Rating: 8/10 | Verdict: Worth a Watch!

There’s no question that Dungeons & Dragons, better known as D&D, has become a cultural phenomenon since its introduction in 1974. It was only a set of three small booklets back then, but has since grown into a hugely successful game franchise. I personally know several people in the 20s-30s bracket that play it regularly, and I’ve even played a modified version of the game myself. Further popularized recently by the game’s prominent role in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, it seems that the movie industry is capitalizing on the adventure game’s recent boost in fame with this springtime blockbuster.

Set in an elaborate fantasy world, Honor Among Thieves centers on the charming Edgin (Chris Pine) and tough-as-nails Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) as they go on a quest to find and rescue Edgin’s daughter, Kira. To rescue her, they must infiltrate the castle belonging to their friend-turned-enemy Forge (Hugh Grant) during the infamous High Sun Games. Along the way, they recruit Simon (Justice Smith), an amateur sorcerer, and Doric (Sophia Lillis), a druid who can turn into any animal, to help them pull off the heist. The ragtag crew has to battle dragons, an evil witch, and even the undead as they make their way to Kira.

The best way that I can describe Honor Among Thieves is just plain fun. The world on display in the movie is beautiful and complex, suggesting there are plenty of secrets to uncover in future installments. The dialogue is playful and smart, and the story is well-written. Nods to D&D are noticeable, but not distracting for those who aren’t regular players: a bonafide Dungeon Master steps in at one point, and several of the various classes of players are represented.

Honor Among Thieves includes themes of loss, the importance of friends and family, and overcoming self-doubt, but largely stays focused on the action. It never sets its sights too high, instead choosing to capitalize on humor, character development, and good, old-fashioned storytelling. Several moments had me laughing out loud! The end had me tearing up.

One particularly refreshing aspect of the movie is despite the fact that Edgin and Holga—a man and a woman—are the main characters, there is no romance between them. They are as close as two people could possibly be, but their relationship is better described as brother-sister than as a couple. I find their partnership illustrates well that two people can make a great team as friends without all of the physical stuff. Lately, it seems that any on-screen connection between two people of any gender must lead to romance, so Edgin and Holga’s dynamic is a breath of fresh air.

I always finish out my reviews with a relevant verse from the Bible, and the best one I can think of for Honor Among Thieves is a well-known one from Philippians:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

Philippians 4:8, ESV

Honor Among Thieves gives audiences the chance to dwell on just these sorts of good things and have lots of fun in the process. Good triumphs over evil, true friendships are forged, and a noble quest for justice is embarked upon. What’s not to like? Honor Among Thieves is now streaming on Paramount+.