homecoming” to infuse the movie with pop culture references and levity, aiming to capture a Guardians of the Galaxy-esque irreverence that could attract a broader audience.
Assembling a Solid Cast and Formulaic Plot
The film boasts a talented ensemble, led by Chris Pine, known for his role in the successful Star Trek reboot. Pine brings his trademark charm to his character, a thief seeking redemption after his wife’s murder. Alongside him is Michelle Rodriguez as his partner-in-crime, Holga, showcasing the expected intensity she brings to franchise movies. Together, they embark on an elaborate plan to recover his child following a botched heist. The plot follows the superhero assemblage formula, introducing Justice Smith’s aspiring sorcerer and Sophia Lillis’s druid, with additional assistance from Regé-Jean Page’s paladin. Their mission: to defeat Hugh Grant’s power-hungry con artist and Daisy Head’s red wizard.
A Familiar Beat with Some Upsides
While the film closely adheres to Marvel’s narrative beats, it is both frustratingly predictable and inherently inevitable due to the superhero genre’s influence on tentpole properties. However, this adherence to a familiar formula has its upsides. By emulating a genre that has seen a downturn in quality, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” manages to do the bare minimum effectively. It offers a coherent plot, well-choreographed action sequences, real locations, practical effects, and a self-contained story that doesn’t rely on a vast multiverse. This accessibility lowers the entry barrier, making it digestible for audiences who may not be well-versed in post-credit scenes and numerous Disney+ TV shows.
Missed Comedy Opportunities and Lackluster Humor
While the cast delivers committed performances and exhibits sparkling chemistry, the film falls short in its comedic aspirations. Despite promising setups, the humor fails to land, leaving viewers wishing for more genuine laughs. There are fleeting moments of wit, reminiscent of a seasoned sitcom writer’s touch-ups, such as a charmingly silly sequence involving reanimated corpses. However, the film overall lacks the necessary funny bone to fully embrace the high-spirited romp it aspires to be. Distracting elements, like Dave Bautista’s trademark humor being lazily transferred to Page’s character, an action scene involving a plump dragon, and an extended sight gag from an A-list cameo, detract from an otherwise well-paced and energetic experience.
The Magic Missing from a Serviceable Franchise Starter
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” falls into the realm of a serviceable franchise-starter that benefits from the lowered expectations currently prevailing in the genre. However, it lacks that extra touch of magic needed to elevate it to a truly memorable experience. While the film’s disposability, akin to enjoying it on a plane journey, may find an audience, it remains to be seen if it can justify the creation of a new multi-platform universe. As the film’s opening weekend box office performance appears to be lackluster, the question of future installments hangs in the balance. Should the franchise continue, injecting more humor alongside the fun would undoubtedly enhance the overall appeal.
