Certificate – 12
Directed By – Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley
Starring – Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Hugh Grant
Running Time – 129 Minutes (2 Hour 9 Minutes)
I always planned to have seen Dungeons and Dragons at my local cinema, but annoying never got around to it. Thankfully, I was able to review the blu-ray disc and it was as brilliant and entertaining as I had hoped.
Being a fan of the Critical Role and Amazon animated series, The Legend of Vox Machina. I got excited by seeing a good D&D movie (the less we mention the Jeremy Irons version, the better), but I fully expected this film was going to be a more child-friendly version and while it was, it was so much more.
The cast is brilliant, with the standouts being the chemistry of Pine and Rodriguez. I had a smile whenever they were on screen (which is the majority of the time). These are the types of roles that Pine naturally flourishes, embedding humour and heart. Whilst Rodriguez can showcase her skills as an actress more so than in any Fast and Furious movie.
Additionally, I had fun seeing Page playing a completely straight lace opposite Pine and his gang to the point I wish he was in the film more.
However, following his show stealing performance in Paddington 2, it’s wonderful to see Grant play these slimy villains and he nearly stole the film again with his wit and charm.
Whilst the story is a typical hero’s journey, it is great to see a studio do these sorts of big fantasy adventure stories like Stardust and Princess Bride that we haven’t really seen since the first Pirates of the Caribbean and that isn’t a comic book movie.
Goldstein and Daley’s script is snappy and fun, but it knew when to bring the levity and I was surprised that I got emotional near the end.
It’s a great movie to watch with family or a partner on a Saturday night.
Are There Any Bonus Features?
Yes, there are plenty. Featurettes on the making of the film, an in-depth look into the characters and a look at fight and stunts scenes and weapons. Plus, a handful of extended and deleted scenes, and you can’t have a film like this without a gag reel.
Verdict
A fun and funny movie with great performances by Pine, Rodriguez and Grant. Definitely worth a watch and ideal for a Saturday night.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Amongst Thieves is available to Download & Keep now and on DVD, Blu-ray™, 4K UHD™ and 4K UHD™ + Blu-ray™ SteelBook® 31st July.
The Bear Cave 