Film Overview:Hey everyone, it’s Ben, The Violence Conductor, here to talk about “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” This movie had me prepping to hate-watch it because of all the buzz, but let’s dive into what really matters here.
Plot and Characters:The plot? It was fine, okay? A redemption story with a fun setup, introducing characters right off the bat. It’s got that classic “I gotta save my daughter” trope, but with a twist – the thief with a heart of gold. The narrative is very much a nod to fans of the franchise, with Easter eggs galore for those who know the lore. But, let me tell you, the villain? Forgettable. I forgot about this Voldemort-like character by the time I got home.
Acting:Acting was surprisingly good. Chris Pine, he’s got charm for days, and the dialogue was funny, hitting all the right nerd notes. But let’s talk about Michelle Rodriguez – she’s like a pallet swap in video games, always playing the same tough gal. I wish they’d give her more to chew on than just being “Letty from Fast and Furious.”
Action:The fight scenes are where this movie shines, or at least tries to. The Paladin’s fight was tight, intense, but man, some of it was too fast, too dark to really appreciate. I like seeing the moves, not just guessing them. There’s some good strategy in the fights, though, which I appreciated. But they borrowed a lot from Marvel movies, like straight-up Hulk ripoff scenes.
Camera Work:Camera work was decent, nothing spectacular. Some shots felt like they were trying too hard to be clever, with 360 spins and whatnot. I prefer when the camera serves the story, not the other way around. Transitions were sometimes abrupt, pulling you out of the moment.
Criticism:Now, about the press and how they marketed this movie – it’s killing it. Talking about emasculating men? That’s not political; that’s just bad marketing. It’s not about the message; it’s about how you deliver it. And the diversity? It’s there, but some of the creature designs looked like they belonged in a Chuck E. Cheese.
Rating:I’m giving this movie three out of five blades. It’s fun, sure, but don’t expect to drop big bucks on it. A matinee or a rental? Yeah, that’s worth it.
Conclusion:“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” is entertaining if you’re into the lore and don’t mind some predictable storytelling. It’s not better than “John Wick” in terms of action purity, but it’s got its charm. If you’ve got some indie films you want me to take a look at, hit me up. That’s what we do here at the Austin Action Fest.