The Epic Chris Pine Fantasy Movie That’s Now A Streaming Smash
The tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons has inspired numerous film adaptations over the years, with the most recent one being Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, released earlier this year. Despite a disappointing box office run, the film, starring Chris Pine, has proven to be a streaming hit. Currently, it’s the #3 movie on Amazon Prime.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves opens with Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine), a bard previously affiliated with the Harpers, making an appeal for early release from prison alongside his comrade, the barbarian Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez). Their imprisonment resulted from a heist where Edgin tried to obtain the Tablet of Reawakening, hoping to bring back his wife, brutally slain by a Red Wizard.
Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley masterfully blend the rich details of Dungeons & Dragons – from zombies to magical helmets – ensuring both devoted fans and newcomers appreciate the story.
After they manage to break free, Edgin and Holga journey to Neverwinter in search of the former’s daughter, Kira (Chloe Colman), only to discover she’s been turned against Edgin by Forge Fitzwilliam (Hugh Grant), now the devious Lord of Neverwinter with the wizard Sofina (Daisy Head) by his side).
To reclaim Kira and outsmart their enemies, Chris Pine’s Edgin and Holga assemble a team: Simon Aumar (Justice Smith) a half-elf sorcerer, and Doric (Sophia Lillis), a tiefling druid. As their quest unfolds, they are further assisted by the paladin Xenk Yendar (Regé-Jean Page).
Chris Pine’s Honor Among Thieves, like previous Dungeons & Dragons films, is inspired by the iconic tabletop game first introduced in 1974. The game has allowed millions to don the mantles of wizards, warriors, and rogues, embarking on epic quests and battles in richly detailed worlds.
Utilizing multi-sided dice and character sheets, players navigate stories guided by a Dungeon Master. To this day, the game is praised for its emphasis on creativity, teamwork, and improvisation.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is the third most streaming film right now on Amazon.
Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley masterfully blend the rich details of Dungeons & Dragons – from zombies to magical helmets – ensuring both devoted fans and newcomers appreciate the story. The film offers a balanced adventure that doesn’t require deep knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons lore yet is layered with Easter eggs for enthusiasts.
Goldstein and Daley have achieved the rare balance of captivating both new audiences and loyal fans, thanks to their storytelling prowess and a charismatic cast led by Chris Pine.
Upon its release, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves was universally praised for its intricate plot, character arcs, and the exceptional chemistry between lead actors Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a solid score of 91 percent from critics. Meanwhile, everyday viewers have given the movie an even more remarkable score of 93 percent.
What solidified Pine’s decision was the immersive experience of witnessing his nephew and friends engrossed in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, convincing Pine that the movie offered a chance to be part of something truly distinctive and enjoyable.
Despite its favorable reception, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves couldn’t achieve commercial success. With a staggering $150 million budget, the film earned just over $37 million in its opening weekend. Even with an impressive ensemble featuring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Hugh Grant, the movie only managed to amass a global total of $208 million by the conclusion of its theatrical run.
The underwhelming box office performance of Chris Pine’s Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves could be attributed to its tumultuous production journey. The project, launched at Warner Bros. in 2013, spanned over a decade and underwent multiple transitions in actors, directors, and studios during that time. Additionally, a lawsuit filed by Hasbro early in the process caused a significant delay in the making of the film.
A fascinating aspect of Honor Among Thieves’ development is Chris Pine’s involvement. He was enticed by the character of Edgin due to its departure from the typical fantasy-film leading man archetype.
However, what solidified his decision was the immersive experience of witnessing his nephew and friends engrossed in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, convincing Pine that the movie offered a chance to be part of something truly distinctive and enjoyable.
While multiple Dungeons & Dragons movies have come before it, Honor Among Thieves is by far the best adaptation to grace screens. With the charismatic Chris Pine leading the charge, the film provides the right mix of talent, passion, and reverence for the source material. Whether or not you’re familiar with the iconic game, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves serves as a captivating fantasy tale brimming with entertainment that just about anyone can enjoy.
