Edgin (Chris Pine) is a likeable and humorous thief who somehow ends up in prison, sharing a cell with his dangerous and lethal thieving partner, Holga (Michelle Rodriguez). When Edgin is allowed to try and plea for their freedom, we instantly gain a far greater understanding and backstory of these two thieves. Both have unfinished business outside the large prison walls and must embark on a quest to find an old, lost relic. The relic is rumoured to have the power to correct the past, which is highly appealing to Edgin for personal reasons. However, this is the kind of quest they need help on. While the journey won’t be easy, the adventure and challenging pursuit can be achieved by seeking help from some gifted and magical misfits. One thing is sure; this quest will be filled with many epic surprises and vast challenges.
For those who are unaware, this film is based on a popular role-playing game. If you are unfamiliar with the game on any level (like me), you can still enter this film with a fresh mind and be at ease. The film educates viewers and introduces an extensive range of characters wonderfully. Nothing here is complex or hard to follow, and the opening begins strongly, engaging audiences instantly. Those familiar with the game will be more excited to finally see this open world and the various character classes throughout the film.
The entire movie is filled with witty gags and a plot that is mostly unpredictable and random. One aspect I loved about the film is how unexpected many moments were; what came in the next scene was always spontaneous and surprising. Watching our hero’s journey from one place to the next, often on a different task or mission than the last mission, keeps viewers on their toes. It’s impossible not to be continually glued to the screen and curious to see what comes next for our heroes. As for the comedy and action, I am pleased to see this film is family-friendly, and at various times it gives the vibes of Marvel’s Avengers. Here, we follow a group of skilled heroes trying to save the world, and everything on-screen is fun and playful, with solid gags and great action sequences.
Visually, I found this film quite successful, particularly with the various locations and costume designs. Sure, some brief moments could be criticised for the heavy use of a green screen. Some actors don’t always react convincingly, such as when they’re running away from a giant monster. However, this is forgiving, given the creativity and fun shown throughout. The audio track is delightful, and the sound effects are also praiseworthy, which, again, reinforces the suggestion that this film is best enjoyed in a cinematic environment.
Overall, whether you are a “DnD” fan or not, audiences can walk into this film and experience a whole new range of characters and, more importantly, a world filled with fun, creativity, and new adventures. Following the style of Marvel’s Avengers and Jumanji, this film is family-friendly, and it’s filled with plenty of random gags, brainless entertainment, and a big heart the size of a fiery dragon. The chemistry among the leads is excellent, particularly from Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, and let’s not forget the charming Hugh Grant, who never disappoints. In conclusion, I had a blast with this film, so I suggest you roll the dice, accept the quest before thee, and make haste to your local cinema for this one.
7.5/10
14th March 2023
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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