HCA Gradebook: “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”

Movie: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Plot: ​​A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.
Cast: Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and Hugh Grant.
Director: Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Number of Graders: 46
Overall Grade: A-

Ashley Saunders says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is an entertaining, riotous fantasy adventure that sneaks in some great heartwarming moments. It manages to honor the story it is trying to tell as well as the beloved game that people all over the world adore. The cast is incredible, the world is visually dazzling, and the possibilities seem endless. Whether you know the RPG well or are a D&D newb, Honor Among Thieves is a total blast.”
Grade: A+

Rachel Leishman says, “Dungeons & Dragons brings fans into the world of the game while bringing us characters we care about and love. It is, easily, one of the most fun times you’ll have at a theater this year.”
Grade: A+

Joel D. Amos says, “There was a Dungeons & Dragons movie released back at the dawn of the century… literally in 2000! But it didn’t capture the essence of the game that, for millions, was a way of life. Not saying that the 2023 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is coming for Academy Awards. But, it does produce a whole lot of laughs, thrills and hat-tips to the game from which the film is based. As for the film itself, which is what we should really be assessing… it is thrilling, hilariously amusing, and features an acting ensemble that is clearly having a bloody ball. It’s true what they say. If the cast is enjoying themselves, so too will the audience. Chris Pine and his clan of Merryman and Women (including Michelle Rodriguez and Hugh Grant!) are having an absolute blast. So too, will you. You’ve been warned, the joy will permeate!”
Grade: A+

Connor Petrey says, “Having never played a game of D&D in my life, Honor Among Thieves is an absurd amount of fun – filled to the brim with fantastical action, sharp comedy and a brilliant cast. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is well worth embarking on the quest to the cinema.”
Grade: A

Shadan Larki says, “The best compliment I could give Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is that I had an absolute blast watching this movie, despite never having played D&G a day in my life. The characters are fully-fleshed out, the action is faced-paced and fun, and the film has so much heart. Chris Pine and Sophia Lillis are standouts in a fantastic cast. The best film adaptation of a video game by a mile.”
Grade: A

Tessa Smith says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves delivers exactly what it sets out to. This movie embraces the spirit of D&D, which is to get together with your friends and have a good time as you step into a world of fantasy. The emotional bits really sneak up on you, so be prepared to possibly shed a tear or two (or sob like a baby). What works so well about this film is that it can be enjoyed by players and non-players alike. No matter your knowledge level of D&D, you will be able to have a blast with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, which is exactly what it was made for.”
Grade: A

Wendy Lee Szany says, “Dungeons & Dragons is so fun. Translates the game to the big screen very well. You don’t have to know or play D&D to enjoy the movie but its an added bonus. Loved all the chaos, the fight scenes, the spell-casting, and that emotional tug at the heartstring.”
Grade: A

Miriam Spritzer says, “What a fun film. I don’t think there is a better way to describe it. The cast was superb and the visual aspect of the film was just great. For someone who was somewhat familiar with the game, I thought the film did a great fan service bringing in the popular references and a few ones that only the true fans would know. I loved seeing a few nerd-culture easter eggs here and there and how there were scenes that capture so well moments where the dice would be rolling in the actual game. It also wasn’t a film that alienated the non-fans, which I think will play with general audiences.”
Grade: A

Mara Knopic says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was a pleasant surprise – a film that looks and feels exactly as it has been advertised! The casting was integral to the success of the film with Chris Pine and Regé-Jean Page as standouts. The moments of sincerity feel genuine and the balance of humor works well, particularly as it comes to pacing. The film stands apart from others of its type, such as Warcraft, because it keeps the granular details for the fans/players of Dungeons & Dragons without removing the accessibility for viewers that are new to the property.”
Grade: A

James White says, “A wild and rollicking adventure that feels like one of the better Marvel movies welded to high fantasy, Dungeons & Dragons is a smashing success. A charming cast and quick-witted script that subverts genre expectations are key to making this one of the more entertaining big studio films to rattle off the conveyor belt in a while. Paramount’s winning streak seems set to continue.”
Grade: A

Kit Bowen says, “Well THAT was fun! There’s nothing quite like a fantasy quest/adventure with excellent visuals, swords and magic, a pudgy dragon — and the main star who is also the comic relief. Kudos all around for giving us a cinematic treat worthy of a sequel.”
Grade: A

Kit Stone says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves transports us to an era when magic was hard and the fantasy worldbuilding felt visceral. There is no quick fix to save the day, and it truly does take teamwork.”
Grade: A

