Dungeons & Dragons
2000/Fantasy/PG-13
Stars: *** Explanation of ratings
Surprisingly good fantasy film, but flat characters may spoil the quality a little.
The movie Dungeons & Dragons, based on the game of the same name, is one of the best fantasy movies to come out in a long time. However, that's not saying much considering recent releases such as Kull the Conquerer were pretty lame. I am glad that Dungeons & Dragons was not a fight-oriented movie such as Mortal Kombat. Its stunts were realistic and its special effects were dazzling, but not intrusive. The plot definately drives this movie (unusual for this genre), although the ending was strained and a little over-emotional.
Overall, I thought D&D was a fun movie that captured my imagination. It really wasn't stupid or campy. To tell you the truth, if it were a module for the D&D game, I would love to play it. However, Conan the Barbarian it is not. It is more akin to Lee Horsely's The Sword and the Sorcerer, which is fine because I liked that one, too.
As far as the characters go, the lead quester (Justin Whalin) and his attractive mage sidekick (Zoe McLellan) are the only rounded characters. The dwarf in the party exists only to be a slob, and comic relief, Marlon Wayans, plays (surprise surprise) Marlon Wayans, whose character is almost as annoying as Jar-Jar Binks, with too lines that are 21st century colloquial. Jeremy Irons actually has few scenes for receiving the top billing that he did.
Knowing the rules of the game is not a prerequisite for seeing this movie as long as one understands how typical movie magic works. The level of violence was moderate and there was no sex. This movie's main appeal comes from people who play RPG's and younger teens. Children might be scared by the realistic dragons and death depicted. If you have been waiting for a good fantasy movie to come, see Dungeons & Dragons.