Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

[Drunk Monk]

Dungeons & Dragons Trailer 2 (2023) 

The trailer makes this look really fun. But I won't fall for it (Definitely going to watch it at home)

No I haven’t seen this yet but I’ve been positioned by DoG to interview their stunt coordinator Brad Martin, who’s been in the biz forever and has tallied a ton of major films in this role. Den had contacted me about the possibility of doing this interview a while ago, but nothing. Then late this afternoon they ask if I could swing it tomorrow. I can surprisingly, just had to shift some YMAA meetings around. So I’ll see the screener when it comes around. This is just me prepping.

Did you know there were several D&D movies made? Normally I’d hunt those down as research but they look terrible.

[Greg]

I'm aware of the terrible D&D films. I think they go back to the 90s, maybe even the 80s.

They've always looked terrible. Until this one. I"m rooting for the Owl Bear.

[Drunk Monk]

This one looks kinda terrible too but it has Pine and Rodriguez hamming it up with their typecast roles, and that should be entertaining. 

Waiting for the Zoom meeting to start with the stunt coordinator Brad Martin. Maybe you know him Greg. He worked on Mr & Mrs Smith. I'm sure you guys grabbed coffee when you weren't chatting up Angelina...

[Greg]

Oh, every day. Ask him for any tales about the director on Mr and Mrs. Smith, Doug Liman. The rumor on that show was the 2nd Unit director made that film, Simon Crane

[Drunk Monk]

The 2nd unit directors always make the film to my way of thinking.

Just ttt-ing this for the screener today. I feel somewhat relieved because the work is already done. I don’t have to be critically observant and can just enjoy it at face value:

[Drunk Monk]

That was fun. Surprisingly entertaining. A delightful romp of a fantasy. 

This film succeeds for several reasons. The cast chemistry is good, just like a good D&D squad should be. We both laughed at some of the situations and repartee. And it doesn’t bother to waste time world building. It’s called D&D so you know what you’re in for world-wise. 

There was a surprising cameo that was quite funny. 

There’s some good Easter eggs for players. I haven’t played D&D for 40+ years now but I still know a gelatinous cube when I see one. That remains my fav D&D creature.

And sword fights! Decent ones (although John Wick 4 is a tough act to follow). The fight choreo is satisfactory. 

And there’s a fun oner escape scene - it’s heavily CGIed but still achieves something impressive. Overall, the special effects had style and were well actualized. 

It has a few fantasy cliches like the dead mom & a Disney death, but those are redeemed by its rollicking spirit. It doesn’t take itself too seriously at all, nor should it. It doesn’t aspire to launch a franchise and in doing so, it could totally franchise. 

D00M recommended.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

DOOM recommendation seconded

[Greg]

I guess I'll have to hate it.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

I guess I'll have to hate it.

It Is Your Destiny.

[Greg]

I'm sorry to dissappoint but I didn't hate it. It amused me for the duration. I'm really loving late career Hugh Grant as he decides to be the hammiest ham. There were some funny situations. I liked Helga and her ex which had that nice payoff. I did like the few shoutouts to other D&D franchises like Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights. Better than any other D&D movie.

That was fun. Surprisingly entertaining. A delightful romp of a fantasy. 

There was a surprising cameo that was quite funny. 

Which cameo?