Kay-B says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was such a thrill! Truly a fun ride with some great one-liners and comedic timing. I feel like every character gets time to shine when it comes to the action and it has tons of heart!”
Grade: A

Nikki Fowler says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a jam-packed solid adventure and stars an incredible ensemble of talent. Regé-Jean Page was spectacular as the storybook hero who can do no wrong; the perfect smile, kitten-saving, Xenk.The women of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves are everything. Michelle Rodriquez is fierce and has some stellar fight scenes throughout, along with some really funny comedic banter. Sophia Lillis’s role as Doric was super fun to watch play out on screen with some incredible CGI as she morphs into one mammal after the next. Her performance was inspiring and full of shero energy. Despite Sofina being one of the worst people on the planet, if the world of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves were a real place, using her power to cast holy hell on every living creature, you can’t help but feel a little wonder at her clever and calculated plan to take over the world. Her fight scenes and sorcery were fantastic, thanks to Daisy Heads strong acting chops. She plays this evil villain so well and is terrifying. Justice Smith gives an incredible performance as Simon. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is hilarious and action-filled; from overweight dragons to giant possessed jaguars on the hunt through stadium-sized deadly mazes, love lost, and new friends made, you will be completely entertained from beginning to end with the incredible CGI and well-written screenplay. You will undoubtedly feel the essence of the board game with pivot after pivot of infinite jest.”
Grade: A

Zachary Pope says, “Dungeons & Dragons brought back memories of my childhood when I would run around the playground and pretend I was a knight with all of my friends. A laugh out loud love letter to all geeks and nerds out there. The entire cast is great, but Rodriguez steals the entire show! The second I can own or stream this film, it will be on repeat just like Game Night was.”
Grade: A-

Vanessa Armstrong says, “A delightful film that delivers both laughs and an action-packed, entertaining story. The entire cast is on fire, with Chris Pine as the charming bard and Rege-Jean Page as the insufferable paladin bringing exactly what’s needed to their roles. Would happily watch this crew tackle another campaign on the big screen.”
Grade: A-

Monica Gleberman says, “Dungeons & Dragons is a fun film full of entertaining action sequences and a detailed storyline. While I have never played D&D personally (a lot of my friends have), the movie is explained in a way that allows for the most novice of player to enjoy. This is a film that will bring a lot of fans together and get nostalgic, with a majority leaving the theater wanting to go play the game again. This is a great one for the family. I will admit there were a few times the lines were a little corney or a joke would not land, but overall it’s great for just good clean fun. I am sure D&D fans will approve.”
Grade: A-

Maggie Ma says, “Even I’ve never played the game, the special effects & humors are always used in places you least expected so there are surprises all over the movie, including some unexpected celebrity cameos. All the characters are distinguish & funny in their own ways. It gave me the same excitement as the Fellowship of the Ring. A diverse group of people on a mission facing all kinds of unexpected challenges. Not very deep but certainly really fun to watch.”
Grade: A-

Catalina Combs says, “4/5 You don’t need to be a fan of the game or know much about it to enjoy this film. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is suitable for all ages and all nerd backgrounds. Based on the legendary game, the film is a hilarious and action-filled adventure.”
Grade: A-

Dan Murrell says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is proof that you can budget AND heart, spectacle AND character, scope AND story. Packed with humor that works and characters you actually like and care about, it’s one of the most satisfying big-budget films in a while. Paramount has been pushing to get the word out about this movie for a while for a reason – it’s a well-told adventure/fantasy story that understands how to also be a crowd-pleaser. Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez lead a talented ensemble, with Hugh Grant and Rege-Jean Page (who steals every scene he’s in) in memorable supporting roles. While it suffers from a mild case of ‘blockbuster bloat,’ it’s also an incredibly entertaining adventure for those who will give it a chance.”
Grade: A-

Dana Han-Klein says, “A well crafted and amusing fantasy film that doesn’t require knowledge of the game, but has enough tips of the cap to make hardcore fans happy.”
Grade: A-

Danielle Broadway says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a buffet for nerds, and the feast is bountiful. A combination of humor, adventure and some homage to the classic tabletop role-playing game, the D&D movie balances a diverse cast and lore with more gravitas than many have seen in a long time. In a sea of similar films that have missed the mark, the film takes perfect aim before firing and it pays off with the hope that this is simply the beginning of more satisfying films to come.”
Grade: A-

