by destiny mizell
Featured Graphic by Destiny Mizell
Story by Larry Rincon
From a tabletop game to a podcast to a television series and more, the “Dungeons and Dragons”franchise is constantly expanding. With the release of the new movie, adventurers can get theirdice out and prepare for their next journey.
Being a fan of the game helps a lot in the experience of the movie “Dungeons & Dragons: HonorAmong Thieves.” There are many stereotypes for certain characters and player roles that getexploited throughout. Not to mention that the comedy relies a lot on the experience of theplayers as they fail to roll high numbers.
I spent my time mentally calculating the moments where certain movie characters must haverolled a natural one. Other times, especially if you’re a veteran of the game, you can tell where they most likely got a natural twenty out of luck.
The movie follows Chris Pine as Edgin Darvis, a bard, trying to return to his daughter Kiraafter being imprisoned for two years and get his hand on the Tablet of Revival in order torevive his deceased wife.
Of course, you need to add in a backstabbing rogue and a powerful wizard in order to getsomething worthy of being a “D&D” campaign. Don’t worry though, because Edgin Darvis sets outon his journey with a party of his own. In fact, the cast of the film was exceptional and a big partof why I found myself wanting to watch this movie.
Seeing Justice Smith play the role of a talentless sorcerer with self-esteem issues wassomething I didn’t know I needed to see. It was also great to see Sophia Lillis portray a veryblunt and serious Tiefling druid, when I have been used to her more leadership-like roles in othermovies and series.
In addition we have two other great actors on the roster. Michelle Rodriguez captured theessence of a barbarian. She has a history playing strong female roles, and it’s safe to say thatstreak continues on. The final character I’d like to mention is my favorite.
I have been playing “D&D” for many years, but my least favorite class is a paladin. Ironicallyenough, Regé-Jean Page acts as a paladin with a personality very similar to the types ofcharacters I would play. As a result, I undeniably must admit that he became my favorite with hisshort appearance in the film.
With a great cast, it is unfortunate that there were some down sides to the movie. I felt that thefirst person narration for the opening scenes went on for too long. Even if it did providecharacter motivation, I was getting bored sitting with no action considering what the movie isbased on.
Another critique is that the ending of the movie felt weird in terms of pacing. In true “D&D”fashion, the main characters had finished their primary personal goals and the movie was set upto end and leave the chaos behind. Yet not even two seconds later they turn around and defeatthe evil wizard through cheap tactics.
Sometimes campaigns are like that though. The Dungeon Master could have the most intricate finalbattle planned, but when one person tries to cheat their way through the final battle can end in adisappointing way. That’s the way the ending felt for me. I would have liked better build up, ormore character commentary on how they would rather avoid being heroes.
For the few bad aspects there were, there were also things to enjoy. When Chris Pine’s barduses the tablet to revive Michelle Rodriguez’s barbarian, I could appreciate the use of foundfamily when Edgin realizes he needs to let go of his wife and see the family he has now.
Another great moment came from the audience in the theater I went to. When Sofia Lillis’s druidbeat the evil wizard the audience couldn’t help but applaud the act. The satisfaction of winningthe fight could be heard throughout the dark room. I even joined in on the celebration myself.
The final thing I’d like to highlight about this film isn’t even part of the movie at all. Before themovie plays, the cast will thank the audience for watching the movie and coming to the theater.With the decrease in people going to movie theaters, being thanked was something to begrateful for.
As streaming starts to take over more and more, it feels good to have movie studios show theirappreciation towards their watchers. Even if you watch this movie without any experience withthe tabletop game, the simple thank you at the start is motivation enough to give this movie ashot.
It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s enjoyable for anyone with any adventuring experience.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com. For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, or follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines or on Twitter at @Sidelines_News.