D&D Movie/TV The D&D Movie Reviews Are Coming In

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While Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves doesn't come out until March 31st, reviewers have seen early screenings--and so far at least—it's all almost all overwhelmingly positive.

Of course, while those who follow genre movie news will know that's not an unusual pattern among early screenings, with things starting to settle down a bit later, Rotten Tomatoes currently has the movie at 100%. We can expect that to drop.

[UPDATE -- the Rotten Tomatoes score is now starting to drop and was at 92% at the time of this edit.]
[UPDATE -- now 84%.]


Hollywood Reporter said "An adaptation that will appeal to the nostalgic side of existing fans and entertain those whose eyes glaze over at the mention of Dungeon Masters, bards or druids." Variety's verdict was "It’s at once cheesy and charming, synthetic and spectacular, cozily derivative and rambunctiously inventive, a processed piece of junk-culture joy that, by the end, may bring a tear to your eye." Den of Geek says "At last, here is a crowdpleaser that actually pleases, and not least of all because the stakes are as small as an evening with some mates going on "a quest" by way of a 20-sided die." And Total Film speaks of "A Pine-fuelled mix of humour, handsome settings and high-stakes action turns the beloved board game into a big-screen treat."

Other outlets agree. According to Polygon "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is everything a D&D fan could want" and The Wrap says "This Hilarious Epic Fantasy Is a Total Blast". Deadline also gives it a positive review, saying "With renewed interest in the fantasy genre, it’s good to see something outside of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones getting it right and having a good time. Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is also one of the better game adaptations to hit theaters due to all of the elements coming together — a strong cast, a decent story, dynamic direction and pleasing special effects."

Rolling Stone is a little more tempered, however, observing that "‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ Proves Chris Pine Can Save Anything" but warns that "no matter how much the creators confess their love of the game, all of those shout-outs to creatures, character types, campaign details and so on feel like annoying distractions."

RogerEbert.com feels that "The film often feels like it’s faking what the creators love about the game instead of trying to translate it from one medium to another."

But so far, so good! We'll have to wait to see if the trend holds up once the movie is out, but for those hoping we'll finally have a decent D&D movie--it looks like there is hope to be had!
 
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Loren the GM

Adventurer
Publisher
Saw it yesterday as well.

A fun romp, very Guardians of the Galaxy in tone (sarcastic/snarky humor, found family concept, failing forward), but better than Guardians. Doesn't require any D&D knowledge, but almost every scene has multiple references for people who know the game. A lot of the references aren't stated directly; for instance, many of the spells used are obviously specific spells from the game, but are never called out in the movie specifically.

I think it hits exactly the right tone for a mass audience to appreciate. The story isn't spectacular (not bad, just pretty lightweight), but the chemistry among the crew (with lynchpin Chris Pine doing most of the heavy lifting, and Hugh Grant doing some great scenery chewing), the humor, and the fast-paced editing keep the movie rolling and never lagging. Overall, it isn't as deep as a great serious D&D campaign can be, but it captures the spirit of a fun campaign where everyone is goofing around and just enjoying themselves. I enjoyed, and would recommend to anyone who thinks what I just wrote sounds like it might be a good time.

My wife, who doesn't D&D, also loved it. And she wants to watch it again at home, so I can tell her all the easter eggs and references. She says: For the non-D&D people, this was just a GOOD movie. Enjoyable, funny, action. You don't have to know anything about D&D to enjoy it, just be ready to enjoy some lightweight fantasy action. And if you get to go with a D&D nerd, getting to watch them grin to themselves in glee is an extra bonus. It was just fun! Also, owlbears!
 

Blue

Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal
To everyone who said they will boycott the movie.

You do you, of course, but really I think you’re depriving yourself of a good movie more than you’re sending a message to Hasbro.
While the OGL Debacle was going on I planned on boycotting. While not back at status quo, I think that the moves they made, especially about putting the 5e SRD in CC and talking about other editions as well, is enough to stop that. I saw it and enjoyed it.
 

Blue

Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal
I'm finding mixed things on the interwebs. Did Hasbro sell off eOne, sell off part of eOne but kept enough to make more movies, or just have it up for sale?
 

bedir than

Full Moon Storyteller
I'm finding mixed things on the interwebs. Did Hasbro sell off eOne, sell off part of eOne but kept enough to make more movies, or just have it up for sale?
eOne is up for sale (excepting two children's programs).

Hasbro discovered that bidding out licenses to their top tier genre products (D&D TV) makes them more money than producing hit tv (Grey's Anatomy)
 



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