DarkSkyLady says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is that creeping comedic film that grows on you the longer you watch. Surprisingly funny, feeling at once like a collection of humorous skits, but with a cohesiveness that ties together with heart about grief, love and family. It feels like a blend of present-day comedies with the exaggerated laughs present in films Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs. Ridiculous fun you can return to time and again.”
Grade: A-

Alexander Robinson says, “A Dungeons & Dragons movie from the directing duo of Game Night? Sure, sign me up! Anyone who isn’t familiar the tabletop RPG like I am will have no problem enjoying this movie for the fun fantasy adventure that it is. The cast is great with Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez and Hugh Grant being standouts. There’s a surprising amount of practical special effects for the fantasy creatures, which I didn’t expect considering how many blockbusters have an overwhelming dependance on CGI. The only thing that doesn’t really work for me is The Red Wizard Sofina. Compared to Hugh Grant’s Forge Fitzwilliam, she is quite a boring villain and just ends up being an obstacle for the main group to fight. In the end, it’s not up there with fantasy epics like The Lord of the Rings, but it’s an entertaining film regardless of your knowledge of the source material.”
Grade: B+

Alex Billington says, “Dungeons & Dragons is the kind of good, wholesome Hollywood fun that seems be getting rarer and rarer these days. Better than expected for a game adaptation, balancing the humor and adventure and intrigue in a completely satisfying way. Chris Pine is delightful, along with Sophia Lillis and Justice Smith as supporting characters in this group of fantasy misfits trying to get along. It’s just another quest movie, but the Game Night directors knocked it out of the park with great comedy and cast chemistry.”
Grade: B+

Josie Meléndez says, “What a fun time! If I could kiss this movie, I would. The entire cast has such brilliant chemistry that I shed a tear towards the end. I consider everyone a standout because this is a true ensemble piece, but I do want to give some love to Michelle Rodríguez as she is the emotional backbone of the entire film! With the exception of some wonky CGI here and there, the grand scale of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves does not disappoint nor distract from the story. One of the most gratifying surprises of 2023 releases so far.”
Grade: B+

Kolby Mac says, “No wands required. Dungeons & Dragons:  Honor Among Thieves has all the magic needed to bring Fantasy Adventure Blockbusters back to basics. It’s a Genre film that knows what it is and has the script to prove it and the cast to support it. Pine’s charm, Rege’s smolder, Michelle’s kickassness, Smiths neuroticism, and Sofia’s endearment. All the makings of an ensemble that works anchored to a story that’s simple and direction that’s solid. It makes the most of its small budget where it counts with strong practical and CG effects. Even better it doesn’t take itself too seriously and is having a lot of big fun along the way.”
Grade: B+

John Nguyen says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is absolutely hilarious. It’s like watching a tabletop RPG session of friends as they get to act out their fantasy characters in a movie. The casting is spot on and the adventures are wild and fun. John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein truly capture the D&D vibe.”
Grade: B+

Francisco Cangiano says, “Such a great times at the movies. An awesome, quippy fantasy romp that goes surprisingly hard on action, magic, heart and laughs. Fast-paced, full of cool designs and with a superb cast, Honor Among Thieves is definitely a win for the genre.”
Grade: B+

Maggie Lovitt says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is another much-needed addition to the cinema slate, delivering laughs, heart, and the right sort of emotion to bring audiences back again and again. Its light-hearted fun, delightfully epic action, and the ensemble cast of dreams.”
Grade: B+

Mike Manalo says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is DnD-lightful! Hands down, one of the most fun experiences I’ve had at the movies this year. Part of that may be coming from the fact that, as a player, it’s fun to see the aspects of the game come to life, the same way we see comic book elements brought to life in a Marvel Studios film. But like a Marvel Studios film, the movie is still a light, breezy, enjoyable good time with terrific action, comedy, and performances. The characters in the film are as endearing as the world Goldstein and Daily visually brought to life. And overall, I think the duo actually managed to accomplish the very difficult task of creating a mainstream movie that’s just as much fun and accessible for mainstream audiences as it is for players. It doesn’t quite roll a nat 20 (due to some underdeveloped characters), but it’s still a pretty good surprise hit!”
Grade: B+

Nestor Bentancor says, “A cinematic campaign that accomplishes its mission thanks to the masterful use of artistic weapons: A sharp script, solid performances, and magical spectacle. Although it didn’t completely steal my heart, compared to recent superhero adaptations, D&D is Deliciously Delightful.”
Grade: B+

