Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is the ideal fantasy film adapted from the strategy game of infinite lore. A mythical delight from book end to book end with spectacular leads that could make anyone have the desire to join in on their epic quest. 

 

Dragons, the undead, wizards, curses and some kickass creatures make the world of Dungeons & Dragons come alive with every step of our dynamic team of misfits. Chris Pine leads the way with a performance that challenges his time as the iconic caption of the Enterprise all those years back. Edgen (Pine) and Holga (Michelle Rodriquez) meld together in such a natural way, showcasing true chemistry between the two. As their band of travelers grows with Doric (Sophia Lillis), Simon (Justice Smith), Xenk (Regé-Jean Page), the chemistry expands with every new entry naturally mixing with the duo that started it all. What cuts the rope and starts our protagonist's journey is the rescue of Edgen’s daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman) who is fine in her minimal time on screen, she’s ultimately just a factor for the character's motivation to persevere. Hugh Grant is as comedic as ever as Forge, having learned how to be an overzealous character of mischief in his last few outings - most notably his diabolical turn in Paddington 2. The evil beyond the surface is where the feature has its biggest flaw and that’s in part to the way Daisy Head portrays Sofina’s villainous arc, it’s over the top - occasionally to an excessive degree.  

 

The film is aware that the game was made to have fun and enjoy with friends, so it’s found humor in its story while delivering a uniquely satisfying fable. The action sequences are oozing with charisma and the fast past nature of the story lends to a magical experience of epic proportions. CGI and practical choreography blend well and make for a more immersive experience throughout the violence. 

 

When you launch yourself into any adaptation of a beloved IP, it more often than not sways in a not-so satisfying direction, but in the case of Dungeons & Dragons, Daley and Goldstein have hit a goldmine with prospects for seemingly endless tales to come. Having never played a game of D&D in my life, Honor Among Thieves is an absurd amount of fun - filled to the brim with fantastical action, sharp comedy and a brilliant cast. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is well worth embarking on the quest to the cinema.