Movie Poster

I do not traffic in colloquialisms.

Previous Dungeons & Dragons reviews:

• Dungeons & Dragons 3: The Book of Vile Darkness
• Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon God
• Dungeons & Dragons

# Review

Finally, the D&D franchise is redeemed with a decent live-action film. The story follows the bard Edgin (Chris Pine) and the barbarian Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) as they escape prison and seek out Edgin’s daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman) as well as a powerful artifact in Neverwinter. The two instead stumble across a conspiracy concocted by the evil Red Wizards.

This is what I envisioned a solid D&D movie to be, taking place in a fantastical world and filled with witty banter. While the plot is clichéd, the characters are well-written and likeable. Pine’s roguish Edgin and Rodriguez’s stoic Holga have great friend chemistry and are fun to watch. The supporting cast which includes the insecure wizard Simon (Justice Smith), the slippery Forge (Hugh Grant), and the flawless Xenk (Regé-Jean Page), all contribute to the group’s chemistry. I appreciate the film's lighthearted tone and funny bits. While the CGI is not perfect, the practical FX is well-done and the film looks good aesthetically both in costume and environment design.

# Conclusion

Finally, a film worthy of D&D.

# Overall rating: 7.9

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