Being a Dungeons & Dragons neophyte, I have no doubt a lot of things went clean over my head. But that doesn't stop this being far and away the most accessible adaptation we were probably going to get.
The whole cast, particularly Chris Pine and Regé-Jean Page, is on point, knowing exactly what kind of movie they're in and finding the right semi-serious notes to play. Cinematography is fantastic, particularly an early chase scene that nearly convinces you it was done in a single take. Action scenes are constructed well enough that the CGI enhances rather than overwhelms, as it should. The plot nails the tone of a actual campaign you might come up with, narratively simple while bringing a decent level of depth and heart to every character, and there are just enough meta references to wink at without becoming self-satisfied nor alienating casual viewers.
The humor is broad to the point of being childish at times, and I was feeling the two-hours-and-change by the third act, but this is still a winner by most standards, unlikely to set off a franchise but sure to find a comfortable niche and devoted audience.
The whole cast, particularly Chris Pine and Regé-Jean Page, is on point, knowing exactly what kind of movie they're in and finding the right semi-serious notes to play. Cinematography is fantastic, particularly an early chase scene that nearly convinces you it was done in a single take. Action scenes are constructed well enough that the CGI enhances rather than overwhelms, as it should. The plot nails the tone of a actual campaign you might come up with, narratively simple while bringing a decent level of depth and heart to every character, and there are just enough meta references to wink at without becoming self-satisfied nor alienating casual viewers.
The humor is broad to the point of being childish at times, and I was feeling the two-hours-and-change by the third act, but this is still a winner by most standards, unlikely to set off a franchise but sure to find a comfortable niche and devoted audience.