The world of cinema can be a harsh and unforgiving place. A prime example of this is the fantasy extravaganza, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” Despite receiving accolades from critics and enthusiastic praise from fans of the nerdy franchise, the film faced a rough landing at the box office. With estimated production costs of $150 million, it managed to gross only around $208 million worldwide. After factoring in advertising expenses and the share claimed by theaters, this fantasy adventure became a temporary loss for Paramount Pictures.
However, miracles do happen, and perhaps you can make one happen. “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” is now available for streaming on Paramount+, and if viewership numbers are promising, the chances of a sequel could increase.
You can also find the film for rent or purchase on Prime Video*. If you prefer a tangible copy, there’s a 4K Steelbook edition with eye-catching artwork*, and for those who prefer simpler packaging, it’s available in a 4K standard edition* as well as on Blu-ray* and DVD*.
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”: Fantasy Fun with Heartfelt Rogues
The bard Edgin (Chris Pine) and his best friend, the barbarian warrior Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), were convinced this would be one of the easiest heists in history. Alongside the friendly yet uncertain wizard Simon (Justice Smith) and the self-assured forger Forge (Hugh Grant), their mission was straightforward: snatch an inconspicuous artifact. But Forge reveals himself as a traitor, conspiring with the shady sorceress Sofina (Daisy Head).
This betrayal calls for retribution, prompting Edgin and Holga to recruit Simon for a revenge mission. Joining them are the shape-shifting druid Doric (Sophia Lillis) and the fearless paladin Xenk (Regé-Jean Page). However, there’s more at stake than this ragtag crew could have imagined.
With a solid 72 on Metacritic, an impressive 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and enthusiastic responses from the role-playing game fanbase, the love directed toward the new “Dungeons & Dragons” film may not have translated to massive box office success. Still, it’s heartfelt – and for good reason.
Directing duo John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein, known for the well-produced, uproarious comedy “Game Night,” continue their winning streak with “Honor Among Thieves.” They’ve crafted a fast-paced, captivating film that not only looks great but is also incredibly entertaining. Moreover, amidst all the comedic chaos, they manage to create believable, likable characters with depth and complexity.
In terms of visual effects, “Honor Among Thieves” might not compete with fantasy genre giants like “The Lord of the Rings” series, but carefully placed CGI, tangible effects full of personality, stunning costumes, and impressive camera work that emphasizes the vastness of this cinematic world provide the necessary visual appeal.
Meanwhile, sharp-witted dialogues and well-timed situational comedy offer a thorough workout for your funny bone. The spirited ensemble cast plays a substantial role in spreading the joy, and after all the triumphs and setbacks these clever characters go through, it’s impossible not to grow fond of them.
So fond, in fact, that the urgent calls for a sequel stem solely from the desire for more of these characters, not because viewers need a cliffhanger resolved. In the 3.5-star FILMSTARTS review, our critic Oliver Kube writes not only that this film “has its heart in the right place” but also that it “might be the beginning of something truly grand.”
While the former point certainly holds true, we’re a bit more apprehensive about the latter. At least the head of Paramount Studios hinted that a sequel might be possible if they could keep the budget modest. However, even if the desired sequel doesn’t materialize, we won’t be left with unanswered questions but instead can continue to enjoy a fantastic, self-contained film – a rare feat for a big-budget project bearing a well-known brand in its title!