Nicholas Spake says, “Although Jeremy Irons’s presence made for an unintentionally hilarious watch, 2000s Dungeons & Dragons otherwise took itself too seriously. That’s not to say players don’t take D&D campaigns seriously. When your character dies in a campaign, it can feel like losing an extension of your soul. However, campaigns also entail players goofing around between mouthfuls of Doritos and shots of Monster Energy drink. Honor Among Thieves captures the playful spirit of a night surrounded around the table with your buddies. The film doesn’t treat D&D as a joke, though. Like The Legend of Vox Machina, it’s an adventure for fans that you can tell was made by fans.”
Grade: B+

Rachel Wagner says, “I have no idea how well this captures the game but if you enjoy adventure stories like The Princess Bride or the first Pirates movie than you’ll have a good time with this one.”
Grade: B+

Rodrigo Salem says, “An old-fashioned adventure that balances perfectly comedy and the darkest parts. It never takes itself seriously, but respects the game with good visual effects and nice fight scenes. It’s a good surprise for this time of the year.”
Grade: B+

Scott Menzel says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is an action adventure comedy for the entire family. While the film is based on the Dungeons & Dragons card game, you don’t need to know anything about the game in order to enjoy this film. This movie is chock full of laughs, fun, and action. The set pieces are grand in scale and the adventure feels like something out of a 80s film. The cast is great together especially Regé-Jean Page and Hugh Grant. This is one of those films that is sure to surprise many as it delivers the goods and leaves you wanting more.”
Grade: B+

Sean Chandler says, “A solid fantasy adventure which is accessibly for mainstream audiences but also packed with references for fans of the game Dungeons & Dragons.  Chris Pine once again proves he’s a fantastic and charming leading man.  The movie is funny from beginning to end, and it has a surprising amount of heart.  It probably tries a bit too hard at times to get laughs, and some of the action sequences get a bit cartoonish.  But in the end it’s an entertaining time at the movies.”
Grade: B+

Abbie Bernstein says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves never does anything truly surprising, but it has a lot of energy and enough craft and love for its genre to keep it entertaining.”
Grade: B

Griffin Schiller says, “Dungeons & Dragons is the surprise crowd pleaser of the year so far. Funnier than it has any right being, quick, witty, creative camera work, and most importantly it does an excellent job of emulating the spirit of the game while poking fun at some of the more absurd elements. Chris Pine is a charisma machine, I’m living for Rege Jean-Page walking in a straight line and, most importantly, fat dragon. Surprisingly fun time!”
Grade: B

Lupe Rodriguez Haas says, “The movie has a Lord of the Rings vibe, but this adaptation has much more humor when poking fun and countering the usual tropes.”
Grade: B

Matthew Creith says, “A feast for the eyes, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves excels in not taking itself too seriously but allowing viewers to enjoy a fun experience. It is captivating, hysterical, mythical, and all-around charismatic in its execution.”
Grade: B

Nate Adams says, “Coming into Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves with what little knowledge I knew about the games lore was intimidating, but the quality test of any movie based on existing brands derives from whether or not it can reach across the aisle and educate a newb like myself on why people love it so much. In an incredible feat, and one of the year’s biggest surprises, writer-directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein have delivered a breezy fantasy epic that, on its own terms, is a faithful adaptation far removed from the early 2000s disaster (poor Jeremy Irons and Marlon Wayans), but captures a chipper and buoyant attitude reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. It’s the best-case scenario for a movie nobody, including myself, had high expectations for.”
Grade: B

Scott Mendelson says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a mostly enjoyable romp that correctly emphasizes character and conversation over plot. The production values are solid & the cast is aces. It’s a good time spent in good company. The 11-year-old and the 7-year-old enjoyed it.”
Grade: B

Rick Bentley says, “Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley – who wrote the script with Michael Gilio – have put together a fun and fanciful story of a group of misfits who deal with adversity through humor. If that sounds slightly familiar it is that Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves could have easily been called Guardians of the Fantasy Galaxy.”
Grade: B

Aaron Neuwirth says, “The balance of action, comedy, and fantasy comes with a devoted attempt by fans of the game to deliver a cinematic experience packed with Easter eggs to satisfy fans without overwhelming those less experienced in the world of swords and wizardry.”
Grade: B-

Ryan McQuade says, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is always moving because that is the nature of the game. There is no time to take a break and relax. It is a game about moving forward to find a solution, and in the case of the film, the solution to any of its confusion lies in giving the audience enough entertaining, hilarious moments to delight.”
Grade: B-