I recently had the pleasure of viewing “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” produced by Paramount, a cinematic adaptation of the beloved board game by Hasbro. Though my knowledge of the original game is limited, I can confidently say that the film exceeded my expectations as a delightful blend of fantasy, action, and comedy.
The film’s success can be attributed in part to the dynamic writing duo of John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, whose comedic backgrounds ensured a well-tuned balance between action and humor. The overall tone harkens back to a live-action Shrek, a charming fantasy world that keeps the audience engaged. While it may not become an enduring classic, it is undeniably a satisfying and entertaining piece of mainstream cinema.
The film’s score is composed by the prolific Lorne Balfe, whose tireless work ethic in crafting blockbuster soundtracks is nothing short of remarkable. One can’t help but wonder if his passion for his craft or some unseen force drives him to consistently produce such high-quality music. A firsthand glimpse into his creative process would undoubtedly be intriguing.
In true fantasy fashion, Balfe’s score for this film incorporates an assortment of ethnic instruments alongside his signature hybrid synth sound, resulting in a captivating action score, particularly with the arpeggiator phrases.