Dungeons & Dragons seen by two comedy enthusiasts
Who remembers the Dungeons and Dragons (2000) with Jeremy Irons? At first glance, not many people. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Thieves therefore he had the advantage of not having to worry about a film heritage to which it would be necessary to pay homage. And even if it isan adaptation of the popular tabletop RPGthe raw material leaves enough room for maneuver.
From there, Paramount had the good idea to convince (after several years of preparation) Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley to direct this new film. A duo that stood out in crazy comedies be aware of Long live the holidays (2015) and especially game night (2018)by signing the scenarios of How to kill his boss? (2011) and its sequel (2013). A wise choice to approach Dungeons & Dragons especially through the prism entertainment where the gags follow one another.
We follow Edgin (Chris Pine)a thief escaping from prison with his shoulder Holga (Michelle Rodríguez) to find his daughter. But when he thinks his old friend Fletcher (Hugh Grant) has kindly agreed to watch over the baby, he discovers that he’s actually allied with a terrible red wizard. The duo then have no choice but to retreat and form a new team to recover a magical item that will allow them to fight this evil.
Of the fantasy entertaining without being made fun of
A classic basic plot, to which various sub-quests are added – both to respect the principle of the game and to multiply the staggered sequences. We notice this from the first part of the film with this brilliantly absurd escape by Edgin and Holga, tirelessly spurned by the endless retelling of the hero’s past in an effort to save time (and characterize the characters and their future goals). We find the same sort of gag when the adventurers trudge into a graveyard (excerpt below) to interrogate the dead one after another, having only five questions per corpse.
The method employed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley is simple but with formidable efficiency. Because the two always have a view to entertaining the gallery while respecting the genreheroic fantasy. It’s not about parodying or mocking the universe. Conversely, with generous decorations and very 80s creature costumes (without falling into kitsch). The bestiary is also rich but shouldn’t lose a regular audience for whom the fantasy it would boil down to wizards and dragons.
Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez lead the way
The directors of Dungeons & Dragons find the right rhythm, with a comic situation that works wonders, without neglecting the action (not revolutionary, however). We let ourselves be carried away by the composed adventure well done fightswith a pass through the robbery moviebefore a finish that does not abuse the spectacular while looking to the side ofavengers (2012).
However, if we can be satisfied Dungeons & Dragonswhich however remains too long, is also thanks to the cast. With a variety of characters who all manage to exist enough. We were a little afraid of it Sophia Lillis (Doric) being too introverted. But the ever-pleasant actress fills her place by happily repackaging a Justice Smith (Simon) as a soft loser.
For his part, the impassive Regé-Jean Page (Xenk) counterbalances, but is obviously overshadowed by freewheeling Hugh Grant, Chris Pine having fun and Michelle Rodriguez insuring at all levels. Like this brilliant sequence in which the imposingly physique warrior loses her means to her ex, absolutely a mini Bradley Cooper fun.
Dungeons & Dragons it would also be it could push the sliders further because the overall plot is sometimes a bit too predictable and serious. However, when it comes to entertainment, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley have found it the right balance so as not to turn into a clumsy comedy Thor: Ragnarok (2017). And with these characters all being so likeable, we wouldn’t be against it if Honor of thieves it was just the beginning.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Thieves by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, in theaters on April 12, 2023. Above the trailer. Find all our trailers here.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
