“Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves”

The film “Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves” is a rare gem – an entertaining and family-friendly movie that stands out from the usual comic book franchise fare. This film is a fleshed-out, multidimensional work of world-building, complete with likable characters, intense axe-based fight scenes, and a recurring potato joke.

Co-writers and co-directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, who previously worked on reboots and board game adaptations like “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Game Night,” strike an excellent balance between character development and action. They ensure that the film’s digital effects enhance the story, rather than detract from it.

The talented cast is another highlight of the film. Chris Pine’s portrayal of incorrigible thief Edgin is both charming and slippery, while Michelle Rodriguez delivers a powerful performance as Edgin’s partner in crime, Holga. Regé-Jean Page from “Bridgerton” steals the show as Xenk, with great lines and action sequences. Hugh Grant’s roguish conman Forge is reminiscent of his character in “Paddington 2,” but with a film this enjoyable, it hardly matters if he recycles some of his classic comedic bits.