Do you need to play the game Dungeons & Dragons to appreciate the movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves?
The short answer is, "Nope."
You don't have to be familiar with the game to enjoy the film starring Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez.
In fact, critics are praising this characteristic in the recently-released movie, which is not based on, or related to, any other films or series. The 2023 movie boasts a 90% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
While much has been written about the film's Easter eggs and winks to the fan base, the story is a stand-alone tale with astounding cinematography. Filmmakers opted to skim over the minute details of the game to preserve the pace of the story.
And the story is funny. The cast quickly enlists our sympathy and, as one critic observed, they know how to "sell" the script.
There's one thing you should know before seeing the film. Because D&D is a game of chance, much depends on a roll of the dice. This explains why, in the film, characters sometimes encounter unbelievably good fortune, yet are blind-sided by the worst luck at other times.
Will this screen adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons spawn a sequel?
We sure hope so.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves plays at Stettler's Jewel Theatre from April 28-May 4. Check jeweltheatre.ca for showtimes, and plan to come early to beat the ticket and popcorn lines.
See you at the movies!
Ruth